2013 Mazda CX-5 Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: Satisfied CX-5 owner by Codyzoom

Reliability & durability

The CX-5 has been a great performer for my small family (just the wife and I). It is our little adventure-mobile and doubles as my daily driver. I only have 20k miles on it, but it has been a great performer with awesome reliability.

Fuel economy

Powertrain performance

Cargo capacity

Safety & braking

Quietness

You can hear too much noise from the outside, mostly coming from rode-noise (even after switching tires to Continental PureContact w/ EcoPlus Tech.) It can be slightly annoying at times, but overall, it isn't that bad. When I say it has loud road noise, I'm comparing it to luxury brands, so take it with a grain of salt.

Audio & nav systems

Love the Satelite radio system - Hate the Nav system. This is a common complaint and it was obviously rushed to production, Next generation had better be much improved.

Cargo capacity

The only downfall with the cargo versatility is that the rear seats are easily flipped down with the pull of a latch, but the headrests need to be removed to get them down! I put my seats down all the time and this has been a huge annoyance for me. I even leave them out all the time because i'm sick of messing with them. Other markets get much smaller and sleeker rear head restraints that don't impede putting the seats flat - but this is due to US law about whiplash and rear head restraints. Mazda missed the mark on this one.

Exterior styling

Absolutely love this exterior. It is sleek and sexy and sharp like a mako shark. I tinted the windows and got black rims - looks like a little beast.

Interior styling

Great interior styling. Cabin is extremely functional with no gizmo-gadgets that aren't helpful. It is simpler, which I like because it will stand the test of time.

Rear seat room & comfort

Some official reviews say rear seat legroom is average to low, but I think it's great. I'm 6 feet tall and fit "behind myself" with room to spare. Great for long trips.

Tires

Last major complaint - The stock tire size for the 19 in rim is very rare (only 3 tires available). That said, you can just buy a slightly wider tire and boom, many more choices.

I'm still in my mid-twenties and am coming from a Subaru WRX, a turbocharged SAAB and a Honda Civic Si - Point I'm trying to make is that this vehicle is perfect for me. Once you get over the fact that it isn't a WRX, it is a joy to drive. I like getting 33+ on the highway with AWD and regular 87 gas. If you're not a leadfoot style driver, this car will be great for you.