Mazda CX-5 2013-2026 Long Term Ownership Costs

The Mazda CX-5 has a low annual repair and maintenance cost of $447, below the midsize SUV average of $573. Fuel costs average around $2,350 per year, and insurance rates range from $1,700 to $2,700.

What a CX-5 costs per year: the headline numbers

The Mazda CX-5 has an average annual repair and maintenance cost of $447, which is lower than the $573 for midsize SUVs and $652 across all vehicles. Owners typically experience 0.3 unscheduled shop visits per year compared to 0.4 for midsize SUVs. According to EPA estimates, the 2026 CX-5 will cost around $2,350 annually in fuel at about 15,000 miles per year. Insurance costs are estimated between $1,700 and $2,700 per year, with an average of $1,947 according to CarEdge.

Overall, the repair-and-maintenance side of CX-5 ownership runs below its class average, while fuel sits mid-pack and insurance estimates vary widely by methodology. The line item that deserves the most attention is none of these — it is depreciation, covered below.

Fuel: the official window-sticker numbers

The EPA-rated fuel economy for the 2026 Mazda CX-5 with a 2.5L engine and all-wheel drive stands at 24 city miles per gallon (mpg), 30 highway mpg, and 26 combined mpg. This configuration is estimated to cost around $2,350 annually in fuel expenses. For the 2025 model year, there are three variants: the base engine offers 23/29 mpg city/highway with an annual fuel cost of $2,450; the cylinder deactivation variant achieves 26/30 mpg and costs about $2,200 annually in fuel. The turbocharged 2.5L engine delivers 22/27 mpg, resulting in higher fuel expenses at approximately $2,550 per year.

On the EPA’s own math, the spread between variants is real money: the cylinder-deactivation engine is the thriftiest of the three, while the turbo sits at the bottom of the lineup — about $350 a year apart in estimated fuel cost.

Maintenance and repairs over the long haul

RepairPal rates the Mazda CX-5 as having low repair severity and below-average frequency of maintenance issues compared to its class, making it one of the more cost-effective vehicles in terms of long-term upkeep. Owner forums frequently report CX-5s reaching 150,000 to 200,000 miles on routine maintenance, and dealer longevity guides cite 250,000+ miles with proper care. The factory-recommended oil change interval is set at 7,500 miles under normal driving conditions.

Depreciation: the biggest line item

Depreciation stands out as a significant cost factor for the Mazda CX-5 over its lifespan. According to iSeeCars, a CX-5 loses about 37.9% of its value within five years, retaining approximately 62.1%, with an estimated resale value around $18,626. CarEdge provides a similar depreciation rate of roughly 39% over the same period, noting that a model selling at $37,356 would depreciate to about $22,787 after five years if driven annually at 13,500 miles.

In comparison, competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V retain their value better during this timeframe. CarEdge highlights that the 2024 model year is the best-value used option for the CX-5, offering about 75% of its original price with roughly 92% of its useful life remaining. This depreciation trend suggests that while new buyers face higher initial costs relative to long-term value, those looking at used models might find better deals as time progresses.

Repair risk by generation: what NHTSA data shows

The first generation of Mazda CX-5s from 2013 to 2016 had a total of 1,214 complaints filed with NHTSA. Electrical system issues were most common, accounting for 22% of all complaints, followed by exterior lighting problems at 14%, powertrain troubles at 13%, and engine malfunctions at 11%. Notable recalls during this period addressed LED headlights that could fail while driving and a structural issue with the hatchback/liftgate. One owner reported burns from touching an area under the glovebox when sitting in the passenger seat, highlighting potential electrical hazards.

The second generation (2017-2021) saw 779 complaints, with engine issues dominating at 43% of all reports. Recalls during this period included a fuel pump issue and software errors affecting the powertrain control module. Engine-related concerns were particularly prevalent, suggesting ongoing reliability challenges in this area.

The latest generation (2022-2026) has seen only 201 complaints so far with no recalls issued as of yet. However, exterior lighting problems and engine issues remain among the top reported faults. A technical service bulletin exists for cracked cylinder heads on the 2.5 turbo engine, a concern frequently mentioned in owner forums.

Across all three generations, electrical-system and engine complaints appear in the top component categories — the two areas worth a closer look on any used CX-5, regardless of model year.

The verdict: what long-term ownership really costs

Running costs for the Mazda CX-5 are notably favorable compared to its class peers. According to RepairPal, annual maintenance expenses amount to $447 per year, which is significantly lower than the average of $573 across similar vehicles. Additionally, repair severity ratings indicate that issues tend to be minor rather than catastrophic, further supporting the car’s reliability.

Depreciation stands out as a major expense for new buyers, making it financially savvy to consider a lightly-used example from around 2024. This approach can save thousands in upfront costs while still benefiting from recent model improvements and warranty coverage.

The CX-5’s 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, however, introduces higher fuel expenses by approximately $350 per year compared to its non-turbo counterparts. Additionally, this variant has faced technical service bulletins related to cylinder head issues, a concern that potential buyers should address before committing.

Verdict: The Mazda CX-5 is an economical choice for those prioritizing low maintenance and repair costs. Opting for a used 2024 model can further enhance value retention. However, the 2.5-liter turbo variant’s higher fuel consumption and reliability concerns make it less appealing unless performance outweighs cost considerations.

Who should pass: Buyers who trade in every three or four years — depreciation hits hardest in those early years, and rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V hold their value better over the same window.