How much does the 2018 Mazda CX-5 cost?

Prices have softened 3.11% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,685 listings available, which suggests you have room to compare prices and equipment.

If you find a listing below $16,187.63, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2018 Mazda CX-5 a good car?

Yes — the 4.6/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the expert rating is 8.17/10.

The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise the smooth ride, great features, and stylish interior. They also call out the safety features and road performance, which fits a compact crossover that aims to feel more polished than the average runabout.

That makes sense if you want a compact SUV that leans into style and driving enjoyment without giving up everyday usefulness. The market also shows 27.2% good or great deals, which supports the case for shopping carefully.

Is the 2018 Mazda CX-5 reliable?

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

Owner feedback points to a dependable-feeling package with a smooth ride, strong features, and a cabin that feels well put together. The same feedback also emphasizes safety features and road performance, which usually matters when you want a vehicle you can count on day to day.

The expert drive notes reinforce that impression by describing the CX-5 as a pleasure to drive, with a talented transmission, controlled body roll, excellent brakes, and responsive steering. It also highlights Mazda’s standard G Vectoring Control system, which works behind the scenes to improve steering response and handling.

You also get a maintenance perk in the form of the first scheduled maintenance visit being on the house.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about basic durability and more about finding a well-kept example that has been maintained consistently.

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

At 64.5% 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 pre-purchase inspection, especially if the listing price looks unusually attractive. Focus on body condition, paint quality, and signs of prior repair work, since cosmetic and accident history can matter as much as mileage on a used crossover.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring are the three versions, and the base Sport is the one most likely to leave you wanting more equipment. The Grand Touring stands out for its upscale cabin feel, premium leather presentation, standard Bose audio, and satellite radio, while Touring sits in the middle with more available equipment than Sport.
• Powertrain: You get a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a standard 6-speed automatic. The engine is described as just enough for the CX-5’s weight, and the transmission helps it feel zippy in town and composed on hills.
• Safety package: Every CX-5 has standard blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Smart City Brake Support. Mazda’s i-ActiveSense suite is standard or optional depending on trim, and it includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist.
• Infotainment: Mazda Connect uses a freestanding screen that works as a touchscreen only when parked, while driving you use console controls, steering-wheel controls, or voice commands. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not offered, and navigation plus the Bose sound system are optional on Touring and standard on Grand Touring.
• Fuel efficiency: The AWD version is described as getting 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 sense if you want the CX-5’s core driving feel at the lowest price. It gives you the same basic engine and chassis character, but it is the trim most likely to feel sparse if you care about upscale features.
• Touring: This is the best-value choice if you want a more balanced mix of equipment and price. It adds enough content to make the CX-5 feel more complete without pushing you all the way to the top trim.
• Grand Touring: This is the one to buy if you want the most premium-feeling CX-5. It brings the swankiest cabin presentation, standard Bose audio, and satellite radio, and it suits you best if comfort and features matter more than saving money.

Mazda’s i-ActiveSense safety 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 looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you stay disciplined.

• Deal availability: 27.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,685 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.11% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 64.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $16,187.63, 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 $16,846 sits slightly below last year's $17,387.

That kind of softening can work against a future seller if you buy at the wrong price, because the market has already moved down from where it was a year ago. If you plan to resell later, your best protection is to buy well, keep the vehicle clean, and choose a trim and condition level that stays broadly appealing.

The good news is that the CX-5’s strong owner satisfaction helps support demand. 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 CX-5 earns a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a four-star overall rating from NHTSA because of a four-star performance in the rear-seat side-impact test.

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

Every CX-5 has standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Mazda also includes its i-ActiveSense suite as standard or optional depending on trim level, with adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and more.

One caveat is that the headlights are rated Acceptable rather than Good by IIHS, which keeps the CX-5 from earning Top Safety Pick+ status. That means you should pay close attention to lighting equipment and trim content if nighttime driving matters to you.

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:

• 27.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 64.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.11% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.6/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Mazda’s 2018 update adds a more premium feel with strong driving dynamics and standard safety tech.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $16,188, the 2017 costs less than the current year's $16,846 average.
• It offers a sporty, upscale personality with strong reliability and a fun-to-drive character.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $19,093, the 2019 costs more than the current year's $16,846 average.
• It adds improved connectivity, stronger handling, and more power in top trims.

The bottom line: You should buy the 2018 if you want the best mix of price, style, and owner satisfaction in this group. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2017 is the value play, while the 2019 makes sense if you want the newer-tech path and are willing to pay more.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.