2017 Mazda CX-5 Complete Guide: Best Value Compact SUV

The 2017 CX-5: Premium Without the Price

The 2017 Mazda CX-5 introduced the second generation of Mazda's best-selling vehicle with a fundamental philosophy: deliver premium experience at mainstream prices. The result is a compact SUV that genuinely feels like it belongs in a higher price class. Interior materials, driving dynamics, and build quality rival vehicles costing $10,000 more.

Eight years later, the 2017 CX-5 represents exceptional used car value. These vehicles have proven their reliability while depreciation has made them accessible to budget-conscious buyers. For those who appreciate driving engagement and interior quality over maximum cargo space, the CX-5 remains the smart choice in its segment.

Trim Comparison

Sport: Skip This Trim

The Sport includes basics: 7-inch touchscreen (some have 4.6-inch), rearview camera, Bluetooth, and push-button start. What it lacks: power driver seat, heated seats, upgraded audio, and blind-spot monitoring. The manual seat adjustment is a daily annoyance. Unless Sport is heavily discounted, the savings aren't worth the compromises.

Touring: Best Value

Touring adds power driver seat, 7-inch touchscreen standard, leatherette upholstery option (Preferred Package), heated front seats, and rear cross-traffic alert. These features significantly improve daily livability. The $2,000-$3,000 premium over Sport is easily justified. Touring is our recommended starting point.

Grand Touring: Worth Considering

Grand Touring adds genuine leather, Bose premium audio, power liftgate, navigation, LED headlights, and adaptive front lighting. If found at reasonable prices ($2,000-$3,000 over Touring), these features add genuine value. Grand Touring represents the complete CX-5 experience.

Price Distribution

Why the CX-5 Drives Differently

SKYACTIV Chassis

Mazda's engineering philosophy prioritizes driving feel. The CX-5's chassis is stiffer and more responsive than competitors designed purely for comfort. Body roll is well-controlled, steering is communicative, and the vehicle responds precisely to inputs. It feels like a tall sport sedan rather than a typical SUV.

Refined Powertrain

The 2.5L SKYACTIV-G engine produces 187 horsepower with natural, linear power delivery. More importantly, Mazda uses a traditional 6-speed automatic rather than a CVT. Shifts are quick and predictable. The combination feels more engaging than competitors with CVTs that drone under acceleration.

G-Vectoring Control

Mazda's G-Vectoring Control subtly adjusts engine torque during cornering to improve handling balance. You won't notice it consciously, but the CX-5 feels more planted and confidence-inspiring through curves than competitors.

Interior Quality

Sit inside a 2017 CX-5 and compare to CR-V or RAV4 from the same year. The difference is immediately apparent. Materials are softer, stitching is more precise, design is more cohesive. Mazda didn't cut corners where your hands and eyes regularly land.

The tradeoff for this premium feel is slightly less interior space. Rear legroom is adequate but not class-leading. Cargo capacity trails CR-V and RAV4 by a few cubic feet. For buyers prioritizing quality over maximum utility, this tradeoff is worthwhile.

Reliability Analysis

Engine and Transmission

The 2.5L SKYACTIV-G engine has proven durable over millions of miles. It uses both direct and port injection, reducing carbon buildup issues that affect some direct-injection-only designs. Expected lifespan exceeds 200,000 miles with basic maintenance.

The 6-speed automatic is conventional and reliable. No widespread failure patterns exist. It lacks the fuel economy optimization of CVTs but gains in durability and driving feel.

Common Issues

Infotainment Glitches: The Mazda Connect system can be slow or occasionally freeze. Software updates improve performance. Not a critical issue but annoying.

Wind Noise: Some owners report wind noise from door seals at highway speeds. Adjusting seals or applying seal conditioner often resolves the issue.

Brake Wear: Brake pads may wear faster than competitors (40K-50K miles typical vs 50K-60K for some vehicles). Minor additional maintenance cost.

AWD vs FWD

Mazda's i-ACTIV AWD is one of the better systems in the segment. It predictively sends power to rear wheels before slip occurs, based on inputs like outside temperature, windshield wiper use, and driving conditions.

AWD adds approximately $1,200-$1,500 to used prices and slightly reduces fuel economy. For most climates, FWD is perfectly adequate. AWD is worth considering for snowy regions or buyers who want maximum traction confidence.

Buying Recommendations

Best Value Configuration

Target: 2017 CX-5 Touring AWD with Preferred Package, 60,000-80,000 miles, single owner with documented maintenance. Price: $16,500-$19,000. This configuration includes the features most buyers want at fair market pricing.

Budget Option

Target: 2017 CX-5 Touring FWD, 80,000-100,000 miles, clean history. Price: $14,500-$16,500. Touring provides essential upgrades while higher mileage reduces cost.

Premium Choice

Target: 2017 CX-5 Grand Touring AWD, under 60,000 miles, documented service. Price: $19,000-$22,000. Grand Touring delivers the complete CX-5 experience with all premium features.