2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. 2027 Kia Telluride: Which Three-Row SUV Belongs in Your Driveway?

Is Mazda the Safest Car Brand? What the 2026 Data Shows Mazda earned more IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards than any brand in 2026 — for the third straight year. Consumer Reports also named it the first-ever Safest New-Car Brand. Here’s what the data means. LaFontaine Mazda Kalamazoo | June 2026 | 6-minute read For the third consecutive year, Mazda has earned more IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards than any other brand in America. And in early 2026, Consumer Reports made it official — naming Mazda its first-ever Safest New-Car Brand, a designation the publication had never given any automaker before. If you've wondered whether Mazda's safety reputation is marketing or data, this is the data. Here's exactly what the numbers show — and why it matters when you're shopping for a new vehicle near Kalamazoo. 8 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Awards in 2026 — most of any brand 3rd Consecutive year Mazda has led the industry in TSP+ awards 1st Brand ever named Safest New-Car Brand by Consumer Reports $0 Extra cost — i-ACTIVSENSE safety standard on every Mazda trim Is Mazda Actually the Safest Car Brand? Direct Answer Yes. For 2026, Mazda earned eight IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards — more than any other brand, for the third year running. Consumer Reports named Mazda its first-ever Safest New-Car Brand, the only time that designation has been given to any automaker. No other brand holds both distinctions at the same time. The short version: this isn't opinion or brand positioning. Two of the most respected independent safety organizations in the United States — the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports — both arrived at the same conclusion independently. When a brand leads both, the data is hard to argue with. What Did Consumer Reports Name Mazda in 2026? Consumer Reports named Mazda its first-ever Safest New-Car Brand for 2026 — a distinction the publication had never awarded in its history. Consumer Reports evaluates safety across four dimensions: crash test results, crash avoidance technology, braking performance, and the usability of safety controls. The last category — usability — is where many manufacturers stumble, as poorly designed touchscreens and complex menus distract drivers and increase accident risk. Mazda earned top marks across all four categories, with i-ACTIVSENSE safety tech standard at every trim level and a redesigned interface built to minimize driver distraction. How Many IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Awards Does Mazda Have in 2026? Mazda earned eight IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards for the 2026 model year — more than any other automaker, under the strictest criteria the IIHS has ever applied. The criteria were tightened for 2026 to include a new vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention test evaluated at 31, 37, and 43 mph against cars, motorcycles, and semi-trailers. Mazda passed under those stricter standards while many competitors did not. "Mazda continues to excel in safety with eight IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ models this year. They are providing consumers with the best in safety features at a range of prices." — David Harkey, President, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Here are all nine 2026 Mazda models earning the top IIHS award, and what four of them start at: Model IIHS TSP+ 2026 Starting MSRP Mazda3 Sedan ✓ Top Safety Pick+ From $24,550 Mazda3 Hatchback ✓ Top Safety Pick+ From $25,550 Mazda CX-30 ✓ Top Safety Pick+ From $25,975 Mazda CX-50 ✓ Top Safety Pick+ From $29,900 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid ✓ Top Safety Pick+ See dealer Mazda CX-70 ✓ Top Safety Pick+ See dealer Mazda CX-70 PHEV ✓ Top Safety Pick+ See dealer Mazda CX-90 ✓ Top Safety Pick+ See dealer Mazda CX-90 PHEV ✓ Top Safety Pick+ See dealer Four of those nine award-winning models start under $30,000 — more affordable TSP+ winners than any other brand offers. What Does IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Actually Mean? The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) is an independent research organization funded by insurance companies — which have a direct financial interest in making crashes rare. To earn Top Safety Pick+, a vehicle must score "Good" in every major crash test category, including: Small overlap front crash test Moderate overlap front crash test Side impact test Pedestrian front crash prevention Vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention (new, stricter version for 2026) Acceptable or Good headlight ratings Top Safety Pick+ is the highest award the IIHS gives. Only 45 vehicles earned it across all brands in 2026. Mazda placed nine of them. What