Mazda SUVs and cars: models, prices and problems

By CarWhere Research · Updated

CarWhere’s Mazda hub collects free research for Mazda shoppers and owners: 13 model guides from the CX-5, CX-50 and CX-90 to the MX-5 Miata and used-buyer guides for the Mazda6, CX-9, RX-7 and RX-8, 67 trim levels with dated Mazda MSRPs, 66 known issues and NHTSA recalls, 4 engine guides, Mazda history and VIN tools. Every page lists its sources.

Mazda sells mostly crossovers — the CX-30, CX-5, CX-50, CX-70 and CX-90 — alongside the Mazda3 and the MX-5 Miata roadster. These pages explain what each model, trim, engine and generation offers, what has been recalled, what buyers actually paid, and what to check on a specific vehicle before you buy it.

Mazda models

Price, trims, engines, mpg, generations and problems for each Mazda line.

Mazda3NewCompact four-door sedan and five-door hatchback. From $24,750 (2027 MY); trims, engines, mpg, generations and problems.Mazda CX-5NewFive-seat compact crossover SUV. From $29,990 (2027 MY); trims, engines, mpg, generations and problems.Mazda CX-50NewFive-seat compact crossover SUV. From $29,900 (2026 MY); trims, engines, mpg, generations and problems.Mazda CX-90NewMidsize crossover SUV, three rows (up to 8 seats) or two rows. From $39,700 (2027 MY); trims, engines, mpg, generations and problems.Mazda CX-30NewFive-seat subcompact crossover SUV. From $26,375 (2026 MY); trims, engines, mpg, generations and problems.Mazda CX-70NewFive-seat, two-row midsize crossover SUV. From $42,750 (2026 MY); trims, engines, mpg, generations and problems.Mazda MX-5 MiataNewTwo-seat roadster (soft top) and retractable fastback (RF). From $30,730 (2026 MY); trims, engines, mpg, generations and problems.Mazda6NewMidsize four-door sedan (wagon and five-door also offered in the first generation). Generations, engines and known problems.Mazda RX-7NewTwo-door, rear-drive rotary sports coupe. Generations, engines and known problems.Mazda CX-9NewThree-row, seven-seat midsize crossover SUV. Generations, engines and known problems.Mazda CX-3NewFive-seat subcompact crossover. Generations, engines and known problems.Mazdaspeed3NewFive-door compact hatchback. Generations, engines and known problems.Mazda RX-8NewFour-seat sports coupe with rear-hinged Freestyle rear doors. Generations, engines and known problems.

Mazda engines

Skyactiv four-cylinders, the 3.3-liter inline-six turbo and the rotary: specs by year, which models use each, known problems and recalls.

Mazda enginesNewEvery modern Mazda engine: Skyactiv-G 2.0 and 2.5, the 2.5 Turbo, the 3.3 inline-six turbo and the rotary, with horsepower by model and year and recalls.Skyactiv-G four-cylinder familyNewMazda's Skyactiv-G family covers its direct-injection gasoline four-cylinders.Mazda Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter direct-injection inline four-cylinder engines, naturally aspirated, US 2012–presentNewSkyactiv-G is Mazda's family of direct-injection four-cylinder gasoline engines.Mazda Skyactiv-G 2.5T 2.5-liter turbocharged direct-injection inline four-cylinder, US 2016–presentNewMazda's 2.5 Turbo is the Skyactiv-G 2.5T, a turbocharged 2.5-liter four that debuted in the 2016 CX-9.Mazda e-Skyactiv G 3.3-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder with M Hybrid Boost 48-volt mild hybrid, US 2024–presentNewMazda's inline-six is the e-Skyactiv G 3.3-liter turbo with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system Mazda calls M Hybrid Boost.Mazda two-rotor Wankel rotary engines in US models: RX-7 12A and 13B (1979–1995) and RX-8 RENESIS 13B (2004–2011)NewMazda's rotary engines are two-rotor Wankel designs.

Mazda trim levels and badges

Current and previous-generation trims with dated MSRPs.

