Mazda CX-5 MPG, gas tank, tires, and towing

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 gets 26 mpg combined (24 city, 30 highway), according to the EPA, and every 2026 CX-5 has all-wheel drive. With a 15.3-gallon tank that is roughly 400 miles on a full tank. A 2025 CX-5 is rated 24 to 28 mpg depending on the engine, and a front-drive 2016 with the 2.5-liter reached 29 mpg. Mazda’s manuals rate the CX-5 to tow 2,000 lb through 2017 and 1,500 lb for 2026.

Published November 13, 2026 · Sources · Share

On this page (10 sections)

CX-5 generations at a glance

  • 2013–2016 (1st generation): a 2.0-liter four-cylinder at launch, joined by a 2.5-liter for 2014. Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The tank holds 14.8 gallons with front-wheel drive and 15.3 with all-wheel drive.
  • 2017–2025 (2nd generation): the 2.5-liter in every model, plus a 2.5-liter turbo from 2019. Front-wheel drive was dropped after 2021. A 2.2-liter diesel appears in EPA data for 2018–2019; it is not covered in the oil and service tables here.
  • 2026 (3rd generation): a larger body on the same 2.5-liter engine, all-wheel drive standard, and a 15.3-gallon tank.

CX-5 gas mileage by year

All-wheel drive usually costs 1 to 2 mpg against front-wheel drive in the same year. Where a 2019–2025 year shows several versions with the same 2.5-liter engine, one of them is the turbo, but the EPA label does not say which. Open a year for the details.

202626 mpg combined · 1 version
2026 Mazda CX-5: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
CX-5 4WD2.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S6), 4WD262430
202524–28 mpg combined · 3 versions
2025 Mazda CX-5: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
CX-5 4WD2.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S6), 4WD (1)282630
CX-5 4WD2.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S6), 4WD (2)252329
CX-5 4WD2.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S6), 4WD (3)242227
202424–28 mpg combined · 3 versions
2024 Mazda CX-5: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
CX-5 4WD2.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S6), 4WD (1)282631
CX-5 4WD2.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S6), 4WD (2)252329
CX-5 4WD2.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S6), 4WD (3)242227
202324–26 mpg combined · 2 versions
2023 Mazda CX-5: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
CX-5 4WD2.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S6), 4WD (1)262430
CX-5 4WD2.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S6), 4WD (2)242227
202224–26 mpg combined · 2 versions
2022 Mazda CX-5: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
CX-5 4WD2.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S6), 4WD (1)262430
CX-5 4WD2.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S6), 4WD (2)242227
202124–28 mpg combined · 4 versions
2021 Mazda CX-5: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
CX-5 2WD2.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S6), FWD (1)282531
CX-5 2WD2.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S6), FWD (2)252328
CX-5 4WD2.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S6), 4WD (1)262430
CX-5 4WD2.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S6), 4WD (2)242227
202024–28 mpg combined · 3 versions
2020 Mazda CX-5: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
CX-5 2WD2.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S6), FWD282531
CX-5 4WD2.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S6), 4WD (1)262430
CX-5 4WD2.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S6), 4WD (2)242227
201924–29 mpg combined · 6 versions
2019 Mazda CX-5: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
CX-5 2WD2.2L 4-cyl, Auto (S6), FWD, diesel, diesel fuel292831
CX-5 2WD2.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S6), FWD (1)282531
CX-5 2WD2.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S6), FWD (2)252328
CX-5 4WD2.2L 4-cyl, Auto (S6), 4WD, diesel, diesel fuel282730
CX-5 4WD2.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S6), 4WD (1)262430
CX-5 4WD2.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S6), 4WD (2)242227
2013–2018ranges by year · details on fueleconomy.gov
Mazda CX-5, 2013–2018: EPA MPG range across versions
YearCombinedCityHighwayVersions
201826–2924–2830–314
201726–2723–2429–312
201626–2924–2629–343
201526–2924–2629–345
201426–2924–2629–345
201327–2925–2630–343

EPA estimates for new vehicles from fueleconomy.gov (U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE), data retrieved November 12, 2026. Your mileage will vary with how and where you drive.

Gas tank size and range

Range is the tank size times the EPA combined rating, so treat it as a best case. Winter driving, short trips, and sustained highway speeds above 70 mph all lower it. To cost out a drive, use the trip gas cost calculator.

Mazda CX-5: fuel tank and estimated range (tank × EPA combined MPG)
YearsEngineFuel tankEPA combinedRange on a full tank
20262.5L 4-cylinder, AWD15.3 gal926 mpgabout 400 miles
2017–20212.5L 4-cylinder, FWD14.8 gal625–28 mpgabout 370–410 miles
2017–20252.5L 4-cylinder, AWD15.3 gal624–28 mpgabout 370–430 miles
2019–20252.5L turbo 4-cylinder, AWD15.3 gal624–28 mpgabout 370–430 miles
2013–20162.0L 4-cylinder, FWD14.8 gal128–29 mpgabout 410–430 miles
2013–20152.0L 4-cylinder, AWD15.3 gal127 mpgabout 410 miles
2014–20162.5L 4-cylinder, FWD14.8 gal327–29 mpgabout 400–430 miles
2014–20162.5L 4-cylinder, AWD15.3 gal326 mpgabout 400 miles

CX-5 tire size and pressure

Most CX-5s ride on either 17-inch or 19-inch wheels, and the pressure differs: on 2017–2025 models Mazda lists 34 psi for the 17-inch tire and 35 psi for the 19-inch. The 2026 raises both to 36 psi. Check cold, before driving, and use the label on the driver’s door jamb if your size differs. If the warning light comes on, see tire pressure light.

