Comparison · family SUVs

Ford Kuga vs Mazda CX-5: which is more reliable?

The Ford Kuga and Mazda CX-5 are very close at the MOT: scores of 103 and 103. Pick on the condition and history of the actual car. Based on 351,053 real MOT tests in 2024.

Ford Kuga

103Above average
MOT tests285,773

Mazda CX-5

103Above average
MOT tests65,280

By age

MOT Rank score for each age group (100 = an average car that age).

Age at testFord KugaMazda CX-5
3–5 years
102About average
102About average
6–9 years
104Above average
104Above average
10–14 years
103Above average
102Above average
15+ years
102Above average
–

Year by year

Share that passed first time, same registration year.

YearFord KugaMazda CX-5
202190.3%89.2%
202089.7%88.2%
201985.3%86.7%
201884.6%85.9%
201783.9%84.5%
201680.2%79.3%
201576.7%76.4%
201473.2%72.8%
201371.8%66.3%
201264.1%67.2%

Problem areas

Failure items per 100 tests.

AreaFord KugaMazda CX-5
Lights & electrics9.33.6
Brakes6.25.2
Tyres6.34.4
Suspension3.26.0
Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.23.3
Emissions & leaks2.01.9
Steering0.92.6
Body & chassis1.70.2

Ford Kuga: top failures

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.7%
  2. Position lamp: not working2.7%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.2%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.5%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.1%
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.1%

Mazda CX-5: top failures

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.6%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.0%
  3. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.8%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.5%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.4%
  6. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%

Questions

Which is more reliable, the Ford Kuga or the Mazda CX-5?

The Ford Kuga and Mazda CX-5 are very close at the MOT: scores of 103 and 103. Pick on the condition and history of the actual car.

Which years of the Ford Kuga and Mazda CX-5 can be compared?

Both were tested for 10 registration years (2012–2021). The Ford Kuga had the higher pass rate in 6 of them and the Mazda CX-5 in 4.

What fails most on each?

Ford Kuga: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; position lamp: not working. Mazda CX-5: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively.