Knowing the size of any vehicle you might be considering goes beyond needing to know if it will fit into your parking space. The interior dimensions are an important factor in determining if it will comfortably fit your build, as well as if it is suitable for storing the cargo you wish to stow aboard. Should you be thinking about getting a Mazda CX-5 and want to know its specs and dimensions, we can help you.
We researched this popular vehicle from multiple professional sources so that you will know for sure all of its relevant measurements.
The Mazda CX-5 has the following dimensions and specs:
- Height of 66.2 inches
- Length of 179.1 inches
- Width of 72.5 inches
- Weight is 3,552 pounds
Now that we know how big the Mazda CX-5 is, we'll take a much closer look at the interior specs and dimensions. You might also be curious if this model vehicle is a compact or a mid-sized SUV or if it is capable of carrying skis. For the answers to these questions and more, read ahead in this post to see what our research has uncovered.
All the relevant Mazda CX-5 dimensions and specs
Earlier in this post, we pointed out the dimensions of the Mazda CX-5. As the interior dimensions can determine whether or not a particular model is suited for you and your family, we researched all of them and have them listed below. We have also added other relevant specs that this SUV has to make a more informed decision.
Interior dimensions
- Front legroom of 41.0 inches
- Front headroom of 39.7 inches
- Front shoulder room of 57.1 inches
- Front hip room of 55.2 inches
- Rear legroom of 39.6 inches
- Rear headroom of 39.0 inches
- Rear shoulder room of 54.8 inches
- Rear hip room of 55.3 inches
- Cargo volume of 30.9 cubic feet
- Total passenger room of 59.3 cubic feet
Relevant specs
- Payload capacity between 970 and 1,033 pounds
- Towing capacity of 2,000 pounds
- Seating capacity of five riders
- Maximum GVWR between 4,575 and 4,806 pounds
- Wheelbase of 106.2 inches
- Ground clearance of 7.5 inches
Please consult your owner's manual for a complete list of specs for this vehicle.
Which is bigger: CX-5 or CX-30?
When comparing model vehicles across the same automaker, you'll find a lot of differences in the specs, even if they are in the same class. When comparing Mazda's CX-5 to their CX-30, some dimensional differences are worth noting.
Overall, the CX-5 is a bit larger than the CX-30. Earlier in this post, we outlined all the dimensions and relevant specs for the CX-5. Here, we'll show those same specs for the CX-30, showing you that it is smaller than its counterpart in most areas.
Exterior dimensions
- Height of 61.7 inches
- Length of 173.0 inches
- Width of 70.7 inches
- Weight between 3,109 and 3,338 pounds
Interior dimensions
- Front legroom of 41.7 inches
- Front headroom of 37.8 inches
- Front shoulder room of 55.6 inches
- Front hip room of 54.6 inches
- Rear legroom of 36.3 inches
- Rear headroom of 38.3 inches
- Rear shoulder room of 53.6 inches
- Rear hip room of 54.6 inches
- Cargo volume of 20.2 cubic feet
- Total passenger room of 93.8 cubic feet
Relevant specs
- Payload capacity of 959 pounds
- Towing capacity between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds
- Seating capacity of five riders
- Maximum GVWR of 4,365 pounds
- Wheelbase of 104.4 inches
- Ground clearance of 8 inches
Is the Mazda CX-5 a compact or midsize SUV?
Determining on your own what class a vehicle belongs to by eyeballing the vehicle's exterior is usually relatively easy. After all, there is a significant difference in the size of a full SUV like a Chevy Suburban and the size of a mid-sized Toyota RAV-4. Length and height go a long way in helping you decide what class each one belongs in.
But it can be a little more tricky for some of the smaller SUVs. This is especially noticeable when you have models among the smallest [or largest] in their classes. To help determine what class of SUV the Mazda CX-5 belongs in, we first need to know how these classes are defined to begin with.
What decides what class each car belongs in?
Known as the replacement for the station wagon, a crossover SUV comes in both compact and mid-sized classifications. Higher off the ground and with generally more headroom than a sedan, these two classes also offer more storage space, and many come with all-wheel drive.
The range of length defines the compact crossover SUVs they fall into. Generally, a subcompact will be between 169.3 inches and 185.0 inches. On the other hand, a mid-sized SUV is between 185.0 inches and 200.8 inches.
With the above relevant information in mind, it's easy to determine that the Mazda CX-5 belongs in the class of compact SUVs.
What can fit in the back of a Mazda CX-5?
With a cargo hold of only 30.9 cubic feet, you'd think that you would have minimal options for what you can fit inside the back of a Mazda CX-5. While that is more than enough room for passenger luggage for a trip or for a lot of groceries, it's only a bit roomier than the trunk of an average-sized sedan. Are CX-5 owners on the short end of the stick for what they can haul on board?
Fortunately, the CX-5 comes with the ability to fold down the second row of seats. This will significantly open the rear portion of the vehicle to carry more items by the car. Folding these seats down gives you a total of 59.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, more than enough for larger or more cumbersome objects.
Small pieces of household furniture, medium-sized appliances, and other objects too big for the trunk of a sedan will be able to be carried by the Mazda CX-5. Additionally, a luggage rack can be affixed to the vehicle's roof, allowing for even more toting ability.
Can you fit skis in a Mazda CX-5?
The ability to fit long objects into your vehicle is a must for those who want to transport skis. Whether taking to the water or the mountains, being able to tote your skis to your desired destination can save you considerable rental fees. And not having to carry them on a roof rack appeals to some enthusiasts who might be staying overnight someplace on the way and fear that their gear might get stolen.
At an average of just over six feet, you might be wondering if snow skis are too long for the CX-5. Of course, you'd have to fold the seats down to attempt to fit them in the hatch. But carrying them on board is certainly possible. Sliding the skis through the middle of the rear and gently pushing them forward leaves plenty of room for luggage on either side, but also only room for the two riders in the front seats.
Longer skis might need to be slid in between these front two seats. But they will fit into the vehicle, with enough room for the rear hatch to close.
In conclusion
The Mazda CX-5 has been a popular compact crossover SUV. Like most vehicles in this class, the CX-5 can carry quite a bit of cargo, especially when the rear seats are folded down, doubling the available room. A roomy choice for a compact SUV, it's been a comfortable ride for many small families and commuters alike. Drive safe!
If you found this post on the Mazda CX-5 to be helpful, we encourage you to read the following posts about this popular automaker:
How Long Is A Mazda 3 [Plus Other Specs And Dimensions]
How Often Should You Service A Mazda 3? [Inc. Oil Change]
What SUVs Have Blind Spot Detection? [2021 Midsize And Full-Size]