2016 Mazda CX-5 — Full Specifications
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The 2016 Mazda CX-5 is an SUV offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 35 mpg (UK) / 29 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 31–35 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Mazda CX-5 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2015 Mazda CX-5: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 35 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. The overall NHTSA rating moves from 5★ to 4★.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl · 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Manual 6-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 35 combined / 31 urban / 41 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 29 combined / 26 city / 34 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 190 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 7 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,300 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2016 Mazda CX-5 across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 26 to 29 mpg (US), or 31 to 35 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (26/34) | 190 | $2,300 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (24/29) | 211 | $2,600 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (26/33) | 193 | $2,300 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2016 Mazda CX-5
Running Costs: 2016 Mazda CX-5
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2016 Mazda CX-5 at 35 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,039 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,300 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2016 Mazda CX-5 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 5 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Mazda CX-5 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Exterior lighting (1), Structure (1), Steering (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Exterior lighting — campaign 20V063000, reported 6 February 2020. Risk: If the DRL fails, the vehicle's visibility may be reduced to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Structure — campaign 16V644000, reported 6 September 2016. Risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
- Steering — campaign 16V203000, reported 11 April 2016. Risk: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fuel system — campaign 16V064000, reported 3 February 2016. Risk: A rupture of the fuel filler pipe may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Showing the 4 most recent of 5 campaigns.
Owners have filed 510 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Mazda CX-5. The most-reported areas are Exterior lighting (161), Electrical system (71), Service brakes (66). Complaints include 31 reported crashes, 10 reported fires, 13 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 126 complaints across the 14 Mazda CX-5 model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2016 Mazda CX-5
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Lighting (1 recall campaign · 161 owner complaints) — Check every exterior light works and look for moisture inside the lamp housings.
- Electrical system (71 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Brakes (66 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Body structure (1 recall campaign) — Inspect for corrosion and for subframe or body-panel damage, especially underneath.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Mazda CX-5 compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 35 mpg figure is 8 mpg better than that average. Its 190 g/km CO₂ figure is 63 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
At 35 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 34 mpg average for Mazda models in our database.
Of the 14 Mazda CX-5 model years we cover, the 2016 is the most economical on its best configuration (35 mpg UK combined). See every Mazda CX-5 year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2016 Mazda CX-5
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2016 Mazda CX-5 have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2016 Mazda CX-5: 2L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl with a manual 6-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Mazda CX-5?
The most efficient configuration returns around 35 mpg (UK) combined, or 29 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 31 to 35 mpg.
How much does the 2016 Mazda CX-5 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,300 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2016 Mazda CX-5 have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2016 Mazda CX-5 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 5 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Mazda CX-5 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Exterior lighting (1), Structure (1), Steering (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2016 Mazda CX-5?
Among the 510 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Exterior lighting (161 complaints), Electrical system (71 complaints), Service brakes (66 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Mazda CX-5's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 35 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track, making it one of the more efficient options in its class.