2018 Mazda CX-5 — Full Specifications
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The 2018 Mazda CX-5 is an SUV offered with 2 engines (2.2L 4-cyl turbo, 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 2017 Mazda CX-5: Fuel economy improves from 32 to 35 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. EPA lists new engine options for 2018: 2.2L 4-cyl turbo. The overall NHTSA rating moves from 4★ to 5★.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.2L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.2L 4-cyl turbo · 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 35 combined / 34 urban / 37 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 29 combined / 28 city / 31 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 216 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,300 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2018 Mazda CX-5 across 2 engines (2.2L 4-cyl turbo, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (27/30) | 227 | $3,400 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (28/31) | 216 | $3,300 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (24/30) | 208 | $2,600 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (25/31) | 199 | $2,400 |
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 2018 Mazda CX-5
Running Costs: 2018 Mazda CX-5
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2018 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 $3,300 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.
2018 Mazda CX-5 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2018 Mazda CX-5 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Fuel system (1), Engine (1), Air bags (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Fuel system — campaign 21V875000, reported 12 November 2021. Risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Engine — campaign 19V497000, reported 27 June 2019. Risk: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Air bags — campaign 18V426000, reported 25 June 2018. Risk: If the air bags do not deploy properly in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Owners have filed 119 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Mazda CX-5. The most-reported areas are Engine (96), Power train (18), Unspecified (9). Complaints include 1 reported crash, 1 reported injury. That is close to the median of 126 complaints across the 14 Mazda CX-5 model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2018 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:
- Engine (1 recall campaign · 96 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Transmission & drivetrain (18 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Fuel system (1 recall campaign) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Air bags (1 recall campaign) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 216 g/km CO₂ figure is 37 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. Its 216 g/km CO₂ figure is 18 g/km higher than the 198 g/km Mazda average.
Of the 14 Mazda CX-5 model years we cover, the 2018 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 2018 Mazda CX-5
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2018 Mazda CX-5 have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2018 Mazda CX-5: 2.2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.2L 4-cyl turbo with a automatic (s6).
What is the fuel economy of the 2018 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 2018 Mazda CX-5 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,300 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 2018 Mazda CX-5 have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2018 Mazda CX-5 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2018 Mazda CX-5 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Fuel system (1), Engine (1), Air bags (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 2018 Mazda CX-5?
Among the 119 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (96 complaints), Power train (18 complaints), Unspecified (9 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.