Safety Features Come Standard on Every Mazda? A key reason Mazda leads safety rankings is that i-ACTIVSENSE — Mazda's full driver-assistance suite — comes standard on every Mazda at every trim level. Most brands charge extra for these features or limit them to higher trims. Mazda includes them all at the base price. i-ACTIVSENSE standard features include: Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection Blind Spot Monitoring Rear Cross-Traffic Alert Lane Keep Assist Driver Attention Alert High Beam Control This is exactly what IIHS President David Harkey called out specifically — providing the best safety features "at a range of prices." How Does Mazda Safety Compare to Toyota, Honda, and Subaru? Subaru has built a strong safety reputation — and rightly so. Toyota and Honda are among the most trusted brands in America. Here's how the 2026 IIHS award count actually compares: Brand IIHS TSP+ Awards (2026) Consumer Reports Safety Safety Standard on All Trims? Mazda 8 — most of any brand First-ever Safest New-Car Brand Yes — all trims Hyundai 6 Strong Select trims Audi 6 Strong Select trims Genesis 5 Strong Select trims Kia 4 Strong Select trims Subaru 3 Strong Select trims Toyota 2 Strong Select trims Honda 2 Strong Select trims Subaru is often positioned as the safety leader in the SUV market — but Mazda earned nearly three times as many top-tier IIHS awards in 2026. The data gap is larger than most buyers realize going into their search. Is Mazda a Safe Choice for Teen Drivers? This is one of the most common questions parents ask when shopping for a first vehicle. In 2026, IIHS and Consumer Reports released their annual recommended vehicles for teen drivers. Mazda tied for the most models on the list with six recommendations — more than Toyota and Honda combined. Every recommended model comes with standard blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and driver attention alert — features that are particularly valuable for new drivers. Does Mazda's Safety Record Affect Insurance Costs? It can. The IIHS is funded by insurance companies, and Top Safety Pick+ ratings are directly tied to insurance risk models. Vehicles that earn TSP+ often qualify for lower premiums with participating insurers. Combined with Mazda's competitive starting prices — four TSP+ award winners starting under $30,000 — the safety advantage also becomes a long-term cost-of-ownership advantage. Shop the Safest Models at LaFontaine Mazda Kalamazoo LaFontaine Mazda Kalamazoo carries the full 2026 Mazda lineup, including all nine IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award-winning models. Every vehicle on our lot comes with i-ACTIVSENSE safety standard — no package upgrade, no extra cost. We serve buyers from across Southwest Michigan including Portage, Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, Holland, and Allegan. Ready to drive the safest brand in America? View New Mazda Inventory Schedule a Test Drive Get Pre-Approved Frequently Asked Questions: Mazda Safety Is Mazda the safest car brand in 2026? Yes. Mazda earned eight IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards for 2026 — more than any other brand, for the third consecutive year. Consumer Reports also named Mazda its first-ever Safest New-Car Brand, a designation no automaker had previously received. How many IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards did Mazda earn for 2026? Mazda earned eight IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards for 2026, the most of any brand. The award-winning models are the Mazda3 Sedan, Mazda3 Hatchback, CX-30, CX-50, CX-50 Hybrid, CX-70, CX-70 PHEV, CX-90, and CX-90 PHEV. Four of those models start under $30,000. Is Mazda safer than Toyota? By IIHS Top Safety Pick+ count, yes. Mazda earned eight TSP+ awards for 2026; Toyota earned two. Mazda was also named Consumer Reports' first-ever Safest New-Car Brand. Toyota is a highly reliable brand, but Mazda leads on crash test performance and standard safety technology. What safety features come standard on every Mazda? Every 2026 Mazda includes i-ACTIVSENSE as standard equipment across all trim levels. This suite includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, and High Beam Control — at no additional cost. Which Mazda model is the safest? All nine Mazda models that earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2026 carry the same top-tier award: Mazda3 Sedan, Mazda3 Hatchback, CX-30, CX-50, CX-50 Hybrid, CX-70, CX-70 PHEV, CX-90, and CX-90 PHEV. Every model also earned a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating. Does Mazda's safety rating affect insurance costs? It can. IIHS Top Safety Pick+ ratings are tied to insurance risk models, and vehicles with this award often qualify for lower premiums with participating insurers. Combined with Mazda's competitive starting prices, the safety advantage also contributes to lower long-term ownership costs.

