Is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 more reliable than the Mazda CX-5?

Based on our data, the Mazda CX-5 is more reliable with an average score of 81/100 compared to 52/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.

Which has more recalls, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or the Mazda CX-5?

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has more recalls (18) compared to the Mazda CX-5 (11). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or the Mazda CX-5?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Mazda CX-5 has a lower complaint rate at 5.6 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 63.4 for the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-05-15

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Mazda CX-5: Reliability Compared

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Mixed

More Reliable

Mazda CX-5

Excellent

Choosing between the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Mazda CX-5? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Mazda CX-5 currently leads with an average score of 81/100 compared to 52/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Mazda CX-5 Generations Compare?

The Mazda CX-5 is currently in its second generation (KF), which began in 2017 and received a facelift in 2022. This generation is approaching its end, making it a mature platform with well-sorted reliability, as most early issues have likely been addressed. In contrast, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is in its first generation (NE), which started in 2022 and received a facelift in 2024. Being early in its lifecycle, the Ioniq 5 might still face initial teething problems typical of new platforms. For car buyers prioritizing reliability, the Mazda CX-5's established platform may offer more predictability compared to the relatively new Ioniq 5.

Verdict

The Mazda CX-5 is more reliable than the Hyundai Ioniq 5, scoring 81/100 vs 52/100.

The Mazda CX-5 demonstrates superior reliability with an average score of 93/100 compared to the Hyundai Ioniq 5's 44/100. It also boasts significantly fewer owner complaints at 5.6 per 10,000 sold versus 63.4 for the Ioniq 5. While the CX-5 has had 11 recalls over nine years, the Ioniq 5 has 18 in just five years, indicating more frequent issues. Additionally, the CX-5 has a manageable estimated annual repair cost of $447, making it the more dependable choice for reliability and maintenance.

Key Differences

1Mazda CX-5 has 57.8 fewer complaints per 10k sold
2Mazda CX-5 scores 29 points higher in reliability
3Mazda CX-5 has 7 fewer total recalls

Category Scoreboard

0Hyundai Ioniq 5

—

3Mazda CX-5

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Mazda CX-5: Which Is More Reliable?

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Mazda CX-5 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Hyundai Ioniq 5	Mazda CX-5
Reliability Score	52/100	81/100
Years Tracked	5	9
Total Recalls	18	11
Complaints per 10k Sold	63.4	5.6
Year Wins	0	4

What Are the Common Problems With the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Mazda CX-5?

The Mazda CX-5 exhibits a significant number of complaints related to engine issues, with 263 complaints and one crash-linked incident, indicating a potential area of concern. In contrast, the Hyundai Ioniq 5's primary issue lies with its electrical system, accounting for 554 complaints, though fewer are crash-linked compared to the Mazda's electrical system issues. Notably, the CX-5 has high crash-linked complaints in vehicle speed control and air bags, with 11 incidents each, suggesting critical safety concerns. Meanwhile, the Ioniq 5 shows a broader distribution of problems, but with fewer crash-linked incidents overall, except in its power train and forward collision avoidance systems.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Mazda CX-5 common problem areas comparison
Component	Hyundai Ioniq 5	Mazda CX-5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	36.8High	0.7Very Low
POWER TRAIN	12.1Above Avg	0.6Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	2.9Low	0.6Very Low
ENGINE	0.4Very Low	1.5Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	1.5Low	—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	1.4Low	0.1Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	1.3Low	0.2Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	1.2Low	0.3Very Low
STEERING	0.9Very Low	0.1Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE	0.4Very Low	—None
TIRES	0.4Very Low	—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	0.3Very Low	0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER	0.3Very Low	0.1Very Low
AIR BAGS	—None	0.2Very Low
STRUCTURE	—None	0.2Very Low
PARKING BRAKE	0.1Very Low	—None
FUEL SYSTEM	—None	0.1Very Low
SUSPENSION	—None	—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	—None	—None
SEATS	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Mazda CX-5?

The Mazda CX-5 has an estimated annual repair cost of $447, with a repair frequency of 0.3 visits per year and an 8% risk of major repairs. This means owners might expect a repair once every three years, with a relatively low chance of encountering significant issues. In contrast, specific repair cost data for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is unavailable, which makes a direct comparison challenging. However, for cost-conscious buyers focused on predictability and lower maintenance risk, the Mazda CX-5 provides a clearer picture of potential expenses. Over five years, Mazda's repair costs could total around $2,235, offering a sense of stability for budget planning.

How Does Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Mazda CX-5 Reliability Compare by Year?

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Mazda CX-5 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Hyundai Ioniq 5	Mazda CX-5	Edge
2025	53/1008R / 158C	82/1003R / 25C	Mazda CX-5
2024	58/1002R / 134C	84/1001R / 53C	Mazda CX-5
2023	50/1003R / 311C	81/1002R / 96C	Mazda CX-5
2022	46/1003R / 349C	87/1000R / 50C	Mazda CX-5
2026(predicted)	54/100(predicted)	73/100(predicted)	Mazda CX-5

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 scored 58/100 and the 2022 Mazda CX-5 scored 87/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs the Mazda CX-5?

If you prioritize reliability and low maintenance costs, the Mazda CX-5 is your best bet. With a high reliability score of 93 out of 100, it has a low major repair risk of 8% and an estimated annual repair cost of $447. The CX-5 also reports fewer owner complaints at 5.6 per 10,000 sold and has a repair frequency of only 0.3 times per year, making it a dependable choice for those who seek peace of mind. On the other hand, if you're drawn to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, consider your tolerance for potential issues. It has a lower reliability score of 44 and a higher rate of owner complaints at 63.4 per 10,000 sold. The Ioniq 5 faces challenges with its electrical system and forward collision avoidance, reflected in its 18 total recalls. Choose the Ioniq 5 if you prioritize its features and can manage a higher risk of repairs.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Mazda CX-5: Common Questions

Is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 more reliable than the Mazda CX-5?: Based on our data, the Mazda CX-5 is more reliable with an average score of 81/100 compared to 52/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or the Mazda CX-5?: The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has more recalls (18) compared to the Mazda CX-5 (11). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or the Mazda CX-5?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Mazda CX-5 has a lower complaint rate at 5.6 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 63.4 for the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Hyundai Ioniq 5 comparisons

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs KIA EV6 reliability Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Toyota bZ4X reliability Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Tesla Model Y reliability Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Ford Mustang Mach-E reliability Hyundai Ioniq 5 reliability by year Hyundai Ioniq 5 years to avoid

More Mazda CX-5 comparisons

Mazda CX-5 vs Hyundai Tucson reliability Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4 reliability Mazda CX-5 vs KIA Sportage reliability Mazda CX-5 vs Honda CR-V reliability Mazda CX-5 reliability by year Mazda CX-5 years to avoid

Decided between Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Mazda CX-5? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

See incorrect data? Report an issue