2023 Mazda CX 5 Review – The Mazda CX 5 compact crossover SUV has room for up to five people and comes with a manual transmission.
Because of its upscale interior trimmings and outstanding driving characteristics for a small SUV in this Mazda CX 5 2023 price range, the latest generation has spent years at the top of our evaluations.
The Mazda CX-5 is reportedly the most popular vehicle in Mazda’s range, so consumers appear to agree that it is a good option in its class.
We don’t anticipate significant changes to the 2023 model since Mazda gave the CX-5 a complete refresh last year.
Mazda, on the other hand, faces a tough choice with the CX-5. The Mazda CX-50 was launched this year, and it’s a vehicle that’s comparable in size dimensions on both the inside and outside.
It’s styled to appeal to a more outdoor clientele. The CX-5 is targeted at city dwellers and suburbanites.
The Mazda CX-50, which will replace the CX-30, will be joined by the CX-70 and CX-90 in Mazda’s lineup. So, what’s the verdict on the CX-5?
We don’t believe the Mazda CX-5 nameplate will be around much longer than seven years since it has been on sale for seven years.
It doesn’t seem to match the manufacturer’s new naming conventions, and it doesn’t seem to belong in the Mazda SUV portfolio.
Mazda is counting on CX-5 fans migrating to the CX-50 this year and next, enabling it to vanish by the end of 2024.
What’s New for the 2023 Mazda CX 5?
This year, the Mazda CX-5 joins the Mazda CX-50 in the lineup, creating a sibling rivalry within the same showroom.
Mazda says it plans to sell both models for now. The Mazda CX-5 remains mostly unchanged in 2023, although it now comes in a new Rhodium White paint shade.
Read also: Mazda CX Models Comparison
Pricing
The Mazda CX 5 2023 price increases, despite the fact that there are no major updates or improvements.
Except for the fact that it increases in different amounts depending on trim level, that wouldn’t be unusual.
For the MSRP of $27,975, you get a three-month/2GB trial of in-car WiFi, alloy wheels, automatic headlights and wipers, leather seating, and the 10.25-inch infotainment screen with two USB ports up front (standard on higher trim levels).
The S Select models add rear privacy glass, auto-leveling lights, proximity entry, dual-zone climate control, leatherette upholstery, heated front seats with six-way power driver adjustment, and manual passenger height adjustment for an extra $2,000.
From there, it’s just a matter of applying niceties that you could probably do without. However, the 2023 Mazda CX 5 2 5 s carbon edition is mostly an appearance package that includes black wheels and trim, as well as a red interior option.
Starting with the Premium, Sport, and Off-Road drive modes are available, as well as slightly different designs and leather upholstery for the Turbo trims.
All of the prices below include the $1,225 destination fee:
- Mazda CX-5 2.5 S: $27,975
- Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select: $29,775
- Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Preferred: $30,865
- Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Carbon Edition: $31,775
- Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium: $33,675
- Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus: $36,775
- Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Turbo: $38,125
- Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Turbo Signature: $40,925
Engine Performance
When accelerating away from stoplights or scurrying about town, the Mazda CX-5 specs 187-horsepower four-cylinder powertrain has a fantastic throttle response, making it feel quicker than it is.
It feels underpowered when driving at higher speeds, such as when attempting to pass or merge onto the freeway.
Our test car had a 256-horsepower turbocharged engine, which delivered quicker acceleration. All-wheel drive and a snappy six-speed automatic gearbox are standard on both engines.
To enjoy or appreciate the CX-5, you don’t have to push it hard. That’s definitely the case when it comes to driving and cornering.
Despite this, it absorbs rough roads with little noise and has the ride quality of crossovers that cost twice as much.
Its competitors can’t match this harmonic balance of dynamics. The pavement has a few flaws, there is little road noise, and the damping isn’t too stiff or floaty.
The Mazda, on the other hand, comes alive on twisty highways. The steering responses are satisfying thanks to the electric assistance.