2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4: Which Should You Buy? The 2026 CX-5 starts $1,910 less than the RAV4 with AWD standard. The RAV4 goes all-hybrid with better fuel economy. Here’s how they compare on safety, performance, and value for Michigan drivers. LaFontaine Mazda Kalamazoo | June 2026 | 7-minute read Two of the best-selling compact SUVs in America arrived fully redesigned for 2026 — making this the most interesting CX-5 vs. RAV4 matchup in years. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 enters its third generation with a new platform, a 12.9-inch touchscreen, and AWD standard on every trim, starting at $29,990. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 makes a bold move: it goes all-hybrid, ditching gas-only engines entirely for a 226–236 hp system that delivers approximately 43 MPG combined. Two strong redesigns, two very different philosophies. Here's how they actually compare for drivers in Southwest Michigan. Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 Better Than the Toyota RAV4? Direct Answer It depends on what you value most. The CX-5 starts $1,910 less than the base RAV4 and includes AWD standard — no upgrade required. It also leads in safety awards and interior refinement. The RAV4 wins on fuel economy (43 MPG vs. 26 MPG combined) and cargo space. For Michigan buyers who want standard AWD, top safety ratings, and premium feel at a lower starting price, the CX-5 is the stronger value. For buyers who prioritize maximum fuel efficiency and don't mind FWD as the base, the RAV4 hybrid's efficiency case is compelling. How Do the 2026 CX-5 and RAV4 Compare on Price? The pricing gap is larger than it first appears — especially when you factor in AWD. 2026 Mazda CX-5: Starts at $29,990 — AWD included as standard 2026 Toyota RAV4: Starts at $31,900 — front-wheel drive standard, AWD costs $1,400 extra For an apples-to-apples AWD comparison, the base CX-5 at $29,990 competes with a RAV4 at $33,300. That's a $3,310 difference for equivalent drivetrain capability — meaningful for most buyers' budgets. The CX-5 also tops out under $40,000; the RAV4 Limited reaches $43,300. What's Different About the Powertrains? 2026 Mazda CX-5 The CX-5 runs a proven 2.5L SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder producing 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic. i-ACTIV AWD is standard across all trims. A turbocharged 2.5T option (256 hp, 320 lb-ft) is available on higher trims for buyers who want more performance. Fuel economy lands at approximately 24 city / 30 highway / 26 combined. 2026 Toyota RAV4 Toyota made a significant bet for 2026: the RAV4 goes all-hybrid, eliminating the gas-only engine entirely. The fifth-generation hybrid system pairs a 2.5L four-cylinder with electric motors for 226 hp (FWD) or 236 hp (AWD) and delivers approximately 43 MPG combined — a genuine advantage over the CX-5 on fuel economy. A plug-in hybrid version (RAV4 Prime) is also available with around 42 miles of all-electric range. The tradeoff: AWD costs extra, and some buyers won't want a hybrid-only lineup. Which Is Safer — the CX-5 or RAV4? The 2026 Mazda CX-5 earns IIHS Top Safety Pick+ — the highest safety award available. Mazda as a brand earned more TSP+ awards than any other automaker in 2026 for the third consecutive year, and Consumer Reports named Mazda its first-ever Safest New-Car Brand. Every CX-5 comes with i-ACTIVSENSE safety standard across all trims, including Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. The RAV4 includes Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard, which is also a strong suite. Both are safe vehicles. On independent safety rankings, Mazda currently holds the edge. How Do the Interiors Compare? Mazda CX-5 Interior quality is where the CX-5 consistently surprises buyers stepping in from competitors. The 2026 redesign brings a standard 12.9-inch touchscreen (15.6-inch on the top trim — the largest in the segment), a clean dashboard layout, and available premium materials that feel genuinely upscale. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Available finishes include the new Terracotta interior option that gives the CX-5 a distinct, premium character. Cargo space is 33.7 cubic feet behind the second row. Toyota RAV4 The RAV4 comes with a standard 10.5-inch infotainment screen (12.9-inch optional), wireless CarPlay and Android Auto standard, and a practical, durable interior built for everyday utility. Toyota added a built-in dashcam on the 2026 RAV4 — a nice feature. Cargo capacity is 37.8 cubic feet behind the second row, a meaningful edge for buyers who haul gear regularly. Which Gets Better Fuel Economy? The RAV4 wins this category, and it's not close. The 2026 RAV4's all-hybrid powertrain delivers approximately 43 MPG combined versus the CX-5's 26 MPG combined. Over 15,000 miles per year at $3.50/gallon, that difference saves roughly $750 annually in fuel. Over five years, that's approximately $3,750 — which partially closes the $3,310 AWD price gap