Can The Mazda CX-5 Tow a Camper Trailer?
The Mazda CX-5 is a head-turner in the compact crossover division. The gorgeous curves and sleek color options create a sense of motion, even at a standstill.
But is the Mazda CX-5 more than just a good-looking vehicle? Or can it pull its weight when it comes to towing a camper trailer too?
Let’s dig into a few of its specs and see!
Mazda CX-5 Towing Capacity
Towing capacity is the amount of weight a vehicle is rated to pull. The Mazda CX-5 has a towing capacity of 2000 pounds across all models in the CX-5 line. Despite the CX-5 being a premier car in its class, the towing capacity is on par with competitors.
For this car being a stand-out in so many other areas, it’s disappointing that the CX-5 lacks in towing capacity. This is one area to keep an eye on as Mazda continues to develop the CX-5 line. We would love to see Mazda hit 3000 or 3500 pounds towing capacity and separate it from the rest of the pack even further.
Other Specs & Features
Understandably, the CX-5 is short on towing capacity. After all, it’s not produced with pulling in mind. Mazda designed the SUV as a compact crossover packed with power and performance. The 2.5-liter Turbo Engine creates 250 horsepower of acceleration, which screams power and performance.
The layered wood trim, leather-trimmed seats, and premium stitching create one of the most luxurious cockpits in its class. The displays, gauges, and buttons are all positioned for easy access and visibility. With so many high-tech features loaded into the CX-5, it should come as no surprise that you’ll have access to many important services from your phone. Remote start your engine or checking vehicle status? It couldn’t be easier from your cell phone.
Can the Mazda CX-5 Tow a Camper Trailer?
Mazda created the CX-5 for power and performance. Even mid-size SUVs struggle in the towing department, so it’s not surprising that the CX-5 isn’t well-known for its ability to tow. The Mazda CX-5, like many compact crossovers, suffers from low capacity in two key areas.
The towing capacity of the Mazda CX-5 is right at 2000 pounds. In other words, Mazda states the CX-5 can safely pull up to 2000 pounds without risking damage to the driver and passengers or vehicle itself. While there are campers that weigh in under 2000 pounds dry, they’re not going to be large.
Payload capacity is the other key metric that’s lacking when it comes to the CX-5. The payload capacity is the amount of weight that can be added to the vehicle for optimal performance. Mazda rates the CX-5 at 1033 pounds. This means includes the weight of all passengers, cargo, and trailers must be under 1033 pounds. While it’s possible to find campers that meet these towing numbers, options are certainly restricted.
What Kind of Campers Can It Tow?
With such a small towing and payload capacity, any camper the Mazda CX-5 tows will have to be light – very light. We’ve found a couple of campers that the CX-5 could tow, but even many pop-up campers are over the towing capacity of the Mazda CX-5.
The Ranger 12 made by Aliner is one great example. It weighs in at 1450 pounds, which gives some room to add gear and still be under the towing capacity. You’ll also only have to account for 150 or so pounds for your payload capacity. This would make a good camper for families to make weekend memories.
If you’re okay with compact designs and an overlanding experience, the Expedition Series by Turtleback will do the trick. Despite its small appearance, this camper can sleep 2-6 people. Big things do come in small packages!
Is the Mazda CX-5 a Good Car for Towing?
Like many crossover vehicles, the CX-5 is not specifically devised with towing in mind. Again, Mazda designed it for functionality and performance. We’d love to see towing improved on the CX-5 in the future, but it’s currently a below-average car for that purpose. It could tow a trailer with some smaller dirt bikes and, as we’ve shown, extremely lightweight campers, but not much more.
How Much Is a Mazda CX-5?
The Mazda CX-5 has seven different trim packages, each with its own pricing. The Sport ($25,370), Touring ($27,110), Carbon Edition ($28,955), and the Grand Touring ($30,560) all boast a 2.5-liter engine with 187 horsepower.
Sometimes you want more power. You’ll find a larger engine in the Carbon Edition Turbo ($30,760), Grand Touring Reserve ($35,385), and the Signature ($37,505) trims. This larger engine is a 2.5-liter Turbo that cranks out 250 horsepower. You’ll feel every bit of the Turbo engine when you’re accelerating onto the interstate.
Is the CX-5 a Reliable Vehicle?
When you’ve paid good money for a car, the last thing you want to do is spend more at the mechanic. Luckily, the CX-5 was given 4.5 stars for reliability and is ranked #1 for the most reliable midsize SUV on the market. If spending less time at the shop and more time on the road is something you desire, the CX-5 is a great choice.
Is The Mazda CX-5 All-Wheel Drive?
The Mazda CX-5 comes standard with front-wheel drive though you can upgrade to all-wheel drive when purchasing. Like many upgrades, all-wheel drive will cost you. Expect to pay an additional $1400 for an all-wheel-drive model.
Mazda CX-5 Towing Capacity is Underwhelming
The Mazda CX-5 is an incredibly well-designed car for performance. It does all that it’s created to do extremely well and does it while looking great. Mazda, on the other hand, did not make it for towing. It can do the job, but it’s ultimately not an ideal tow vehicle.
Expert advice: When shopping for a new tow vehicle, be sure to find out it’s towing capacity first.
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