The brake pedal feel on the Signature model we tested was reassuring, and it responded quickly and wasn’t sensitive when you applied the brakes.
What’s the CX-5 like to drive?
For the individual whose life has forced them to make the choice from a lively vehicle to a family hauler, Mazda’s compact crossover is ideal.
The six-speed automatic gearbox favors performance over fuel economy (while still delivering decent mileage), and its precise steering and throttle response reminds one of Porsche.
The CX-5 will feel “just right” for those accustomed to more sporting, non-family-oriented driving thanks to its dynamic features, as well as a meticulously designed, optimum driving position and the available turbo engine’s grunt.
That being said, it has a stiffer ride. Even with large wheels, it’s never harsh; you feel more of the road than in most rivals.
Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus contributes to some of its dynamic performance, using engine torque to shift weight onto the front wheels just as turn-in is requested.
That also gives the driver confidence on the twistiest of road surfaces, as well as more grip for the turning wheels, which is most noticeable when roads are wet.
When it comes to guiding automobiles, it may also utilize the outside wheel’s brake, which has a decent degree of accuracy that is typical of sports sedans.
Fuel Economy
In the Mazda CX 5 (2.5 S) trim levels in 2023, a 2.5-liter inline-four engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque is standard. All-wheel drive is standard, as is a six-speed manual transmission.
It’s a unique AWD system that monitors vehicle weight distribution, among other things, such as throttle position and current traction, in order to improve response and handling.
At this time, fuel economy projections for 2023 were not available, but they don’t expect to alter much from the 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined last year. The CR-V, Forester, and RAV4 all have a combined fuel economy of 28 to 29 miles per gallon.
More efficient and highly recommended 2023 Mazda CX 5 hybrid powertrains are also available in the CR-V and RAV4, as well as the Hyundai Tucson.
In trim levels with the words 2.5 Turbo in their name, a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four with 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque is available.
It’ll do 256 horsepower on 93 octanes if you live in a location that provides it and wants to pay more for gas.
This engine, in addition to none of the aforementioned competitors, can provide rapid acceleration in any case, unlike most others in the class.
A six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are also standard on the vehicle. The highway MPG goes up to 27, while the city MPG goes down to 22.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo Space
Interior Design
The cabin is designed with the driver in mind, with all controls within reach. Up front, the CX-5 offers enough space for tall people to sit comfortably.
The sculpted outboard seats may make it uncomfortable for an adult to sit in the center, and they may squeeze rear passengers. The legroom in the back isn’t particularly spacious.
This makes it a breeze to see out of, with a raised driving position, high windows, and tiny pillars. The rear windows are a bit smaller than those of competitors, but they provide a decent view to limit blind spots.
The exception is the view over your shoulder; the rear windows are a bit smaller. And the picture quality of the backup camera is excellent.
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Comfort
How big is the CX-5? While the exterior CX-5 appears smaller than the CX-50, both cars have essentially similar interiors. Either way, these are compact SUVs of a small variety.
Families may find that the CX-5 lacks the kind of extra space provided by the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, or Toyota RAV4, although four people can ride around in relative comfort inside.
Children are more likely to push their seats up to make space for back-facing child seats, and those in front are more likely to need to move their seats down.
The Mazda CX-5 has significantly less storage behind the back seat than its rivals, with 30.9 cubic feet available. Ditto for the CX-50, which has 31.4 cubic feet.
The Hyundai Tucson (38.6), Toyota RAV4 (37.5), Honda CR-V (36), and Subaru Forester (33 to 35 depending on options) all have additional features.
Despite this, the CX-5 can carry five suitcases and three duffle bags, which beats both the Chevy Equinox and Ford Escape in our luggage test. In comparison to the Mazda CX-30, this is a clear improvement.
Cargo Space
In the Mazda CX-5’s cargo area, which is a little smaller than that of its competitors, we were able to fit two large suitcases without impeding rear visibility.
The loading entrance is also smaller than that of the Honda CR-V because of the increased cargo floor height and shorter maximum opening height of the liftgate.