between the two vehicles. If fuel economy is your top priority, the RAV4 makes the stronger long-term financial argument. If AWD capability, safety ratings, and interior quality take priority, the CX-5 leads. Full Specs: 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 Category 2026 Mazda CX-5 2026 Toyota RAV4 Base MSRP $29,990 $31,900 AWD Standard — all trims Optional (+$1,400) Base Price w/ AWD $29,990 $33,300 Powertrain 2.5L gas, 187 hp 2.5L hybrid, 226–236 hp Fuel Economy (combined) ~26 MPG ~43 MPG Infotainment Screen 12.9-inch standard 10.5-inch standard Wireless CarPlay Standard Standard Safety Suite i-ACTIVSENSE — all trims Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ ✓ Awarded Check current ratings Cargo Space (behind 2nd row) 33.7 cu ft 37.8 cu ft Turbo Option Yes — 256 hp available No (PHEV available) Top Trim Price Under $40,000 $43,300 CX-5 vs. RAV4: Who Wins Each Category? 2026 Mazda CX-5 Wins Starting price ($1,910 less) AWD standard — no upgrade fee IIHS safety awards Interior quality and refinement Larger standard touchscreen Turbo engine option (256 hp) Lower top-trim price 2026 Toyota RAV4 Wins Fuel economy (~43 MPG combined) Cargo space (37.8 vs. 33.7 cu ft) Higher base horsepower Plug-in hybrid (RAV4 Prime) option Built-in dashcam Long-term fuel savings Which Is the Better Choice for Michigan Drivers? Michigan winters make the AWD question particularly relevant. The CX-5's standard i-ACTIV AWD is a genuine advantage here — you get real, torque-vectoring all-wheel drive without paying extra, on every trim level. To get AWD on the RAV4, you're adding $1,400 to the purchase price. For commuters in Kalamazoo, Portage, or Battle Creek covering mostly highway miles, the RAV4's hybrid efficiency advantage (~$750/year in fuel savings) builds a real long-term case. For drivers who prioritize premium feel, driving engagement, safety ratings, and standard AWD at a lower entry price, the CX-5 consistently delivers more for the dollar. The honest bottom line: the CX-5 wins on value, safety, and driving experience. The RAV4 wins on fuel economy and cargo. Know which matters more to you, and the decision gets straightforward. 📌 Also worth reading: Is Mazda the Safest Car Brand? What the 2026 IIHS and Consumer Reports Data Shows Test Drive the 2026 Mazda CX-5 Near Kalamazoo, MI LaFontaine Mazda Kalamazoo carries the full 2026 CX-5 lineup, from the value-oriented base trim to the turbocharged upper models. We serve drivers from across Southwest Michigan — including Portage, Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, Holland, and Allegan — and our team can walk you through a direct comparison with any vehicle on your list. Ready to see the 2026 Mazda CX-5 in person? View CX-5 Inventory Schedule a Test Drive Get Pre-Approved Frequently Asked Questions: 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 better than the Toyota RAV4? It depends on priorities. The CX-5 starts $1,910 less, includes AWD standard, leads in safety awards, and delivers a more premium interior. The RAV4 wins on fuel economy (~43 MPG combined vs. ~26 MPG) and cargo space. For Michigan drivers who prioritize value, AWD, and safety, the CX-5 is the stronger choice. How much does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 cost compared to the RAV4? The 2026 Mazda CX-5 starts at $29,990 with AWD standard. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 starts at $31,900 with front-wheel drive; AWD costs an additional $1,400, bringing an AWD RAV4 to $33,300. For an equivalent AWD comparison, the CX-5 is $3,310 less expensive. Does the 2026 Toyota RAV4 come with AWD standard? No. The 2026 RAV4 comes with front-wheel drive standard. AWD costs an additional $1,400. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 includes i-ACTIV AWD as standard on all trims at no extra charge. Which gets better gas mileage — the CX-5 or RAV4? The 2026 Toyota RAV4 gets significantly better fuel economy. The RAV4 is now hybrid-only, delivering approximately 43 MPG combined. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 runs on a gas engine rated at approximately 26 MPG combined. For buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency, the RAV4 is the clear winner. Is the Mazda CX-5 or Toyota RAV4 safer? The 2026 Mazda CX-5 earns IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and comes from the brand that earned more TSP+ awards than any other automaker in 2026. Consumer Reports named Mazda the first-ever Safest New-Car Brand. All Mazda models include i-ACTIVSENSE safety standard across all trims. Both vehicles are safe choices, but Mazda holds the edge on independent safety rankings. Which compact SUV is better for Michigan winters — CX-5 or RAV4? The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is the stronger choice for Michigan winters because i-ACTIV AWD is included as standard at no extra cost. Adding AWD to the 2026 RAV4 costs an additional $1,400. Both AWD systems perform well in snow and ice, but the CX-5 delivers it as the default, not an upgrade.

