When shopping for a compact SUV, safety ratings often top buyers' priority lists. The Mazda CX-5's NHTSA safety score of four out of five stars raises important questions for safety-conscious consumers comparing it against five-star rivals like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape. This in-depth analysis breaks down what these ratings truly mean for your driving experience.
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Understanding the CX-5's NHTSA Crash Test Results
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's evaluation reveals nuanced performance across different crash scenarios:
Frontal Crash Performance
Mazda's engineering excellence shines in frontal impacts, where the CX-5 achieved perfect five-star ratings for both driver and front passenger protection. This applies equally to both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations, demonstrating consistent structural integrity.
Side Impact Protection
While the CX-5 earned five stars for front-seat occupant protection in side collisions, rear-seat passengers received four-star protection. This differential suggests slightly less robust safety measures for backseat occupants, an important consideration for families.
Rollover Resistance
The four-star rollover rating reflects the SUV's higher center of gravity compared to sedans. However, this matches most competitors in the segment and comes with standard electronic stability control to help prevent rollover situations.
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Why the Overall Rating Differs From Component Scores
NHTSA clarifies that the overall safety rating isn't a simple average, but rather a weighted calculation that prioritizes different crash types based on real-world accident data. The CX-5's strong performance in high-frequency crash scenarios (frontal and side impacts) is somewhat offset by its rollover rating in the comprehensive evaluation.
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How the CX-5 Compares to Key Rivals
| Model | NHTSA Overall | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover | IIHS Top Safety Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda CX-5 | 4 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars (front)/4 stars (rear) | 4 stars | Partial |
| Honda CR-V | 5 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars | 4 stars | Yes |
| Toyota RAV4 | 5 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars | 4 stars | Yes |
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IIHS Safety Evaluations: Where the CX-5 Excels
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has awarded the CX-5 top marks in several critical areas:
- Moderate Overlap Front Test: Good rating (highest possible)
- Side Impact Test: Good rating
- Headlights: Acceptable to Good depending on trim
- Front Crash Prevention: Superior rating for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian systems
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Safety Features That Boost the CX-5's Protection
Mazda equips the CX-5 with advanced safety technologies that complement its crashworthiness:
- i-Activsense Suite: Standard on most trims, includes smart city brake support, radar cruise control, and lane-keep assist
- Reinforced Skyactiv-Body: High-strength steel construction with optimized impact absorption zones
- Advanced Airbag System: Includes front, side-impact, and side-curtain airbags with rollover deployment
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What Safety-Conscious Buyers Should Consider
While the CX-5's four-star NHTSA rating trails some competitors, context matters:
- Real-World Protection: The difference between 4 and 5 stars often comes down to small margins in test performance
- Active Safety Tech: The CX-5's excellent collision avoidance systems may prevent accidents before they occur
- Driver Assistance: Available 360-degree monitor and traffic sign recognition enhance situational awareness
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Expert Recommendations for Different Buyer Needs
For families: Consider the slightly lower rear-seat protection scores when comparing to CR-V or RAV4
For urban drivers: The CX-5's superior frontal crash ratings and collision avoidance systems may be ideal
For highway commuters: The available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality reduces fatigue
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The Bottom Line on CX-5 Safety
While the Mazda CX-5 doesn't achieve top marks in every NHTSA evaluation, its strong performance in common crash scenarios combined with advanced preventive safety features makes it a compelling choice. Buyers should weigh the specific safety aspects most relevant to their driving needs when comparing it to segment rivals.
