I have an almost 4 year old 2016 GT AWD with 40k miles on the clock. So far it has been very reliable and other than the 2 recalls on the vehicle the only thing that has failed was the front LED ring lamps (fixed under warranty or would have been $2200). Fuel economy is decent at 25 MPG mixed driving. It is primarily my wife's car. She's happy with it so far and so am I. The question I have.... Is this a 5 year car or a 10 year car? That's how I have looked at all of the many vehicles I have owned. ( other that a few 3 year lease cars). That's just how I break it down. Either its a long term "keeper" or I want it gone when the power-train warranty is over. I am not a big fan of aftermarket warranties on a car like this. I have seen a few higher mileage reports here and other places and most seem to be positive but I have read more than a few user reviews on Edmunds and KBB that were less than stellar. It really boils down to the engine and tranny. Is the 2.5 engine that is in these cars a high mileage engine? I've heard some criticisms about the fact that it is a DI ( direct injection) motor and carbon build up is probable long term. It is primarily driven at higher speeds on rural highways so not too concerned about that. I do tow a motorcycle about 3000 miles annually ( about 1600 lbs with trailer) and it does ok but could use some more juice. I have to say that the new turbo engine is tempting and will probably complete an almost perfect car in my opinion but it will cost me about 15k to make the switch and I'm not sure it's going to be worth it. Thoughts?

 

...An almost 4 year old 2016? Ours is a 2014 closeout which makes it a 5 year old vehicle. I don't know about he first gen reference except that this model originated somewhere back in 2012-2013. We have found the 2.5L engine to be very reliable as well as the automatic transaxle. It is a FWD Touring model and has been to North Dakota and back with no issues. Otherwise, it's my wife's daily driver making 14 mile round trips (barely has a chance to warm up) now with only 28,000 mi. The only upgrade has been a tire change from the factory Yokohama tires to Bridgestones. The Yokohamas just didn't hold up in the Florida heat. If I hadn't selected the 2.5L over the 2.0L, I think power would be an issue but with the larger engine it works. The turbo-charger on this vehicle just isn't necessary IMO. I can't speak for the AWD set-up which I imagine require more input for get-up and go WHP.

 

Purchased it in April 2015...

 

My 2014, purchased in December of 2013 and now 5 years old has over 120K miles and works great. The CX-5 facebook page has a bunch of cars with over 150 and some close to 200K. Overall, I think the reliability has been good with no major issues.

 

I have 82,000 on my 2015 Mazda 3 with the same engine. I have not had any problems and don't anticipate any for years to come. I may give in to the temptation to get the 2019 Mazda 3 with AWD, however, I anticipate that my Mazda will be reliable past 200,000 miles.

Mazdas seem to me to be as reliable as anything on the road and a heck of a lot more fun to drive.