═══════════════════════════════════════════════════ HIDDEN META INJECTION ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════ ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════ SCHEMA — BlogPosting + FAQPage + AggregateRating ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════ How Reliable Is Mazda? What the Data and Owners Say Mazda ranks 3rd in J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study and costs $190 less per year to maintain than the industry average. Here’s what 10 years of owner data shows about Mazda reliability. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════ BLOG CONTENT ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════ LaFontaine Mazda Kalamazoo | July 2026 | 6-minute read Reliability is the question every serious car buyer asks eventually. Not "how does it drive on a test route," but "what am I going to be dealing with at 80,000 miles?" For Mazda, the answer from independent data sources is consistently positive — and for the core models in the lineup, it's been positive for over a decade. Here's what the numbers actually show. STAT GRID 3rd Overall — J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study J.D. Power 2025 2nd Among mass-market brands in long-term dependability J.D. Power 2025 $462 Average annual repair cost vs. $652 industry average RepairPal 4.0 /5 RepairPal reliability score — ranked 5th overall RepairPal SECTION 1 Is Mazda a Reliable Car Brand? Yes. Mazda ranks 3rd overall in J.D. Power's 2025 Vehicle Dependability Study — a jump from 7th place the prior year — and 2nd among mass-market brands. RepairPal rates Mazda 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking it 5th among all brands. The average annual repair cost for a Mazda is $462, compared to an industry average of $652. For the core lineup — CX-5, Mazda3, CX-30, and CX-50 — the reliability record is one of the strongest in the segment. The short answer is backed by three independent data sources that use different methodologies and arrive at the same conclusion. J.D. Power surveys verified vehicle owners about problems in the first three years of ownership. RepairPal tracks actual repair costs and frequency across its network. Consumer Reports pulls data from 320,000 vehicles annually. When all three point the same direction, it's not a coincidence. SECTION 2 What Do J.D. Power and Consumer Reports Say About Mazda Reliability? J.D. Power 2025 Vehicle Dependability Study Mazda jumped from 7th to 3rd overall in J.D. Power's 2025 Vehicle Dependability Study, which measures problems reported by original owners of three-year-old vehicles. In the mass-market segment specifically, Mazda ranked 2nd — behind only a handful of luxury brands when comparing across the full study. This is a meaningful jump that reflects the maturation of the SKYACTIV platform across the full lineup. Consumer Reports Consumer Reports pulls reliability data from its annual survey of approximately 320,000 vehicles. For Mazda, the picture is strong for core models with one honest caveat. The CX-5 and Mazda3 consistently earn top marks and remain Consumer Reports recommended vehicles. The CX-30 and CX-50 also rate above average. However, the CX-90 and CX-70 — both on entirely new platforms with new powertrains — have shown below-average reliability scores, reflecting the growing pains common to first-year vehicles with new architectures. Mazda has been actively addressing these through software and hardware updates. If you're buying a CX-90 or CX-70, checking the current model year's updated reliability data before purchasing is worth the extra step. RepairPal According to RepairPal, the average annual repair cost for Mazda vehicles is $462, which falls below the industry average of $652. Only 10% of Mazda repairs are classified as severe, compared to a 12% industry average — meaning when something does go wrong, it tends to be a minor issue rather than a major one. SECTION 3 How Much Does a Mazda Cost to Own Long-Term? Lower repair costs are the most direct financial benefit of reliability. The $190 annual gap between Mazda's average repair cost and the industry average adds up meaningfully over time: Over 5 years: approximately $950 less in repair costs than the industry average Over 10 years: approximately $1,900 less — enough to cover several years of insurance or a significant portion of a first major service Severe repairs: only 10% of repairs vs. 12% industry average, meaning fewer unexpected large bills Combined with Mazda's competitive purchase prices, the long-term cost of ownership story is one of the brand's most underappreciated advantages. SECTION 4 Which Mazda Models Are the Most Reliable? Model Reliability Standing Notable Data Point Mazda CX-5 ★ Excellent Ranks 1st out of 26 midsize SUVs — RepairPal Mazda3 Sedan/Hatchback ★ Excellent Consistently Consumer Reports recommended; 5-star NHTSA Mazda CX-30 ★ Excellent Above-average reliability; best used years 2020, 2021, 2023 Mazda