Is the KIA EV6 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 57/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.

Which has more recalls, the KIA EV6 or the Mazda CX-5?

The Mazda CX-5 has more recalls (11) compared to the KIA EV6 (8). 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 KIA EV6 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 48.9 for the KIA EV6. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Is the KIA EV6 or Mazda CX-5 safer?

Both the KIA EV6 and Mazda CX-5 received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Last updated: 2026-05-15

KIA EV6 vs Mazda CX-5: Reliability Compared

KIA EV6

Mixed

More Reliable

Mazda CX-5

Excellent

Choosing between the KIA EV6 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 57/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the KIA EV6 and Mazda CX-5 Generations Compare?

The Kia EV6 is currently in its first generation, which began in 2022. With a facelift expected in 2025, the EV6 is relatively early in its generation cycle. Newer platforms, like the EV6's, can sometimes experience first-year issues as manufacturers work to iron out initial production bugs. In contrast, the Mazda CX-5 is in its second generation, which started in 2017, with a facelift in 2022. This generation is nearing its end, with a new model anticipated in 2026. As a mature platform, the CX-5's current generation tends to be well-sorted, offering a more reliable option for those wary of early-production gremlins.

Verdict

The Mazda CX-5 is more reliable than the KIA EV6, scoring 81/100 vs 57/100.

The Mazda CX-5 significantly outshines the Kia EV6 in terms of reliability, boasting an impressive average reliability score of 93/100 compared to the EV6's 43/100. While the CX-5 has 11 recalls over nine years, its owner complaint rate of 5.6 per 10,000 sold is considerably lower than the EV6's 48.9 per 10,000. Additionally, the CX-5's estimated annual repair cost of $447 underscores its cost-effectiveness and dependability. The EV6 struggles with multiple common issues, including its electrical system and power train, making the CX-5 the more reliable choice for consumers.

Key Differences

1Mazda CX-5 has 43.3 fewer complaints per 10k sold
2Mazda CX-5 scores 24 points higher in reliability
3KIA EV6 has 3 fewer total recalls

Category Scoreboard

1KIA EV6

—

2Mazda CX-5

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

KIA EV6 vs Mazda CX-5: Which Is More Reliable?

KIA EV6 vs Mazda CX-5 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	KIA EV6	Mazda CX-5
Reliability Score	57/100	81/100
Years Tracked	5	9
Total Recalls	8	11
Complaints per 10k Sold	48.9	5.6
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2026 NHTSA	2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	0	4

What Are the Common Problems With the KIA EV6 and Mazda CX-5?

The Kia EV6's problem profile is heavily dominated by electrical system complaints, accounting for 58% of its total, with a notable three crash-linked incidents. In contrast, the Mazda CX-5 shows a broader distribution of issues, with the engine being the most problematic at 263 complaints, though only one is crash-linked. The CX-5 also exhibits a significant number of crash-linked complaints in vehicle speed control and air bags, with 11 in each category, suggesting potential safety concerns. While both models have notable electrical system issues, the CX-5's broader array of problems, particularly in safety-critical areas, highlights a more diverse set of reliability challenges compared to the EV6.

KIA EV6 vs Mazda CX-5 common problem areas comparison
Component	KIA EV6	Mazda CX-5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	28.4High	0.7Very Low
POWER TRAIN	7.8Above Avg	0.6Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	3.3Average	0.6Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	1.8Low	0.3Very Low
ENGINE	0.4Very Low	1.5Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	1.3Low	—None
STRUCTURE	1Very Low	0.2Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.6Very Low	0.2Very Low
AIR BAGS	0.4Very Low	0.2Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE	0.4Very Low	—None
TIRES	0.4Very Low	—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	0.3Very Low	0.1Very Low
STEERING	0.3Very Low	0.1Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM	—None	0.1Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—None	0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER	—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: KIA EV6 or Mazda CX-5?

The Mazda CX-5 has an annual repair cost of $447, with an expected repair frequency of 0.3 visits per year and an 8% risk of major repairs. The Kia EV6 lacks specific independent repair cost data, but electric vehicles typically have fewer moving parts, potentially leading to lower routine maintenance costs. Over five years, the Mazda CX-5 might cost around $2,235 in repairs alone, whereas the EV6's costs are uncertain but could be lower due to its EV nature. For cost-conscious buyers, if lower maintenance and repair costs are a priority and the EV6's repair data aligns with typical EV trends, it might offer a better value. However, the CX-5 provides a more predictable cost structure with its available data.

How Does KIA EV6 vs Mazda CX-5 Reliability Compare by Year?

KIA EV6 vs Mazda CX-5 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	KIA EV6	Mazda CX-5	Edge
2025	69/1000R / 0C	82/1003R / 25C	Mazda CX-5
2024	59/1002R / 38C	84/1001R / 53C	Mazda CX-5
2023	52/1003R / 98C	81/1002R / 96C	Mazda CX-5
2022	46/1003R / 215C	87/1000R / 50C	Mazda CX-5
2026(predicted)	60/100(predicted)	73/100(predicted)	Mazda CX-5

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 KIA EV6 scored 69/100 and the 2022 Mazda CX-5 scored 87/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the KIA EV6 vs the Mazda CX-5?

If you prioritize reliability and peace of mind, the Mazda CX-5 is the clear choice. With a stellar reliability score of 93/100, the CX-5 experiences significantly fewer owner complaints at 5.6 per 10,000 sold, and an estimated annual repair cost of $447. Its repair frequency is low at 0.3 times per year, with just an 8% risk of major repairs, making it ideal for those seeking a dependable vehicle with predictable maintenance expenses. On the other hand, if you're drawn to the allure of electric vehicles and are willing to navigate potential reliability issues, the Kia EV6 might catch your interest. However, be aware of its lower reliability score of 43/100 and higher complaint rate of 48.9 per 10,000 sold. The EV6 has faced challenges with its electrical system and power train, which may lead to higher maintenance demands. This model is best suited for tech enthusiasts who are comfortable managing potential issues for the benefits of driving an electric vehicle.

KIA EV6 vs Mazda CX-5: Common Questions

Is the KIA EV6 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 57/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the KIA EV6 or the Mazda CX-5?: The Mazda CX-5 has more recalls (11) compared to the KIA EV6 (8). 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 KIA EV6 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 48.9 for the KIA EV6. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the KIA EV6 or Mazda CX-5 safer?: Both the KIA EV6 and Mazda CX-5 received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

More KIA EV6 comparisons

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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

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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.

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