Used 2018 Mazda CX-5 for Sale nearDes Moines, IA

Compare 2018 Mazda CX-5 Trims

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to well-equipped models, all with impressive fuel efficiency.

• Starting at $15,268
• Best MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 31 hwy
• Most Popular: Grand Touring AWD

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

Missing data displayed as "—".

Trim Deep Dives

Sport FWD — "Who It's For"

The Sport FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-equipped SUV without paying for luxury features. It's a great entry point into the CX-5 lineup.

• Avg. market price: $16,045 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 157 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Sport FWD listings

Sport AWD — "Who It's For"

The Sport AWD is the pick for shoppers who want all-wheel drive without a hefty price tag. It offers a solid mix of features and capability.

• Avg. market price: $15,268 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 30 hwy
• Inventory: 242 listings
• View Sport AWD listings

Touring FWD — "Who It's For"

The Touring FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a balance of features and price without going for the top trims. It includes desirable amenities.

• Avg. market price: $15,955 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 457 listings
• View Touring FWD listings

Touring AWD — "Who It's For"

The Touring AWD is the pick for shoppers who want sporty handling and all-weather capability. It combines comfort with performance.

• Avg. market price: $17,436 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 30 hwy
• Inventory: 1,187 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Touring AWD listings

Grand Touring FWD — "Who It's For"

The Grand Touring FWD is the pick for shoppers who want luxury features without the AWD price premium. It offers a refined driving experience.

• Avg. market price: $16,576 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 320 listings
• View Grand Touring FWD listings

Grand Touring AWD — "Who It's For"

The Grand Touring AWD is the pick for shoppers who want the most features and all-weather capability. It's the most popular trim for a reason.

• Avg. market price: $17,796 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 30 hwy
• Inventory: 1,423 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Grand Touring AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — Grand Touring AWD

With 1,423 active listings, the Grand Touring AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse Grand Touring AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Sport AWD

At $15,268 avg market price — below the lineup median of $16,310 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Sport AWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Sport FWD

The Sport FWD offers the best fuel efficiency in the lineup with 25/31 MPG/MPGe.

Browse Sport FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 24, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2018 Mazda CX-5 cost?

Prices have softened 3.52% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,766 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare.

Is the 2018 Mazda CX-5 a good car?

Yes — the 2018 Mazda CX-5 earns a 4.6/5 user rating and an 8.17/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise the smooth ride, stylish interior, safety features, and on-road performance. That lines up with the CX-5’s role as a compact crossover that aims to feel more upscale and engaging than a typical practical commuter.

With 33.7% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have a decent chance of finding a strong-value example if you shop carefully.

Is the 2018 Mazda CX-5 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.6/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a vehicle that feels dependable in daily use, with recurring praise for the smooth ride and overall quality. The expert evaluation also emphasizes that the CX-5 is built to be enjoyable and well-rounded over the long haul, rather than feeling like a short-term compromise.

If you buy used, the main ownership risk is less about the model’s basic appeal and more about finding one that has been maintained well and avoided cosmetic or accident-related issues.

What should I look for when buying a used 2018 Mazda CX-5?

At 63.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a careful inspection of bodywork, paint condition, and signs of prior repair. Because some owners have noted paint flaking on certain colors, exterior condition deserves extra attention. It also makes sense to confirm that the cabin, electronics, and safety equipment all work as expected, since the CX-5’s appeal depends heavily on its upscale feel and feature content.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring are the three versions, and the base Sport is the most stripped-down. Touring adds more equipment, while Grand Touring brings the most upscale presentation and standard premium audio and navigation-related content.
• Powertrain: Every version uses a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic and available front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The setup is tuned more for balanced drivability than outright power, and fuel economy is described as merely average.
• Safety package: Mazda’s i-ActiveSense suite is standard or optional depending on trim level, and it includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and more. Every CX-5 also gets blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Smart City Brake Support.
• Infotainment: Mazda Connect uses a freestanding screen that works as a touchscreen only when parked, while driving you rely on console controls, steering-wheel controls, or voice commands. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not included, and navigation plus Bose audio are optional on Touring and standard on Grand Touring.
• Fuel efficiency: The AWD version is rated at 26 mpg in combined driving, and the test loop returned 24.7 mpg.

Which 2018 Mazda CX-5 trim should I buy?

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 is offered in 3 trim levels: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring.

Here's the short version:

• Sport: This is the entry point, so it makes the most sense if you want the CX-5’s core driving feel and styling at the lowest price. It gives you the basic formula, but you give up some of the upscale equipment that helps the CX-5 stand out.
• Touring: This is the best-value choice for most shoppers because it adds meaningful comfort and convenience without pushing you all the way to the top price. If you want a more complete daily driver, this is the trim to focus on.
• Grand Touring: This is the right pick if you want the most premium-feeling CX-5, with standard navigation, Bose audio, and the richest feature set. It suits you best if you care most about the upscale cabin and want the most polished version of the model.

For safety equipment, Mazda’s i-ActiveSense suite is standard or optional depending on trim level, so you should verify exactly which driver-assistance features are included on the specific vehicle you’re considering.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2018 Mazda CX-5?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop with some leverage if you know what to look for.

• Deal availability: 33.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,766 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.52% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 63.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $16,186, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2018 Mazda CX-5's resale value?

The current average of $16,772 sits slightly below last year's $17,385.

That decline suggests the market has eased a bit, which can help you as a buyer today but may temper what you recover later as a seller. If prices continue to soften, resale values may stay under pressure in the near term. Still, the CX-5’s strong reputation for style, driving enjoyment, and owner satisfaction should help support demand when it’s time to sell.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.6/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2018 Mazda CX-5 safe?

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 earns a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from NHTSA because of a four-star performance in the rear-seat side-impact test.

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Mazda’s i-ActiveSense suite is standard or optional depending on trim level, and it includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and more. Every CX-5 also comes with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Smart City Brake Support.

The main caveat is that the headlights are rated Acceptable rather than Good by the IIHS, which keeps the CX-5 from earning Top Safety Pick+.

Should I buy a 2018 Mazda CX-5 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2018 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2018 if:

• 33.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 63.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.52% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.6/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Mazda’s premium-leaning design and engaging driving character make this year feel especially polished.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $15,939, the 2017 costs less than the current year's $16,772 average.
• It emphasizes a sporty, upscale feel with a fun-to-drive personality.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $18,913, the 2019 costs more than the current year's $16,772 average.
• It adds smartphone connectivity and a turbocharged top-trim option.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, style, and driving enjoyment, the 2018 is the sweet spot. If you’re more price-sensitive, the 2017 can save you money while keeping much of the same appeal.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.