CX-50 ★ Strong Solid across all model years; holds value well Mazda MX-5 Miata ★ Strong Simple, proven drivetrain; low ownership costs Mazda CX-90 / CX-70 △ Monitor New platform growing pains; Mazda actively updating; check current year ratings SECTION 5 How Many Miles Does a Mazda Last? A well-maintained Mazda typically lasts 150,000 to 200,000 miles. The SKYACTIV-G engine that powers most current Mazda models is designed for durability with regular oil changes and routine maintenance. It's common for owners of CX-5 and Mazda3 models to report crossing 150,000 miles with no major unscheduled repairs. The SKYACTIV era — which began in 2012 — marked a significant step forward in Mazda's long-term durability. Pre-SKYACTIV models, particularly those using engines co-developed with Ford in the early 2000s, had documented issues with oil consumption and timing chain wear at higher mileage. The SKYACTIV-G engine addressed these problems at the design level: better combustion efficiency means less heat stress on components, and the engine's mechanical simplicity (no turbo or hybrid components on the base 2.5L) reduces the number of systems that can require attention over time. For Michigan drivers specifically, the SKYACTIV-Body's high-tensile steel construction also holds up better against the salt and road conditions that accelerate corrosion on older vehicles. SECTION 6 Is Mazda More Reliable Than Toyota and Honda? This is the comparison most buyers are actually making. Here's how the three brands stack up on the metrics that matter: Brand J.D. Power VDS 2025 Rank RepairPal Score Avg. Annual Repair Cost Mazda 3rd Overall 3rd overall / 2nd mass-market 4.0 / 5.0 $462 Toyota Top 10 4.0 / 5.0 $441 Honda Top 10 4.0 / 5.0 $428 Industry Average — 3.0 / 5.0 $652 The honest summary: Mazda, Toyota, and Honda are all strong reliability brands. Toyota and Honda have a slightly lower average annual repair cost, largely because their lineups include more mature platforms. Where Mazda differentiates is in the driving experience, safety awards, and interior quality it delivers alongside that reliability — making it the stronger overall value proposition for many buyers. 📌 Related: Is Mazda the Safest Car Brand? What the 2026 IIHS and Consumer Reports Data Shows SECTION 8 — CTA Shop Reliable Mazda Models at LaFontaine Mazda Kalamazoo LaFontaine Mazda Kalamazoo carries the full 2026 Mazda lineup — including the CX-5 (ranked 1st in its segment for reliability by RepairPal), the Mazda3, CX-30, and CX-50. We also carry certified pre-owned Mazda models backed by the 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty for buyers who want even more long-term confidence. We serve Southwest Michigan including Portage, Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, Holland, and Allegan. Ready to drive a brand that backs its reliability with data? View New Mazda Inventory Browse Certified Pre-Owned Schedule a Test Drive FAQ Frequently Asked Questions: Mazda Reliability Is Mazda a reliable car brand? Yes. Mazda ranks 3rd overall in J.D. Power's 2025 Vehicle Dependability Study and 2nd among mass-market brands. RepairPal rates Mazda 4.0 out of 5.0 and 5th overall. The average annual repair cost for a Mazda is $462 — $190 less than the industry average of $652. How many miles does a Mazda last? A well-maintained Mazda typically lasts 150,000 to 200,000 miles. The SKYACTIV-G engine that powers most current models is built for durability with regular oil changes and routine service. Many owners report reaching 150,000 miles with no major unscheduled repairs. Is Mazda more reliable than Toyota? In J.D. Power's 2025 Vehicle Dependability Study, Mazda ranked higher than Toyota overall. Both brands earn similar RepairPal reliability scores of 4.0 out of 5.0. Toyota has a slightly lower average annual repair cost ($441 vs. $462), but both brands are well above the industry average in long-term dependability. Which Mazda model is the most reliable? The Mazda CX-5 ranks 1st out of 26 midsize SUVs in RepairPal's reliability rankings. The Mazda3 and CX-30 also consistently earn top marks from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power. The CX-90 and CX-70 have shown some first-year growing pains, so checking the latest model year data before purchasing those models is recommended. How much does it cost to maintain a Mazda? According to RepairPal, the average annual repair and maintenance cost for a Mazda is $462, compared to an industry average of $652. Only 10% of Mazda repairs are classified as severe versus a 12% industry average, meaning most issues that come up are minor. Is a used Mazda a good buy for reliability? Yes, particularly SKYACTIV-era models from 2013 onward. The CX-5, Mazda3, and CX-30 carry strong long-term reliability records and are consistently recommended by Consumer Reports in the used car market. A certified pre-owned Mazda adds a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty for additional peace of mind.