Mazda trim levels explainedNew67 trims across 7 Mazda models.CX-5 trim levelsNewThe 2027 Mazda CX-5 comes in five trims: 2.5 S ($29,990), 2.5 S Select ($32,140), 2.5 S Preferred ($34,550), 2.5 S Premium ($37,450) and 2.5 S Premium Plus ($39,440), before a $1,595 destination charge.CX-50 trim levelsNewThe 2026 Mazda CX-50 has ten trims across three powertrains: four 2.5 S trims ($29,900–$34,900), three Hybrid trims ($34,750–$40,150) and three 2.5 Turbo trims ($37,900–$42,900), before $1,595 destination.CX-30 trim levelsNewThe 2026 Mazda CX-30 has eight trims: six 2.5 S versions from the $26,375 2.5 S to the $33,640 2.5 S Premium, plus the 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition ($34,410) and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus ($37,900), before $1,595 destination.CX-70 trim levelsNewThe 2026 Mazda CX-70 has seven trims: 3.3 Turbo Preferred ($42,750), Premium ($46,780) and Premium Plus ($49,570); 3.3 Turbo S Premium ($53,440) and Premium Plus ($56,870); and PHEV SC ($44,450) and SC Plus ($47,450), before $1,645 destination.CX-90 trim levelsNewThe 2027 Mazda CX-90 runs from the $39,700 3.3 Turbo Select to the $58,700 PHEV Premium Plus, before $1,645 destination.Mazda3 trim levelsNewThe 2027 Mazda3 sedan runs from the $24,750 2.5 S to the $37,040 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus; the hatchback runs from the $27,040 2.5 S Select Sport to the $38,190 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, before $1,315 destination.MX-5 Miata trim levelsNewThe 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata soft top comes as Sport ($30,730), Club ($34,230) and Grand Touring ($36,030 manual), and the RF hardtop as Club or Grand Touring from $38,750, before $1,315 destination.

Mazda prices: what buyers paid

Transaction prices, dealer invoice, incentives and lease rates.

What Mazda buyers paidBuyer-reported Mazda prices by model.Best Mazda lease dealsCurrent Mazda lease offers.CX-5 dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.CX-50 dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.CX-30 dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.CX-70 dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.CX-90 dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.Mazda3 dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.MX-5 Miata dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.CX-9 dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.CX-3 dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.Mazda incentives and rebatesCurrent Mazda cash, lease and APR offers.Mazda lease money factorsMazda money factors and residuals for leasing.Mazda invoice vs what buyers paidDealer invoice compared with buyer-reported prices, by trim.Dealer invoice price by VINEstimate what the dealer paid for a specific new Mazda.

Buying a used Mazda

What goes wrong, which years drew complaints, and how values hold up.

Mazda known issues by modelNew66 documented problems and recalls across 9 models.CX-5 problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.CX-50 problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.CX-30 problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.CX-90 problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.CX-9 problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.Mazda3 problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.Mazda6 problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.MX-5 Miata problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.RX-8 problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.Is Mazda reliable?Mazda reliability from NHTSA complaints per vehicle sold, by model.CX-5 years to avoidModel years ranked by owner-complaint volume.Mazda3 years to avoidModel years ranked by owner-complaint volume.MX-5 Miata years to avoidModel years ranked by owner-complaint volume.Mazda6 years to avoidModel years ranked by owner-complaint volume.CX-9 years to avoidModel years ranked by owner-complaint volume.CX-3 years to avoidModel years ranked by owner-complaint volume.Best CX-5 yearsThe strongest model years to buy used.Best Mazda3 yearsThe strongest model years to buy used.Best MX-5 Miata yearsThe strongest model years to buy used.Best Mazda6 yearsThe strongest model years to buy used.Best CX-9 yearsThe strongest model years to buy used.Best CX-3 yearsThe strongest model years to buy used.How long do Mazda models last?Share of used Mazda models past 150,000 and 200,000 miles.CX-5 depreciationMedian asking price by model year vs new.CX-50 depreciationMedian asking price by model year vs new.CX-30 depreciationMedian asking price by model year vs new.Mazda3 depreciationMedian asking price by model year vs new.Find a Mazda for saleSearch live Mazda listings from dealers nationwide.

Comparisons, towing and fitment

Head-to-head comparisons and model-specific capacities.

CX-5 vs CX-50Side-by-side specs, prices and the verdict.

Decode a Mazda

Start from the VIN or the factory build record.

Free Mazda VIN decoderYear, model, body, engine and assembly plant from any 17-character Mazda VIN.Mazda build sheet by VINFactory colors, options and packages for a specific VIN, checked free before you pay.Mazda specs by modelDimensions, capacities and powertrain specs for Mazda model years.

Mazda history

Mazda history: founded in Hiroshima in 1920 as Toyo Cork Kogyo, the 1967 Cosmo Sport rotary, US exports from 1970, RX-7, MX-5 Miata and 1991 Le Mans.

