
What Engine Does the 2015 Mazda CX-5 Have?
The 2015 Mazda CX-5 came with two engine options in North America: a 2.0L SKYACTIV-G 4-cylinder engine and a 2.5L SKYACTIV-G 4-cylinder engine.
The simple answer is this: most 2015 Mazda CX-5 models have the 2.5L SKYACTIV-G 4-cylinder engine, while the base Sport front-wheel-drive model could come with the smaller 2.0L SKYACTIV-G engine. Mazda’s official 2015 CX-5 specifications list the 2.0L engine at 155 horsepower and the 2.5L engine at 184 horsepower. Mazda 2015 CX-5 specs
2015 Mazda CX-5 Engine Options
The 2015 Mazda CX-5 was offered with Mazda’s SKYACTIV-G gasoline engines.
The smaller engine was a 2.0L SKYACTIV-G 4-cylinder. It produced 155 horsepower and was available on Sport front-wheel-drive models. Mazda offered it with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission, depending on configuration. Mazda 2015 CX-5 specs
The larger engine was a 2.5L SKYACTIV-G 4-cylinder. It produced 184 horsepower and was used on Sport AWD, Touring, and Grand Touring models. This engine came with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Mazda 2015 CX-5 specs
Which 2015 CX-5 Engine Is More Common?
The 2.5L engine is the more common and more desirable choice for most used buyers.
It gives the CX-5 better acceleration, stronger highway passing power, and a more relaxed driving feel than the 2.0L engine. The 2.0L is fuel-efficient and simple, but it can feel underpowered, especially with passengers, cargo, hills, or highway merging.
Edmunds notes that the 2015 Mazda CX-5 Sport front-wheel-drive model came with the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine making 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, while other models used the stronger 2.5L 4-cylinder with 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. Edmunds
2015 Mazda CX-5 2.0L Engine
The 2.0L SKYACTIV-G engine was the entry-level engine.
It made 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. This engine was mainly found in the base Sport front-wheel-drive model. It could be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
This engine is fine if you want a basic, efficient used SUV and do not care much about quick acceleration. But for most buyers, the 2.5L engine is the better fit.
2015 Mazda CX-5 2.5L Engine
The 2.5L SKYACTIV-G engine was the stronger option.
It made 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. It was standard on Touring and Grand Touring models and was also used on Sport AWD models. Edmunds lists the 2015 CX-5 Touring with a 2.5L inline-4 gas engine, 184 hp, 185 lb-ft of torque, and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Edmunds
For most shoppers, this is the engine to look for. It gives the CX-5 a better balance of fuel economy and usable power.
Is the 2015 Mazda CX-5 Engine Reliable?
Yes, the 2015 Mazda CX-5 engines are generally considered reliable, especially when maintained properly.
Mazda’s SKYACTIV-G engines are known for being efficient, relatively simple compared with turbocharged engines, and strong for daily driving. The 2015 CX-5 did not use a turbo engine in the North American market, which helps reduce complexity.
As with any used vehicle, maintenance matters. Before buying a 2015 CX-5, check for regular oil changes, coolant condition, transmission service history, clean startup, no warning lights, no oil leaks, and no signs of overheating.
Which 2015 Mazda CX-5 Engine Should You Buy?
For most buyers, the 2.5L SKYACTIV-G engine is the better choice.
It has more power, better real-world drivability, and is easier to recommend for highway driving, family use, and daily commuting. The 2.0L engine can still be a good option if the price is right and you want the simplest base model, but it is not as strong when the vehicle is loaded.
If you are shopping used, focus more on condition than engine alone. A clean 2.0L CX-5 with full service records can be better than a neglected 2.5L model.
FAQs About the 2015 Mazda CX-5 Engine
What engine does the 2015 Mazda CX-5 have?
The 2015 Mazda CX-5 has either a 2.0L SKYACTIV-G 4-cylinder engine or a 2.5L SKYACTIV-G 4-cylinder engine, depending on trim and drivetrain.
Does the 2015 Mazda CX-5 have a V6?
No, the 2015 Mazda CX-5 does not have a V6 engine. It only came with 4-cylinder gasoline engines in North America.
How much horsepower does the 2015 Mazda CX-5 have?
The 2.0L engine makes 155 horsepower, while the 2.5L engine makes 184 horsepower.
Which 2015 Mazda CX-5 engine is better?
The 2.5L SKYACTIV-G 4-cylinder is better for most buyers because it has more power and feels stronger in everyday driving.
Is the 2015 Mazda CX-5 turbocharged?
No, the 2015 Mazda CX-5 was not turbocharged in the North American market. Turbocharged CX-5 models came later.
Final Thoughts: The 2.5L Is the One Most Buyers Want
The 2015 Mazda CX-5 came with two engines: a 2.0L SKYACTIV-G 4-cylinder and a 2.5L SKYACTIV-G 4-cylinder.
The 2.0L engine was mainly for base Sport front-wheel-drive models. The 2.5L engine was used in more trims and is the better choice for most shoppers because it offers stronger acceleration and better everyday drivability.
If you are buying a used 2015 CX-5, look for the 2.5L engine, clean maintenance records, no warning lights, and a solid inspection. That combination gives you the best chance of getting a dependable compact SUV with Mazda’s sharp driving feel.


