The Mazda CX-5 is one of the best brand-new crossovers money can buy. With an affordable starting price, strong engine options, and an upscale interior, the CX-5 is a no-brainer. Car and Driver recently published its final review of its long-term CX-5, and above all else, it shows the Mazda can take some serious wear and tear.

Car and Driver put over 40,000 miles on its Mazda CX-5

One of the largest drawbacks of new vehicle reviews is that journalists typically get one week or less with a car. In the case of Car and Driver’s 2019 Mazda CX-5, the publication racked up over 40,000 miles. According to The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, the average person drives around 13,500 miles per year.

This Mazda CX-5 covered 30,000 miles on its first year alone. The result is that Car and Drive got the unique opportunity to see how the CX-5 ages over time.

The CX-5 actually got better with time

As the Mazda CX-5’s 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine racked up the miles, Car and Driver reported better performance. The engine produces 250 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. When the CX-5 was new, Car and Driver reported that it felt slightly weak at the top of the rev-range. After 40,000 miles, the engine actually managed to deliver greater power as it revs up. Aside from the engine breaking in nicely, Car and Driver also reports that the CX-5 remained just as fun to drive throughout its ownership.

The Mazda CX-5’s exterior Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint held up nicely as well, with only minor blemishes throughout. However, the biggest upside is the interior. Thanks to the high-quality materials used throughout, the CX-5’s interior shows little wear after 40,000 miles. It’s not like it was used lightly either. Car and Driver report routinely taking the Mazda on long road-trips and logging up big miles in a short timespan.

Above all else, Car and Driver’s test show us that the CX-5 is not just great when new but that it actually stands up to tough wear and tear without major issue.

Here are the CX-5’s stats at the end of Car and Driver’s ownership

Aside from giving an overall account of the experience, Car and Driver also published the final ownership cost figures for its Mazda CX-5. For starters, the exact trim level Car and Driver tested is the Signature 2.5 Turbo AWD, which starts at $37,935. With all of the options added up, the total price is $39,900.

After 18 months of ownership, the Car and Driver spent $971 in service, $574 in normal wear, and $0 in repairs. The Mazda CX-5 went into service every 7,500 miles, as recommended by the dealer. The service includes an oil change, tire rotation, and overall inspection. The entire normal wear figure was spent in the last 10,000 miles, given that the CX-5 needed a new set of spark plugs, brake pads, and rotors. As you’d expect, these are all normal wear items.

Car and Driver report that its Mazda CX-5 averaged around 24 mpg over the 40,000 miles. Thankfully, the observed average fuel consumption matches the figure estimated by Mazda. In terms of range, the Mazda CX-5 covered around 360 miles per tank.

Add up all of the positive first drive and long-term reviews and what you get is proof that the Mazda CX-5 is one of the best crossovers available.