Mazda history: from a 1920 Hiroshima cork maker to the CX-90NewMazda history: founded in Hiroshima in 1920 as Toyo Cork Kogyo, the 1967 Cosmo Sport rotary, US exports from 1970, RX-7, MX-5 Miata and 1991 Le Mans.Mazda Protegé historyNewMazda Protegé history: the 1990 323 Protegé sedan, the 1995 and 1999 redesigns, the Protegé5 wagon, the turbo Mazdaspeed Protegé and the 2004 Mazda3.Mazda Tribute historyNewMazda Tribute history: the January 2000 LA Auto Show debut, 2.0L and 3.0L V6, the 2008 redesign, 2009's 171-hp four and 240-hp V6, and the Tribute Hybrid.

Mazda research by model

Mazda models with links to their guide, trim levels, known issues, years to avoid, what buyers paid and specs
ModelTrim levelsKnown issuesYears to avoidWhat buyers paidSpecs
Mazda CX-5CX-5 trimsCX-5 problemsCX-5 years to avoidCX-5 prices paid2026 CX-5 specs
Mazda CX-50CX-50 trimsCX-50 problems—CX-50 prices paid2026 CX-50 specs
Mazda CX-30CX-30 trimsCX-30 problems—CX-30 prices paid2026 CX-30 specs
Mazda CX-70CX-70 trims——CX-70 dealer invoice2025 CX-70 specs
Mazda CX-90CX-90 trimsCX-90 problems—CX-90 prices paid2026 CX-90 specs
Mazda3Mazda3 trimsMazda3 problemsMazda3 years to avoidMazda3 prices paid2026 Mazda3 sedan specs
Mazda MX-5 MiataMX-5 Miata trimsMX-5 Miata problemsMX-5 Miata years to avoidMX-5 Miata prices paid2026 MX-5 Miata specs
Mazda6—Mazda6 problemsMazda6 years to avoid—2021 Mazda6 specs
Mazda CX-9—CX-9 problemsCX-9 years to avoidCX-9 dealer invoice2023 CX-9 specs
Mazda CX-3——CX-3 years to avoidCX-3 dealer invoice2021 CX-3 specs
Mazda RX-7————1995 RX-7 specs
Mazda RX-8—RX-8 problems——2011 RX-8 specs
Mazdaspeed3————2013 Mazdaspeed3 specs

Know exactly how your Mazda was built at the factory.

See what a specific Mazda VIN was factory-built with. The CarWhere Mazda build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Mazda build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What SUVs does Mazda sell?

CarWhere covers 5 current Mazda SUVs: CX-5, CX-50, CX-90, CX-30, CX-70. Each model guide lists the current price range, powertrains and generations with Mazda and EPA sources.

How much is the Mazda CX-5?

For the 2027 model year the CX-5 is priced from $29,990 to $39,440 MSRP (MSRP excl. $1,595 destination ($1,640 in Alaska). Lowest = 2.5 S, highest = 2.5 S Premium Plus. Premium paint is $595.). The CX-5 trim-levels page lists every trim with its dated Mazda MSRP.

Who makes Mazda cars?

Mazda Motor Corporation of Hiroshima, Japan, makes Mazda cars. It was founded on January 30, 1920, as Toyo Cork Kogyo, built its first passenger car, the R360 Coupe, in 1960 and began exporting to the US in 1970. In the US, Mazda North American Operations, based in Irvine, California, handles sales and service.

What engines does Mazda use?

Current US Mazdas use three gasoline engines: the Skyactiv-G 2.0 and 2.5 four-cylinders (155–187 hp; 181 hp in the MX-5), the Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo (227 hp on regular, up to 256 hp on premium), and the 3.3-liter inline-six turbo in the CX-90 and CX-70 (280–340 hp). The rotary powered the RX-7 and the 2004–2011 RX-8.

How do I check a Mazda for recalls?

Enter the 17-character VIN on NHTSA’s recall lookup or ask a Mazda dealer to run it. Recall repairs are free. CarWhere’s known-issues pages list recall campaign numbers by model and generation.

How do I find out what options my Mazda has?

Start with the paperwork that came with the car. If it is lost, a build sheet reconstructed from the VIN shows factory colors, options and packages where detailed build data exists, and the free VIN decoder shows basics such as engine, body and plant.

Sources

Each linked page lists its own detailed sources. The hub's figures come from these datasets and references.

  1. CarWhere Mazda model guides (13 models) — CarWhere
  2. CarWhere Mazda trim-levels dataset (67 trims) — CarWhere
  3. CarWhere Mazda known-issues dataset (66 issues) — CarWhere
  4. Mazda USA newsroom (news.mazdausa.com) — pricing, specifications and model-year changes — Mazda North American Operations
  5. EPA fuel economy data — U.S. Department of Energy / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  6. Recalls Data (NHTSA recall campaigns) — U.S. Department of Transportation open data

Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Mazda North American Operations or Mazda Motor Corporation. Mazda and the model names are trademarks of their owners.