Is the GMC Terrain 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 72/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the GMC Terrain or the Mazda CX-5?

The GMC Terrain has more recalls (19) 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 GMC Terrain or the Mazda CX-5?

Adjusted for sales volume, the GMC Terrain has a lower complaint rate at 4.8 per 10,000 sold versus 5.6 for the Mazda CX-5. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Which is cheaper to maintain, the GMC Terrain or the Mazda CX-5?

Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Mazda CX-5 is cheaper to maintain at $447/year versus $558/year for the GMC Terrain.

Last updated: 2026-03-04

GMC Terrain vs Mazda CX-5: Reliability Compared

GMC Terrain

Good

More Reliable

Mazda CX-5

Excellent

Choosing between the GMC Terrain 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 72/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the GMC Terrain and Mazda CX-5 Generations Compare?

As of now, the Mazda CX-5 is in its second generation, which began in 2017, with a facelift in 2022. This suggests it is in a mature stage of its generation cycle, typically indicating well-sorted reliability as any initial issues would likely have been addressed. In contrast, the GMC Terrain is in its second generation, which started in 2018 and received a facelift in 2022. Like the CX-5, it too benefits from being later in its cycle, which often translates to enhanced reliability. Both models are set for new generations soon, with the CX-5's third generation launching in 2026 and the Terrain's third generation in 2025, where first-year teething issues might arise.

Verdict

The Mazda CX-5 is more reliable than the GMC Terrain, scoring 81/100 vs 72/100.

The Mazda CX-5 stands out with a higher average reliability score of 93/100 compared to the GMC Terrain's 76/100, indicating superior overall dependability. Despite a slightly higher owner complaint rate of 5.6 per 10,000 sold, the CX-5 benefits from a lower estimated annual repair cost of $447 versus the Terrain's $558. Additionally, the CX-5 has experienced fewer recalls, with 11 across nine years, compared to the Terrain's 19. These factors collectively suggest the Mazda CX-5 offers better reliability and lower ownership costs than the GMC Terrain.

Key Differences

1Mazda CX-5 costs $111 less per year to repair
2Mazda CX-5 scores 9 points higher in reliability
3Mazda CX-5 has 9% lower major repair risk

Category Scoreboard

1GMC Terrain

—

4Mazda CX-5

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencyMajor Repair Risk

GMC Terrain vs Mazda CX-5: Which Is More Reliable?

GMC Terrain vs Mazda CX-5 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	GMC Terrain	Mazda CX-5
Reliability Score	72/100	81/100
Years Tracked	9	9
Total Recalls	19	11
Complaints per 10k Sold	4.8	5.6
Annual Repair Cost	$558/yr	$447/yr
Repair Frequency	0.3/yr	0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk	17%	8%
Year Wins	0	8

What Are the Common Problems With the GMC Terrain and Mazda CX-5?

The Mazda CX-5 and GMC Terrain exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the CX-5 showing a higher total number of complaints at 986 compared to the Terrain's 675. The CX-5 is notably affected by engine issues, accounting for 263 complaints, including one crash-linked, and has significant concerns in the electrical system and airbags, both of which have a high number of crash-linked incidents (7 and 11 respectively). In contrast, the GMC Terrain's most significant problem area is the service brakes, with 146 complaints, 8 of which are crash-linked, and the power train, with 135 complaints. While the CX-5 has a broader distribution of issues across different categories, the Terrain's complaints are more concentrated in specific areas, particularly in the power train and service brakes.

GMC Terrain vs Mazda CX-5 common problem areas comparison
Component	GMC Terrain	Mazda CX-5
ENGINE	0.4Very Low	1.5Low
POWER TRAIN	1Very Low	0.6Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	1Very Low	0.3Very Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	0.6Very Low	0.7Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.5Very Low	0.6Very Low
AIR BAGS	0.1Very Low	0.2Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.1Very Low	0.2Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	0.2Very Low	—None
FUEL SYSTEM	0.1Very Low	0.1Very Low
STEERING	0.1Very Low	0.1Very Low
STRUCTURE	—None	0.2Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER	—None	0.1Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—None	0.1Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—None	—None
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)	—None	—None
SEATS	—None	—None
LANE DEPARTURE	—None	—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	—None	—None
SUSPENSION	—None	—None

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

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: GMC Terrain or Mazda CX-5?

The Mazda CX-5 presents a more budget-friendly option for maintenance and repairs, with an annual cost of $447, compared to the GMC Terrain's $558. Over five years, this difference translates to a savings of $555 for CX-5 owners. Both models have a similar repair frequency of 0.3 visits per year, indicating they require similar attention in terms of the number of visits. However, the CX-5 has a significantly lower major repair risk at 8%, compared to the Terrain's 17%, suggesting fewer unexpected, costly repairs. For cost-conscious buyers, the Mazda CX-5 offers better value, balancing lower annual costs with reduced risk of major repairs.

How Does GMC Terrain vs Mazda CX-5 Reliability Compare by Year?

GMC Terrain vs Mazda CX-5 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	GMC Terrain	Mazda CX-5	Edge
2025	78/1000R / 8C	82/1003R / 25C	Mazda CX-5
2024	77/1001R / 29C	84/1001R / 53C	Mazda CX-5
2023	75/1002R / 21C	81/1002R / 96C	Mazda CX-5
2022	72/1004R / 65C	87/1000R / 50C	Mazda CX-5
2021	74/1002R / 28C	83/1000R / 129C	Mazda CX-5
2020	68/1002R / 160C	86/1000R / 94C	Mazda CX-5
2019	68/1003R / 163C	75/1002R / 229C	Mazda CX-5
2018	66/1005R / 201C	71/1003R / 310C	Mazda CX-5
2026(predicted)	77/100(predicted)	73/100(predicted)	GMC Terrain

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 GMC Terrain scored 78/100 and the 2022 Mazda CX-5 scored 87/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the GMC Terrain vs the Mazda CX-5?

If you prioritize reliability and lower long-term costs, the Mazda CX-5 is an excellent choice. With a high reliability score of 93/100 and an estimated annual repair cost of $447, it promises peace of mind and savings. The CX-5 has fewer recalls (11) compared to the GMC Terrain and a lower major repair risk at 8%. Although it has a slightly higher owner complaint rate, its overall dependability and cost-effectiveness make it ideal for those who value longevity and lower maintenance expenses. On the other hand, if you are more concerned with initial purchase considerations and can handle slightly higher repair costs, the GMC Terrain might suit your preferences. Despite its lower reliability score of 76/100 and higher annual repair cost of $558, it has fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold. However, with a major repair risk of 17% and 19 total recalls, it's best for buyers who are less concerned with long-term reliability and more focused on immediate features or pricing.

GMC Terrain vs Mazda CX-5: Common Questions

Is the GMC Terrain 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 72/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the GMC Terrain or the Mazda CX-5?: The GMC Terrain has more recalls (19) 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 GMC Terrain or the Mazda CX-5?: Adjusted for sales volume, the GMC Terrain has a lower complaint rate at 4.8 per 10,000 sold versus 5.6 for the Mazda CX-5. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the GMC Terrain or the Mazda CX-5?: Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Mazda CX-5 is cheaper to maintain at $447/year versus $558/year for the GMC Terrain.

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More Mazda CX-5 comparisons

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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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