The new Mazda CX-5 in 2023 still comes with an option of a non-turbo engine without any hybrid technologies and other things that would make it more expensive and less reliable. You still can get the perfect simple engine with decent displacement that looks so good it’s strange that so few CX-5 SUVs are still on the roads in the US.
Today, I will tell you more about the 2.5L base engine (PY-VPS) that powers the majority of trims in the new Mazda CX-5. I will focus on its common problems, advantages, some considerations for buyers, and also will outline its longevity. This is going to help you choose between the CX-5 and any other SUV available on the market.
Here’s what exactly I’m going to cover here:
- What are the key pros of the 2.5L non-turbo engine in the CX-5?
- How many miles will the CX-5 bas engine last?
- What are the most common problems of the CX-5 engine?
- Can you prolong the life of this engine?
Key features and advantages of the base 2.5L engine in the CX-5
When you are thinking about the new compact SUV, the Mazda CX-5 doesn’t seem like a bad option. This is quite a big and spacious vehicle with a very up-to-date design, good and comfortable driving, cool features, and tech inside. But what about the engine? We don’t tend to think this is the most important part of the car. But it directly affects longevity, so it’s really worth having a look at.
In the new CX-5, you have two options for engines – both are 2.5L. The base engine is non-turbo while there is another option with a turbocharger at a much higher price. I hope I will have the opportunity to write about the turbocharged engine later. Now, let’s focus on the PY-VPS engine that comes at an affordable price and is the most popular choice among Mazda buyers.
Here’s what you should know about it:
- this is the 2.5L 4-cylinder non-turbocharged engine with a DOHC head, and chain-driven camshafts, the block and the head are made of aluminum;
- the engine offers 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque and I wouldn’t say it’s that bad, this is an efficient Skyactiv-G engine;
- the only available transmission option is the 6-speed automatic Skyactiv-Drive transmission engineered by Mazda, all versions come with AWD;
- the engine has direct injection which is a little outdated but very efficient and offers good gas mileage;
- the Dual S-VT system adjusts the valve timing in both camshafts making the CX-5 engine even more efficient and economical;
- you will get 24 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on highways – this is a great result in fuel economy for this SUV with such an engine.
When driving the new Mazda CX-5, you are unlikely to feel any lack of power. Yes, it’s not the Lamborghini and you won’t get itchy heels when pressing the gas pedal. But this engine is completely enough for those who want comfortable driving in all kinds of road conditions. Even at high speed, you will still have some power under your right foot to add if needed.
The PY-VPS engine has been made since 2013 and I believe this is the last year it’s sold. The new Mazda CX-5 will most likely have all those downsized turbo engines and also hybrid options. But if you want a durable and reliable powerplant in your car, this 2.5L non-turbo option is one of the best ones on the market currently.
How long will you drive the 2.5L engine in the Mazda CX-5?
Although this engine doesn’t come without its common problems, this is a reliable machine. Together with a really good and durable transmission, it forms a good alliance and will likely show its first problems well after the warranty period is over. I believe you will have to cope with the first serious issues after 100,000 miles.
The overall longevity of this engine is estimated to be about 220,000 miles. I wouldn’t say it’s huge but if you find an SUV that can do better in 2023 and still costs about $26,000 in its base version, I will change my mind.
The transmission is not going to last that long and will need some serious repairs within this period. I believe, at about 120,000 miles, you will have to pay for the transmission overhaul. But don’t give up your plans of buying the Mazda because of this. The torque-converter transmission is going to cost you less to repair than almost any other type of automatic transmission.
What are the common problems with the PY-VPS engine?
The same engine has been installed in almost all popular vehicles made by Mazda – the 3, the 6, the CX-50, the CX-8, the CX-30, and the CX-60. So, we know quite a lot about the engine and its features. Unfortunately, a lot of common issues are also reported. But please keep in mind that the most serious problems start showing up after the engine hits the 200,000-mile mark.
Here are some of the common issues you should know about:
1. Direct injection and carbon buildup
After you drive about 50,000 miles, you may feel that your SUV lost power and started working harshly. This may be because of the clogged intake valves. The direct injection system injects fuel directly into the combustion chamber and the intake valves are always dry. This allows the buildup to form on them and prevents them eventually from closing completely.
Regular cleaning of the valves is something you need to remember about. This is not a serious problem but an additional maintenance task you shouldn’t forget about.
2. Expensive thermostat is quite faulty
This engine has an electronic thermostat and it’s good because it allows the engine to control the temperature and use the heat very efficiently. This reduces the heating time and optimizes the use of fuel in the first minutes of driving. Also, this prevents the engine from overheating.
But after you drive a lot of miles in your Mazda CX-5, you may suddenly see that the engine temperature goes up. In most cases, the culprit for this is the stuck thermostat that needs to be replaced. Unfortunately, the thermostat and the labor will not be cheap.
3. Oil consumption with consequences
After the engine hits 50-80 thousand miles, it can start burning some oil. This is just a normal process for such a powerplant. But you will need to check the oil levels regularly. If the oil level is low, you will not see the oil-pressure warning light until the engine starts killing itself.
The low oil level can lead to problems with rod bearings and other parts of the engine. The tension grows, the parts heat up intensively, and eventually, the engine may fail or get stuck. Repairing this engine after such an issue will certainly be very expensive.
4. Chain problems
This is the chain-driven engine and it may seem like a good idea. But the chain is said by Mazda to last forever which is not true. I’ve seen a lot of Mazda vehicles powered by this engine that had chain problems. If the chain breaks or jumps a tooth or two, you will most likely have serious issues with valves and pistons. The engine will require extremely expensive repairs.
I believe you should replace the chain at 120,000 miles or earlier if it makes any weird sounds like rattling. Better get an OEM Mazda chain and you will most likely change it just once. If you get an aftermarket chain, it may start rattling after 50,000 miles or so.
5. Drive belt issues
You may notice that the drive belt is not really durable in these engines. Also, a lot of Mazda CX-5 owners experienced broken drive belt problems. The issue comes not from the belt itself. In this engine, you have a plastic pulley on the belt tensioner and this pulley gets small cracks almost immediately after you start driving the car. In the end, it will lead to a broken belt.
Can you prolong the life of the Mazda CX-5 engine?
Yes, you can surely prolong the life of this engine by following the simple tips. Here are the most obvious and important of them:
- Always let the engine warm up for at least 30 seconds before you drive.
- Check the oil levels weekly after the car reaches 50K miles.
- If the engine overheats, stop it and let it cool down, after that have the thermostat inspected.
- Change the timing chain kit at 120,000 miles or as soon as the chain starts rattling.
- Choose OEM parts even though they are quite expensive.
- Don’t experiment with oil viscosity, you better buy Mazda oil.
You can also prolong the life of the engine by adopting a calm driving style. In such a way, you will economize fuel, let the engine work in a more comfortable way, prolong the life of the engine and transmission, and will get more pleasure from driving. The CX-5 with the non-turbo engine is not made for sports or racing. It hates aggressive driving although it can give you active acceleration if needed.