There are a multitude of yardsticks shoppers can use to get a grip on how a vehicle's reliability stacks up over time. According to one of the most common of these, one compact SUV stands out for consistent quality and reliability over time. That compact SUV is the Mazda CX-5. Below, we're pouring back over a decade of expert data on it and four key competitors to see how this tight race ultimately finished with the Mazda CX-5 in first place as the most reliable SUV of the decade, while narrowly beating out the Ford Escape for the title.For the feature below, we're referencing the all-important J.D. Power 'Quality and Reliability' score for each model over the past decade. Both new and second-hand CX-5 shoppers can use this information to help make a better purchase decision between it and several key competitor models. How Reliable Was The Mazda CX-5, And Why? MazdaAccording to J.D. Power, the past decade's worth of Mazda CX-5 model years have seen just a single one earn a Quality and Reliability score outside of the realm of 'Great' (with an 'Average' score for 2016). Though there's no data captured for 2017, all models from 2018 and onward score in the 'Great' zone. No other competitor has as many years in the 'Great' position, let alone consecutively. These figures help reinforce the CX-5's rock-solid reputation for a minimal-nonsense ownership experience, and demonstrate confidence-inspiring consistency over time.The Toyota RAV4, conversely, has only four years with a "Great" rating in the past decade, with scores dropping in more recent years and little consistency across the timeline. During this period, the RAV4 suffered from issues like high-voltage cable corrosion, an aging infotainment system, and paint-related problems that may have contributed to lower scores.MazdaThe Ford Escape actually earned a higher overall score than the CX-5 over the past decade, though it spent only seven years with a "Great'" rating, and just four of those were uninterrupted by a quality dip. Engine problems remained persistent for several years as the new EcoBoost engine family got settled in. The Honda CR-V's scoring also dipped and spiked consistently across the decade, earning six "Great" years in total with just three of those occurring consecutively.Mazda What's behind it? Many factors are at play, but consider the following: throughout the CX-5's past decade, the model was only ever tweaked and updated, never reinvented. Put another way, the underlying platform, architecture, powertrain teams, and infotainment suite are long-running and highly proven. As various competitors evolved to offer new engines, transmissions, and infotainment systems over the years, the CX-5 held course steadily, honing existing hardware instead. Two Expert Tips To Maximize Value As A CX-5 Shopper MazdaA few important points and considerations are worth bearing in mind as a CX-5 shopper to help maximize value for your dollars. First, you'll want to make the right model year decision. For 2026, a new, third-generation CX-5 arrived and is on sale now. You won't find these in the second-hand marketplace just yet, meaning you'll be paying brand-new pricing (plus delivery) if you're after the very latest and greatest CX-5.On the other hand, that makes for solid money-saving opportunities if you're willing to drive a slightly used model. The previous, second-generation CX-5 launched initially in 2017, got a major update and enhancement for 2022, and then went virtually unchanged until the end of its run in 2025 before production switched to the new third-generation machine. This makes the 2022 to 2025 model year CX-5 particularly attractive from a second-hand standpoint, since each of these model years benefits from a freshened interior, updated fascias, revised suspension tuning, and a switch to standard AWD on all trim grades.Ian Wright/CarBuzz/Valnet The sticky? If a brand-new 2026 CX-5 isn't in your budget, a slightly used model from 2022 or newer will save you thousands while delivering the peak of the second-generation platform's refinements. Also, note that second-hand models don't come with delivery charges.Another way to maximize value for your dollars as an enthusiast driver is to opt for the turbocharged engine (launched 2019), if it's in your budget. It runs on regular-grade gas like the standard-kit engine, delivers significant power and torque advantages, turns the CX-5 into a stealthy sleeper, and only uses a little more fuel to do it. It's a considerable step-up in performance with only a minimal hit to your annual gas bill.Mazda If you're leaning towards a second-hand model, note the warranty coverage periods: 3 years / 36,000 miles of New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, 5 years / 60,000 miles of Powertrain coverage, and 3 years / 36,000 miles of roadside assist. The CX-5 Was A Pioneering Driver's SUV In The Affordable Space Ian Wright/CarBuzz/ValnetWhen the Mazda CX-5 first arrived in 2013, most of its well-established competitors were soft and squishy, tuned for comfort and not excitement. One notable exception was the Volkswagen Tiguan, with standard turbo power, which had arrived for 2009. Milestone Model Years In The Compact SUV Segment 1996: Toyota RAV4 goes on sale for the first time 1997: Honda CR-V goes on sale for the first time 2001: Ford Escape goes on sale for the first time 2003: Subaru Forester XT brings a rare turbo engine to the small SUV scene 2004: Mazda's lineup offered 7 vehicles, including just 1 SUV (the Mazda Tribute) 2006: Toyota RAV4 introduces first and only optional V6 engine 2007: Mazda CX-7 and CX-9 SUVs first arrived 2007: Nissan Rogue enters the segment 2009: Dodge Journey becomes a segment favorite 2010: Ford Escape gets its first EcoBoost engine 2011: Major redesigns for Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson 2013: Mazda CX-5 debuts 2016: CX-5 gets its first update with improved looks and fuel efficiency 2017: CX-5 is revised with all-new exterior bodywork, a revised chassis, and new safety equipment 2017: Mazda is the most-improved brand in the JD Power Initial Quality Study (IQS) 2019: The Skyactiv Turbo engine arrives under the CX-5's hood for the first time 2020: Mazda brand dependability improves significantly, according to the JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) 2020: Dodge Journey discontinued 2022: Additional styling update for the CX-5, AWD becomes standard 2025: Mazda remains a 7-model manufacturer; 5 of 7 models are now SUVs 2026: Next-gen Mazda CX-5 arrives MazdaWhen the CX-5 joined the market, it challenged the Tiguan's position as an affordable SUV favorite amongst driving enthusiasts with a ride and reflexes tuned to be more precise, engaging, and satisfying than the norm in the segment. Further, Skyactiv engine technologies kept response up, and fuel costs down. In the years that followed, Mazda honed the CX-5's chassis, electronics, and powertrains to build around that core offering of fuel-efficient fun, and earned many satisfied drivers in the process.
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