Which CX-5 years should I avoid?

NHTSA data flags 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2019 as CX-5 years to avoid, with 2016 posting the highest complaint index of 100 and 510 complaints.

Which 4Runner years should I avoid?

NHTSA data flags 2011, 2022, 2023 and 2025 as 4Runner years to avoid. The 2025 model year has a complaint index of 100, the highest in the lineup.

Does the CX-5 or 4Runner have more recalls?

The 4Runner has 34 total recall campaigns across its years covered versus 8 for the CX-5, based on NHTSA recall data.

Which gets better fuel economy, the CX-5 or 4Runner?

The CX-5 averages 26.5 MPG combined while the 4Runner averages 18.1 MPG combined, per EPA figures.

Can I say which model is more reliable overall?

No. NHTSA does not publish sales data, so total complaint counts (2,430 for the CX-5 and 1,046 for the 4Runner) are not normalized per vehicle sold and can't determine an overall winner.

Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota 4Runner: Which Years to Avoid

Mazda CX-5 years to avoid are 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2019; Toyota 4Runner years to avoid are 2011, 2022, 2023 and 2025. The CX-5 averages 26.5 MPG combined versus 18.1 for the 4Runner. Complaint totals (2,430 vs 1,046) aren't sales-normalized, so they can't declare an overall winner.

Head to head

Mazda CX-5

Model years: 2012–2025 (14)
NHTSA complaints: 2,430
Per model year: 174
Recall campaigns: 8
Years to avoid: 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019
Best years: 2015, 2017, 2022
Top problem area: Engine
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 26.5
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.8 ★

Toyota 4Runner

Model years: 2010–2025 (16)
NHTSA complaints: 1,046
Per model year: 65
Recall campaigns: 34
Years to avoid: 2011, 2022, 2023, 2025
Best years: 2013, 2017, 2021, 2024
Top problem area: Airbags
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 18.1
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.0 ★

Year by year

Complaint Index is relative within each model (0 = that model’s best year, 100 = its worst). Complaints and recalls are raw counts.

Year	CX-5				4Runner
Year	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2010	—	—	—	—	Caution	145	12	19
2011	—	—	—	—	Avoid	163	10	19
2012	No verdict	1	0	—	Caution	96	8	19
2013	Good	194	1	28	Best	36	6	18
2014	Avoid	377	3	27	Good	77	7	18
2015	Best	133	3	27	Caution	86	9	18
2016	Avoid	510	4	29	Caution	79	8	18
2017	Best	148	1	26.5	Best	36	5	18
2018	Avoid	349	3	28	Good	58	5	18
2019	Avoid	270	2	27	Good	65	4	18
2020	Good	106	0	26	Good	33	1	17
2021	Caution	146	0	25.5	Best	36	1	17
2022	Best	63	0	25	Avoid	39	3	17
2023	Caution	62	0	25	Avoid	32	1	17
2024	Good	44	0	25	Best	8	1	17
2025	Caution	27	0	25	Avoid	57	1	22

Complaint Index by year

Mazda CX-5

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Toyota 4Runner

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Frequently asked questions

Which CX-5 years should I avoid?: NHTSA data flags 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2019 as CX-5 years to avoid, with 2016 posting the highest complaint index of 100 and 510 complaints.
Which 4Runner years should I avoid?: NHTSA data flags 2011, 2022, 2023 and 2025 as 4Runner years to avoid. The 2025 model year has a complaint index of 100, the highest in the lineup.
Does the CX-5 or 4Runner have more recalls?: The 4Runner has 34 total recall campaigns across its years covered versus 8 for the CX-5, based on NHTSA recall data.
Which gets better fuel economy, the CX-5 or 4Runner?: The CX-5 averages 26.5 MPG combined while the 4Runner averages 18.1 MPG combined, per EPA figures.
Can I say which model is more reliable overall?: No. NHTSA does not publish sales data, so total complaint counts (2,430 for the CX-5 and 1,046 for the 4Runner) are not normalized per vehicle sold and can't determine an overall winner.