2020 Toyota Camry vs 2017 Mazda CX-5
Too Close to Call on Reliability Alone
These vehicles are neck-and-neck on reliability. The "Best For" breakdown below shows where each pulls ahead — pick the one that matches your priorities.
Reliability Side-by-Side
2020
Toyota Camry
Grade A-
One of the safest used car purchases you can make — the 2020 Camry delivers boring reliability in the best possible way.
2017
Mazda CX-5
Grade A-
A fun-to-drive, highly reliable compact SUV with minimal major concerns, offering excellent value.
Best For
Best for Lowest Annual Upkeep
2020 Toyota Camry
$350–500/year
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Cost of Ownership
| Line Item | 2020 Toyota Camry | 2017 Mazda CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Maintenance | $350–500/year | $400-600 |
| Moderate Repairs | $500–1,200 occasionally (brakes, battery, suspension wear items) | $500-1,500 occasionally |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 29 / 41 | 24 / 31 |
| MSRP (New) | $24,425 | $24,045 |
Major-failure risk and insurance outlook for each vehicle are in their full reliability reports.
Biggest Risks on Each
2020 Toyota Camry
Brake System
25,000-50,000 mi
Infotainment Electronics
0-50,000 mi
12V Battery
24,000-60,000 mi
2017 Mazda CX-5
Infotainment System
Any mileage, often appears early mi
Brake Components
25,000-50,000 mi
Minor Electrical
30,000-70,000 mi
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Editorial Take
Comparing a 2020 Toyota Camry and a 2017 Mazda CX-5 pits a newer, highly efficient mid-size sedan against a slightly older, versatile compact SUV. While seemingly different vehicle types, both attract buyers seeking reliability, practicality, and a comfortable daily driver. The Camry appeals to those prioritizing fuel economy, a smooth ride, and traditional sedan comfort, often commuters or small families. The CX-5 caters to individuals or families needing more cargo flexibility, available all-wheel drive, and a more engaging driving experience in an elevated seating position. Key decision factors revolve around vehicle type preference, the desire for modern technology, and the trade-off between initial purchase price and long-term ownership costs. HEAD-TO-
Reliability & Common Issues
2020 Toyota Camry: Toyota is legendary for reliability, and the 2020 Camry is no exception. Major mechanical failures are rare. However, some minor issues reported by owners have included occasional glitches with the Entune 3.0 infotainment system, such as slow responses or freezing, which could sometimes be resolved with software updates. Additionally, some owners have reported minor squeaks or rattles from interior trim pieces, particularly at lower mileages (under 20,000 miles), which are often small assembly tolerances rather than serious defects. 2017 Mazda CX-5: The 2017 Mazda CX-5 generally boasts good reliability. Common issues for this model year and era of Mazda vehicles tend to be primarily related to its Mazda Connect infotainment system. Users occasionally reported the system freezing, lagging, or experiencing Bluetooth connectivity issues, particularly at varying mileages. Less frequently, some owners reported minor electrical gremlins, such as faulty sensors or dashboard warning lights appearing intermittently, usually within the first 50,000 miles. Mechanical issues are uncommon, reflecting Mazda's strong build quality.
Value & Cost of Ownership
When new, both vehicles offered competitive starting MSRPs, but the 2020 Camry's base price was slightly higher than the 2017 CX-5. In the used market today, a 2017 CX-5 will generally command a lower price than a 2020 Camry due to the three-year age difference. However, both hold their value well. The Camry typically maintains exceptionally high resale value, often one of the best in the industry. The CX-5 also boasts strong resale value for a compact SUV, though perhaps not quite matching the Camry's consistent top-tier performance. Insurance costs for both vehicles are generally reasonable for their segments. The CX-5 might be marginally higher due to its SUV classification and potentially higher repair costs for certain components. Maintenance costs for both are below average, thanks to their robust reliability. Toyota is known for inexpensive parts and widespread service availability, giving the Camry a slight edge in overall long-term maintenance affordability. Fuel costs will favor the Camry, especially the 2.5L 4-cylinder and significantly the Hybrid models, which offer superior fuel economy compared to the CX-5.
Editorial Verdict
BEST FOR FAMILIES: The 2017 Mazda CX-5. While the 2020 Camry offers more rear legroom, the CX-5's superior cargo capacity (30.9 cubic feet vs. 15.1 cubic feet), ease of loading with a hatchback, and available all-wheel drive make it far more practical for family duties, strollers, groceries, and weekend gear. BEST FOR COMMUTERS: The 2020 Toyota Camry. Its exceptional fuel economy, particularly the 51/53 MPG Hybrid model or the 29/41 MPG 2.5L FWD, coupled with a comfortable, quiet ride and a comprehensive suite of standard safety features (TSS 2.0), makes it an ideal choice for daily commutes. BEST FOR ENTHUSIASTS: The 2017 Mazda CX-5. For an SUV, its driving dynamics are remarkably engaging, with sharp steering and controlled body motions that make it genuinely fun to drive. While the 2020 Camry V6 offers impressive straight-line acceleration, the CX-5 provides a more connected and sporty feel in everyday driving. BEST VALUE OVERALL: The 2020 Toyota Camry. Despite being a slightly newer model and potentially having a higher used purchase price today, its superior fuel efficiency, cutting-edge standard technology (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, TSS 2.0), historically stronger resale value, and legendary long-term reliability translate to lower overall ownership costs and a more modern feature set, making it an excellent long-term investment.
Parts & Accessories for These Vehicles
Products for 2020 Toyota Camry
Products for 2017 Mazda CX-5
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