The 2015 Mazda’s CX-5, part of a line of crossover sport utility vehicles has a long-standing reputation of value, quality, dependability, and, well, being fun to drive. The Mazda CX-5, introduced in 2013 as a midsize entrant blending crossover agility with SUV capability, may have hit its peak with the 2015 model, at least as far as the pre-owned market is concerned.

The 2015 Mazda CX-5 is highly rated

Kelly Blue Book gives the 2015 Mazda CX-5 an “Expert Rating” of 4.7 stars, the second-highest score for a used SUV under $15,000 compared to class veterans like Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape.

The only competitor to score better in the $15,000 price range is the 2015 Honda CR-V with 4.9 stars. The 2015 CX-5 is available in three trim levels, Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring.

In front-wheel drive units, power is provided by a 155 hp 2.0-liter inline 4 cylinder gasoline engine to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, both with overdrive. The all-wheel drive version is powered by a 184 hp 2.5-liter inline 4 cylinder gasoline engine.

Trim levels

Sport trim offers standard cloth seats, air conditioning, cruise control, variable speed wipers, power windows, rear defrost, and push-button start. Options include remote start, in-dash navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity.  

Touring trim package includes a standard back-up camera, fog lights, and Bluetooth connectivity. In-dash navigation, luggage racks, and remote start are some options available. 

Grand Touring trim level includes an adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone A/C, rain-sensing wipers, and heated leather front seats. Luggage racks, in-dash navigation, and HID headlights are options that some pre-owned units may have.

Mazda CX-5 pros

The 2015 Mazda CX-5 delivers five-passenger seating with adequate cargo space, good fuel economy, stylish looks at a great value. Mazda’s long reputation for building dependable automobiles shines through in the CX-5, especially in the 2015-year model. 

Some advantages to buying a 2015 CX-5 include lower price than new, low-mileage used vehicles hold their value better than new ones, and if a major factory defect was present it would have surfaced during the five years it has been in service.

Cons

The 2.0-liter engine that is standard in front-wheel drive versions is underpowered and by all accounts sluggish. The alternative is to hold out for the harder to find all-wheel drive version that has the larger, more powerful 2.5-liter. The bonus is that all-wheel drive is a good upgrade by its own merits.

The disadvantages of buying a used car include the absence of a factory warranty, missing the “New Car” smell, and being the first person to drive it. Of course, the warranty issue can be resolved with extended warranties negotiated at the time of purchase, not everyone enjoys the odor of a new car, and the person that loads the car for transport from the factory is probably the first person to drive it anyway.

Buying used vs new to save money

A brand new 2020 Mazda CX-5 Sport starting price is just over $26,000 according to Mazda USA. Kelly Blue Book lists market values of the 2015 CX-5 between $12,000 and $15,641.

This means that the difference between buying new or used could easily be as much as 50% when comparing prices at the same trim level. Even a top of the line Grand Touring trimmed 2015 CX-5 is going to be 50% cheaper than the new 2020 version. 

If you are in the market for a compact SUV you should drive a 2015 Mazda CX-5, but be prepared as the test drive may just turn you into a Mazda owner.