Mazda CX-5 — model-year timeline & key facts

Published · Researched 2026-09-21

Compiled from the Mazda CX-5 deep-research dossier; researched 2026-09-21. UNVERIFIED flags from the source research are preserved verbatim.

Key facts

Powertrain ICE
Power 187
Range UNVERIFIED
Battery N/A
0–100 km/h UNVERIFIED
Fast charge N/A
New price US $29,990 + $1,595 dest (2026 base)
New price EU UNVERIFIED
New price CN UNVERIFIED
Used price signal CarGurus avg Sep 2026: 2021 $22,133; 2022 $24,128; 2023 $25,906; 2024 $26,936; 2025 $28,106
Value call Buy a 2024 2nd gen used; skip 2021 2.5T without seal paperwork; skip 2026 until hybrid lands
Sweet-spot year 2024
Years to avoid 2021 2.5T (valve seals); 2026 (first-year redesign, no hybrid/turbo)
Reliability flag low (ex-2021 2.5T)
Biggest risk 2021 2.5T valve-seal defect if unrepaired; 2026 first-year infotainment unknowns
Community verdict Buy the one with the buttons; wait for the 2027 hybrid before paying new money

Model-year timeline 2021–2026

Year Generation / changes / reliability / used prices
2021 2nd gen (KF) · 2.5L NA 187 hp / 2.5T 227 (250 on premium); 6-spd auto · Good except the 2.5T valve-seal defect · SSPD5: valve stem seal settlement, 2021 2.5T only — verify repair · ~$22,133 avg
2022 2nd gen facelift (new bumpers, seats, trims) · Same; Carbon Edition added · Strong year; facelift refinements · None major · ~$24,128 avg
2023 2nd gen · Same · Strong; turbo seal issue resolved in production · None major · ~$25,906 avg
2024 2nd gen · Same · Peak 2nd-gen: all refinements, physical buttons, turbo available · None major · ~$26,936 avg
2025 2nd gen, FINAL YEAR · Same · Excellent — last of the line · None major · ~$28,106 avg
2026 3rd gen REDESIGN · 2.5L NA only (187 hp); turbo GONE; hybrid due 2027; 6-spd auto; AWD std · Too early; watch new infotainment electronics; J.D. Power flat, KBB 4.2/5 · None reported yet (Sept 2026) · New only: from $29,990 + $1,595 dest

Sweet-spot year: 2024

Years to skip: 2021 2.5T (valve seals); 2026 (first-year redesign, no hybrid/turbo)

2021–2026 Mazda CX-5 exterior
Mazda CX-5 — via www.mazdausa.com www.mazdausa.com
2021–2026 Mazda CX-5 exterior
Mazda CX-5 — via www.mazdaoftoronto.com www.mazdaoftoronto.com
2021–2026 Mazda CX-5 exterior
Mazda CX-5 — via autobandit.com autobandit.com
2021–2026 Mazda CX-5 exterior
Mazda CX-5 — via topcarnews.net topcarnews.net