Overall, Mazda has an excellent SUV lineup. There’s a model that fits the various needs of every driver and family. However, the award-winning Mazda CX-5 has been on the back burner for a while, and now it’s plummeting in the best SUV rankings. 

Is the Mazda CX-5 still the best SUV? 

For years, the Mazda CX-5 led multiple ranking lists as the best SUV you could buy. I never felt the need to argue over its scores because it does have an athletic performance, an upscale interior, plenty of standard features, and a comfortable ride. 

But it’s starting to show its age. According to Car and Driver, The CX-5 has dropped from first to fourth place. The Honda CR-V is in the top spot and the more modern Mazda CX-50 is in second place. 

Edmunds also has the CX-5 in third place. It’s behind the CR-V and CX-50 as well. Kelley Blue Book dropped the CX-5 to sixth place. 

The CX-5 hasn’t been redesigned since 2017. It’s had a few tech upgrades and fun new colors along the way. However, the CR-V is rocking a refresh and the CX-50 is a brand new model. 

Plus, the CX-5 needs to catch up on tech. It still doesn’t have a touchscreen and relies on a rotary dial system to control the infotainment system. 

For some people, this is refreshing compared to models with too much tech. But for others, like my elderly parents, it’s annoying. While the CX-5 does offer wireless Apple CarPlay, it’s not standard and it’s limited to higher trim levels. 

The CX-5 does have plenty of other modern tech like a 360-degree camera, adaptive headlights, a head-up display, and a wireless phone charger, though. 

Another reason why the Mazda CX-5 could be slipping is because modern rivals have hybrid powertrains. There is a RAV4 Hybrid, CX-50 Hybrid, CR-V Hybrid, Tucson Hybrid, and more. The Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester are currently going hybrid too. 

In order to catch up, the CX-5 needs a bit of an overhaul with modern tech and a hybrid engine. Rumors suggest that it might be remodeled for 2026.