What is the best year for a Mazda CX-5?

From available data, 2024 (38 complaints, 10/10 safety, 4 severe) and 2025 (22 complaints, 10/10 safety, 5 severe) are the cleanest years on record. Complaint data for 2015-2022 isn't available in our dataset, so those years can't be assessed directly. Early years 2013-2014 had higher complaint counts and are best avoided.

How much does Mazda CX-5 insurance cost?

CX-5 insurance averages about $1,947/year — roughly $162/month — the most affordable among compact SUVs with full data.

Is the Mazda CX-5 or Toyota RAV4 cheaper to maintain?

The RAV4 is $18/year cheaper — $429 versus $447 for the CX-5. The CX-5 has higher reliability (9 vs. 8) and a lower major repair probability (8% vs. 10%). The RAV4 costs slightly less per year; the CX-5 carries a better long-term reliability profile.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Mazda CX-5?

Major repair probability of 8% — well below the class average of 11% — and a 9/10 reliability score make extended warranty unnecessary for most buyers. Self-insuring is the better financial decision.

Is the Nissan Murano expensive to maintain?

The Murano averages $507/year in maintenance — $66 below the midsize segment average of $573. However, repair frequency of 51% is well above the class average of 40%, meaning owners visit for unscheduled repairs more often than most midsize rivals. Major repair probability of 14% is slightly above the 13% segment average. Lower annual cost but higher visit frequency — a mixed profile.

What is the best year for a Nissan Murano?

From available data, 2024 (4 complaints, 10/10 safety, 0 severe) and 2023 (6 complaints, 10/10 safety, 2 severe) are exceptional years. Complaint data has significant gaps in our records between 2013 and 2022, so years in that range can't be fully assessed. Recent production shows very low complaint activity.

How much does Nissan Murano insurance cost?

Murano insurance averages around $2,418/year — roughly $202/month.

Is the Nissan Murano or Chevrolet Blazer cheaper to maintain?

The Murano is $14/year cheaper than the Blazer — $507 versus $521 — a negligible difference. The Blazer has a higher reliability score (8 vs. 7), lower major repair probability (11% vs. 14%), and much lower repair frequency (28% vs. 51%). On total maintenance value, the Blazer holds a meaningful advantage despite nearly identical annual cost.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Nissan Murano?

Repair frequency of 51% is the highest in the midsize segment. While the annual dollar cost is below average, the elevated visit frequency means more exposure to labor charges and potential additional repairs discovered during service. Warranty coverage is worth considering for used models to help contain those costs.

Mazda CX-5 vs Nissan Murano

Two compact SUVs compared on the numbers that matter — maintenance cost, reliability, and insurance.

// VERDICT

Our verdict

Buy the Mazda CX-5 — lower 5-year cost and better reliability.

Buy the Nissan Murano if its specific features or size suit your needs better.

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	Mazda CX-5	Nissan Murano
Annual maintenance	$447winner	$507
5-year total cost	$2,235winner	$2,535
Reliability score	9 / 10winner	7 / 10
Major repair risk (5yr)	8%winner	14%
Cargo space	—	—
Starting price (new)	$29,990winner	$41,670
Best years to buy	—	2023

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	Mazda CX-5	Nissan Murano
RepairPal score	9 / 10winner	7 / 10
NHTSA complaints / 100k	106.6winner	166.8
Years to avoid	2014, 2025	2010, 2011, 2012
Value retained · 3 yr	78.5%winner	62.2%
Value retained · 5 yr	62.1%winner	47.3%
Value retained · 7 yr	53.2%winner	37.4%

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

	Mazda CX-5	Nissan Murano
Engine	12.8%	5.7%winner
Electrical	23.1%	7.0%winner
ADAS	8.5%	5.9%winner
Brakes	7.6%winner	19.8%
Suspension	—winner	5.1%
Steering	2.0%winner	2.2%
Fuel system	1.6%	1.1%winner
Tires/Wheels	1.3%winner	1.5%
Glass/Windows	14.4%	8.1%winner
Airbags	1.6%winner	9.5%
Lighting	2.5%	—winner

One major repair on either model can run $1,500–4,000. A warranty caps your exposure, especially on known problem years.

// INSURANCE

Which is cheaper to insure?

	Mazda CX-5	Nissan Murano
Avg annual premium	$1,947winner	$2,418

// FULL MODEL PAGES

GAS

Mazda CX-5

$447/yr maint · 9 reliability

Full model page

GAS

Nissan Murano

$507/yr maint · 7 reliability

Full model page

// FAQ

Common questions

The CX-5 averages $447/year in maintenance — $74 below the compact segment average of $521. Its 9/10 reliability score is above the class average, major repair probability of 8% is well below the 11% norm, and repair frequency of 28% is below the 30% class average. One of the strongest ownership-cost profiles in the compact class.

How we calculated this. Maintenance costs and reliability scores from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →