My first CX5 had a few minor things but I knew that buying a first model year wasn't going to be totally issue free. They were all minor issues with the worst being a motor mount that transferred too much NVH during cold conditions. That motor mount was replaced under warranty. I'm on my second CX5 now with only a minor occasional rattle in the A pillar to speak of. The reason I bought the CX5 was for the fantastic powertrain. My most recent tank yielded 34.81 MPG with the 2.5! This + this engine has very good low end torque for a 4 cylinder with an as tested 0-60 MPH in 7.5 seconds. I also love this transmission and the way it operates like an automated manual but without the downfalls of an automated manual. I bought a Toyota Tundra new that had an exhaust manifold crack, a driveshaft lose its balance weights, and in the end the frame rotted away. Most of my issues happened within the 60,000 mile warranty. Still I loved driving that truck every day for 10 years. Even the mighty king of reliability (Toyota) isn't without its issues.
I can say the Skyactiv engine and transmission is no gimmick and the very good fuel economy without the power penalty is very real at least with the 2.5. Even the 2.0 I had was no slouch in city driving. I would say my only gripe with Mazda is their lack of sound deadening material. I find both my Mazda5 and CX5 to be a bit noisy especially on the highway for the CX5.
I can say the Skyactiv engine and transmission is no gimmick and the very good fuel economy without the power penalty is very real at least with the 2.5. Even the 2.0 I had was no slouch in city driving. I would say my only gripe with Mazda is their lack of sound deadening material. I find both my Mazda5 and CX5 to be a bit noisy especially on the highway for the CX5.