In the United States, the Mazda CX-5 first generation arrived as a 2013 model and was sold through 2016, offered exclusively with gasoline Skyactiv engines. Specs varied depending on model year, trim and options, meeting U.S. EPA and safety standards. Below are the key technical details on engines, dimensions and ownership considerations relevant to the current used market across the US. Exterior, interior, trim packages and known issues are covered in separate articles in this series.
Engines and Transmissions
For the North American market the CX-5 I featured Skyactiv-G gasoline engines with high compression ratios and direct injection. Diesels were never offered in the US. The i-Activ AWD system was optional on most configurations, while base models came with front-wheel drive. No hybrid version existed in this generation.
Main powertrains offered in the US:
| Engine Type | Displacement, cu in (L) | Power, hp | Transmission | Drivetrain | Notes |
| Gasoline, Skyactiv-G (naturally aspirated, direct injection) | 122 (2.0) | 155 (2013–2014) → 184 (later models) | 6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic | FWD / AWD | Most popular entry-level engine, regular unleaded compatible |
| Gasoline, Skyactiv-G (naturally aspirated, direct injection) | 152 (2.5) | 184 | 6-speed automatic | FWD / AWD | Standard on higher trims from mid-cycle, widely available |
Mazda's in-house 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic (with torque converter) were offered. The 2.5-liter with automatic and AWD became the sweet spot for most American buyers.
Dimensions and Weight
Overall dimensions remained nearly unchanged throughout the model run, with only minor styling adjustments during the 2015 facelift. Figures below represent typical values for the gasoline models sold in the US:
| Parameter | Value | Notes |
| Length, in | 179.3 | Pre-facelift; ~179.7 after 2015 |
| Width, in | 72.4 | Excluding mirrors |
| Height, in | 65.7–66.3 | Depends on wheels and roof rails |
| Wheelbase, in | 106.3 | Uniform across all versions |
| Curb Weight, lb | 3,200–3,600 | Lowest: 2.0 FWD manual; highest: 2.5 AWD auto |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, lb | 4,409–4,515 | Varies by engine and drivetrain |
| Ground Clearance, in | 8.5 | Adequate for light trails and snow |
Cargo space ranges from 34.1 cu ft behind the rear seats to 65.4 cu ft with seats folded (SAE method). The 8.5 inches of clearance suits most urban and suburban driving.
Model Year Changes & 2015 Facelift
The CX-5 I was sold in the US from 2013 through 2016 model years. Major updates:
- 2013–2014 — Initial launch with 2.0L (155 hp) and 2.5L (184 hp) engines, 6-speed manual or auto, AWD optional. EPA-rated for regular unleaded.
- 2015 facelift — Revised front fascia, LED headlights available, updated cabin materials and steering wheel. Power bumped on some 2.0L trims to 184 hp; refined automatic transmission calibration. i-Activsense safety technologies (blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise on higher trims) became available.
- 2016 — Final refinements, wider availability of the 2.5L engine and AWD across more trims.
Post-2015 models are generally preferred on the used market for their improved power, better transmission behavior and added driver-assistance features.
Ownership Notes & Real-World Performance
The most commonly seen used examples in the US are Skyactiv-G 2.0 and especially 2.5-liter models. Both engines enjoy a strong reputation for durability when properly maintained, with many owners reaching 200,000–300,000 miles before major repairs. They run happily on regular 87-octane fuel.
Real-world fuel economy (EPA estimates and owner reports):
- Skyactiv-G 2.0 — 26–30 mpg combined (FWD), 25–28 mpg (AWD)
- Skyactiv-G 2.5 — 24–28 mpg combined (FWD), 23–26 mpg (AWD)
The 6-speed automatic shifts smoothly but benefits from fluid changes every 40,000–60,000 miles. The i-Activ AWD system is reliable and proactive, though the rear coupling can wear after 150,000+ miles of aggressive driving. Suspension components (especially bushings and struts) may need attention by 80,000–100,000 miles on rough roads.
Parts are reasonably priced and widely available through dealers and aftermarket channels. Maintenance costs are average for the class.
Best Choice on Today’s US Used Market
For 2026, a well-balanced used Mazda CX-5 I is typically a post-2015 Skyactiv-G 2.5 with 6-speed automatic and i-Activ AWD. It delivers strong acceleration, respectable fuel economy and excellent resale value. Approximate fair market range for clean examples with average mileage: $12,000–$18,000 depending on condition, location and equipment.
The 2.0-liter versions remain a smart pick for city driving where fuel savings matter more. Post-facelift models (2015+) command a premium for their refinement and safety tech. When shopping, prioritize a pre-purchase inspection of the transmission, AWD system and suspension to avoid surprise repair costs.
Overall, the first-generation CX-5 remains a compelling choice on the American used market thanks to its engaging dynamics, solid build quality and reasonable long-term ownership costs — provided it has a documented service history.