The cabin has enough room for small items to be stored. Are you having trouble with small children? The car seat anchors are accessible from four spots on the outboard seats.
The anchors are set slightly inward, making it simple to push through the slots. Even with the cargo cover in place, the seatback tethers are simple to reach. To access the tether, press down on the plastic tab that keeps it hidden.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The infotainment system is simple to use, and the 10.25-inch display screen is bright and appealing. The integrated navigation system is also simple to access.
Mazda CX-5s with a head-up display may project turn instructions right onto the windshield. Mazda’s voice control system makes use of natural speech recognition.
Finding addresses, calling people, and tuning to terrestrial radio stations are all exceptional abilities.
The CX-5’s advanced driver aids have a mixed record of usability. The lane departure warning system generates a distinct low-pitched buzzing sound that grabs your attention.
Even passing vehicles that are many car lengths behind the vehicle trigger the blind-spot monitor, which is overly sensitive.
Safety
Every Mazda CX-5 comes equipped with forwarding collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings.
The last two are usually found in the upper trim levels of competitors. The range-topping Signature adds automatic rear emergency braking, a driver attention warning system, and a low-speed steering assist when using adaptive cruise control (Traffic Jam Assist).
The Mazda CX-5 was awarded a top five-star rating by the federal government for its overall, frontal, and side crashworthiness.
It received a standard four-star safety rating. For its best-possible ratings in all crash tests and accident avoidance technology, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated it a Top Safety Pick+.
The CX-5 was also the first compact SUV to earn a top rating of “Good” in the more recent IIHS side crash test (which does not yet count toward Top Safety Pick standards).
Warranty
Kia and Hyundai, among other manufacturers in this class, provide superior warranty coverage than Mazda and offer complimentary maintenance.
- A limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- The powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Mazda CX-5 a reliable car?
Mazda’s midsize SUV CX-5 has a 4.5-star rating in durability, placing it first among the 26 vehicles. It has great ownership costs because the average annual repair cost is $447.
Is Mazda going to redesign the CX-5?
Mazda Canada has revealed a series of moderate upgrades for its best-selling vehicle, the CX-5. As part of a plan to keep the compact SUV-5 up to date until the next major redesign is ready, it gets a facelift and equipment improvements for 2022.
Is Mazda CX-5 bigger than CX-50?
The Mazda CX-50 measures 185.8 inches in length, 72.9 inches in width, and 63.9 inches in height overall. With a total length of 180.1 inches, a width of 72.6 inches, and a height of 65.4 inches, the Mazda CX-5 is more agile than others in its class.
Is Mazda CX-5 fuel efficient?
In the city, the CX-5 gets 24 miles per gallon, while on the highway, it gets 30. It has a combined 27 MPG. In the city, the RAV4 gets 27 mpg, whereas, on the highway, it gets 35 mpg. That’s a total of 31 miles per gallon.
Does Mazda CX-5 require premium gas?
Mazda recommends using premium 93-octane gasoline on vehicles with the turbocharged engine to get the greatest performance, however, the Mazda CX-5 does not need high gas.
2023 Mazda CX 5 Release Date
When Will the 2023 Mazda CX-5 Be Released? This is an interesting topic. It’s highly unlikely that the new Mazda CX 5 model will be released in a few months, as the 2023 Mazda CX 5 redesign won’t be available until November 2022.
We might start seeing new models appear sometime in February 2023. or so, however, with production models that will be out in 2022 and 2023.
The most common response is that between 2022 and 2024, we will see the Mazda CX 5 2023 launch date, with some of these early-generation vehicles starting to age by then.
Mazda CX-5 Other Years :
Final Verdict
The Mazda CX-5 is still one of the best small SUVs on the market. It has a sophisticated interior, nice handling, and a fair price.
It is only a little smaller than the competition in terms of rear passenger room, Cargo capacity, and fuel economy, but it is still a fantastic car.
