If they don't use CVT transmissions, as everyone says, then why does every single one I've looked at 2013 and up say “their skyactiv CVT transmission". Someone answer this please because I am so confused. Particularly on years 2013 through 2016

 

Where does it say CVT? Mazda has never used a CVT that I know of. It was a standard 5-sp automatic in 13-16.

 

As chickdr19 said,
Mazda does not use CVT transmissions (pulleys & belts), and I have never seen any Mazda Corporation resource that says they do.
I would be curious as to where you saw that the CX-5 was a CVT and if it was actual Mazda Corporation information.
The Mazda information I have read shows all CX-5 since inception, use 6 speed automatic transmissions (FW6A-EL).
I know Mazda used a Ford/Mazda's design (Mazda FS5A-EL) (Ford FNR5) 5-speed automatic, but I have not seen where it was used in a CX-5, though I could be wrong.

 

My 2014 is a six speed and the 2013 I looked at was as well.

 

99.99% of Mazda's automatic transmissions are traditional fixed gears. There has been a few CVTs used in JDM vehicles, but rare.

 

Speaking for the USA market, you can also use the NHTSA website to see all available powertrains sold or imported into the USA. It'll say 2WD, 4WD, displacement, and manual or auto with the speeds in parenthesis. CVTs will have "1-speed" or "variable gear ratios" listed. None of that on the CX-5.

Sometimes threads are created like this to sow confusion, especially when titled with the obvious misinformation that can easily be answered or researched from legitimate sources. CVTs (which I am not a fan of) have a largely negative perception mainly from flawed early implementation especially the Jatco units used by Nissan. Reality is newer units are pretty darn reliable and can function just fine when tied to the right engine. Still not my jam.