Just a few years ago, it seemed like no one really cared about Mazda. Now, this carmaker has made a bigger name for itself by giving us an array of good, reliable products to choose from that are also affordable and upscale. One of the best vehicles in Mazda’s 2020 lineup is the CX-5, but if you are hoping to save money on this popular SUV, the 2018 version is worth looking into.

What makes the 2018 Mazda CX-5 a good used-car option?

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV operates like an animated hatchback. It’s also proven to be safe and reliable which is of the most importance when you are shopping for used cars to buy. 

Performance 

In general, the CX-5 is known for its exciting driving dynamics that outpaces its rivals. The 2018 CX-5 is fun to drive and agile, making it ideal for navigating the highway or handling winding backroads. It comes with only one drivetrain option and that’s a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces a 187-horsepower. This four-cylinder is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission which makes the CX-5 ‘s handling feel so athletic. 

Front-wheel drive comes standard on the 2018 CX-5, but you can opt for all-wheel-drive for more traction and control. Another great aspect of the CX-5 performance-wise is its fuel-efficiency. This crossover can get up to a combined 29 mpg.

Interior features

Mazda matched the CX-5’s polished exterior with a classy cabin that’s especially noteworthy for its class. The mix of metallic finishings and leather touches makes the inside of the CX-5 feel more fashionable. The standard cloth seats are comfortable but faux leather and genuine leather are available upgrades. 

Technically, the CX-5 can seat up to five people but unsurprisingly, the back seat can be a bit tight for three adults. ‘On a more positive note, the LATCH connectors on the back row designed to secure child car seats are easy to use.

Infotainment

When it comes to infotainment though, the CX-5 is a little odd. A touchscreen infotainment display comes standard which is nice, but controlling it isn’t as intuitive as you would think. 

Another disappointing aspect is that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not originally available on the 2018 CX-5. However, Mazda finally responded to customer complaints about the lack of connectivity features. The carmaker decided to retrofit its models from 2013 onward with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so that’s a nice added benefit. 

Safety

The 2018 CX-5 earned outstanding crash-test safety scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave this crossover its highest honor, a Top Safety Pick+ stamp. 

To help prevent serious accidents, the 2018 CX-5 comes standard with advanced safety features such as low-speed forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert. Other advanced safety features such as lane-keep assist and rear parking sensors are available.

The final verdict

Overall, there are no huge drawbacks to the 2018 CX-5. It’s a fun, affordable option that’s versatile enough for different driver’s needs.