Mazda CX-5: tire size and pressure (cold) by trim
YearsTrimTire sizeFrontRear
202617-inch wheels225/65R17936 psi36 psi
202619-inch wheels225/55R19936 psi36 psi
2017–202517-inch wheels225/65R17834 psi34 psi
2017–202519-inch wheels225/55R19835 psi35 psi
2013–201617-inch wheels225/65R17334 psi34 psi
2013–201619-inch wheels225/55R19336 psi36 psi

CX-5 oil at a glance

Every gas CX-5 takes 0W-20 except the 2.5 Turbo, which takes 5W-30. Capacity with a new filter is 4.4 quarts on the 2.0-liter, 4.8 quarts on the 2.5-liter, and 5.1 quarts on the turbo. More on the CX-5 oil page.

Mazda CX-5 oil at a glance
YearsEngineOilCapacity
20262.5L 4-cylinder, AWD0W-2094.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter
2017–20212.5L 4-cylinder, FWD0W-2064.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter
2017–20252.5L 4-cylinder, AWD0W-2064.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter
2019–20252.5L turbo 4-cylinder, AWD5W-3065.1 qt (4.8 L) with filter
2013–20162.0L 4-cylinder, FWD0W-2014.4 qt (4.2 L) with filter
2013–20152.0L 4-cylinder, AWD0W-2014.4 qt (4.2 L) with filter
2014–20162.5L 4-cylinder, FWD0W-2034.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter
2014–20162.5L 4-cylinder, AWD0W-2034.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter

CX-5 towing capacity

The 2013–2017 manuals print a towing table with a 2,000-lb maximum trailer weight. Later second-generation manuals we checked don’t print a number, so for a 2018–2025 CX-5, ask a Mazda dealer or check the manual for your exact year before you hitch up. The 2026 manual lists 1,500 lb.

  • 3rd generation (2026): up to 1,500 lb11
  • 2nd generation (2017–2025): Check your owner’s manual
  • 1st generation (2013–2016): up to 2,000 lb2

Recalls: check by VIN

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see any open recall on your CX-5. The VIN is at the base of the windshield on the driver’s side and on your registration. Mazda dealers fix recalls at no charge.

What to record in your log

  • Fill-ups with odometer and gallons. The MPG calculator turns two full tanks into your real mileage.
  • Oil changes with the date and mileage. On flexible-schedule CX-5s the wrench light sets the timing, and it forgets once reset.
  • Tire rotations: Mazda wants them every 7,500 miles on most second-generation models and every 10,000 miles on the 2026.
  • The coolant date, since its first change comes at 120,000 miles or 10 years, long after most receipts are lost.

A car maintenance log keeps it in one place. How Mazda service works across its lineup: Mazda maintenance. The smaller Mazda3 shares the CX-5’s 2.0 and 2.5-liter engines.

FAQ

What is the gas mileage of a Mazda CX-5?

The 2026 CX-5 is rated 26 mpg combined. 2017–2025 models range from 24 to 28 mpg, and 2013–2016 models from 26 to 29 mpg, according to the EPA.

How big is the Mazda CX-5 gas tank?

14.8 gallons with front-wheel drive and 15.3 gallons with all-wheel drive, according to Mazda’s manuals. The 2026 has 15.3 gallons.

How much can a Mazda CX-5 tow?

2,000 lb in the 2013–2017 manuals and 1,500 lb in the 2026 manual. For 2018–2025, check your manual or ask a dealer.

What tire pressure does a CX-5 take?

34 to 36 psi, depending on the year and wheel size. The door jamb label shows the number for your CX-5.

Milealot is an independent site, not affiliated with or endorsed by Mazda North American Operations. Mazda, CX-5, and SKYACTIV are trademarks of their owner and are used here only to name the vehicles.

Sources

  1. Mazda, 2013 CX-5 Owner’s Manual: capacities, recommended oil, Scheduled Maintenance (mazdausa.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
  2. Mazda, 2015 CX-5 Owner’s Manual: trailer towing-load table (mazdausa.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
  3. Mazda, 2016 CX-5 Owner’s Manual: capacities, tires, Scheduled Maintenance (mazdausa.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
  4. Mazda, 2014 CX-5 Owner’s Manual: capacities (mazdausa.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
  5. Mazda, 2017 CX-5 Owner’s Manual: Schedule 1, capacities, towing-load table (mazdausa.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
  6. Mazda, 2021 CX-5 online owner’s manual: Capacities and Recommended Oil (mazdausa.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
  7. Mazda, 2022 CX-5 online owner’s manual: Schedule 1 (mazdausa.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
  8. Mazda, 2024 CX-5 online owner’s manual: Tires (mazdausa.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
  9. Mazda, 2026 CX-5 online owner’s manual: Capacities, engine oil, tires (mazdausa.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
  10. Mazda, 2026 CX-5 online owner’s manual: Scheduled Maintenance (U.S.A., Canada, and Puerto Rico) (mazdausa.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
  11. Mazda, 2026 CX-5 online owner’s manual: towing limits (mazdausa.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
  12. U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE, fueleconomy.gov vehicle data (MPG; retrieved November 12, 2026)