Advantages: Attractive and refined to drive; luxury furniture; powerful turbo engine; beautiful appearance; top crash score
Defect: No mixture available; infotainment systems won’t be for everyone; slightly small; not as good as CX-50
The Mazda CX-5 2023 is essentially the same compact SUV as last year. It has the same list of pros and cons, and it still represents sportier and more premium in the segment of more openly family-oriented entries. Last year, we called it a “great choice,” and in a way, it still is. For one thing, it’s hard for us to recommend the CX-5 right now because Mazda itself has now offered an even better choice: New CX-50. That extra zero in the name represents a new entry for the Japanese company, a compact SUV specifically designed and built for the North American market, as opposed to a more global offering like the CX- 5. Basically, it offers all the features of its no-lesser sibling, but is slightly larger, more refined, and capable of going further. We think it looks better too. And it’s made in America.
So why get the CX-5 instead of the CX-50? That’s a really good question. Next to “it’s a little cheaper” or “there’s actually a seller, ”We are scratching our heads. Even the CX-50’s main downside, no hybrid powertrain and less space than rivals, is the same as the CX-5. However, for the sake of argument, let’s say that the CX-5 proves to be the better choice for you. It will still create a more emotional bond than RAV4 and the world’s CR-V with a sharper driving experience, a luxurious interior and a sleek look. It will be especially appealing to singles, DINKs and drummers, plus those coming from a sports car. Oh, and those who don’t want or can’t get a CX-50.
Furniture & Technology | Passenger & cargo space | Performance & Fuel Economy
What is it like to drive? | Rates & Cuts | Fault Ratings & Safety Features
What’s new for 2023?
After a series of updates last year, the CX-5 is unchanged for 2023 apart from a new premium color option named Rhodium White.
How is the interior and technology in the car of the CX-5?
The CX-5 has a sleek, premium design with the right materials, exuding a sense of luxury that no direct competitor can match (well, aside from the CX-50). Its top trim levels feature heated and ventilated seats at the front, plus high-quality leather with contrasting French stitching. Signature is fitted with unique Nappa Catarra Brown leather, shown here. The gaskets and seams on the dashboard, doors and center console are also a nice touch, as is the alloy trim – especially the air vents that seem to protrude from within the panel. control. Admittedly, nicer touches like the Signature wood trim are absent in the lower trim levels, but the overall interior space is still more upscale and stylish than most of the competition – especially. Especially something like the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester will have more of a certain, pragmatic vibe.
Mazda’s technology interface is special in that it uses a knob control in the center console instead of a touchscreen. This is not Mazda going behind the times, but a conscious attempt to reduce driver distraction. The dashboard display is large and easy to see while running the user interface is relatively simple and fast. The knob that controls it is large, ergonomically placed on the center console, and like BMW’s iDrive controller, can rotate through menus or move up/down, left/right between icons. This latter feature is the key to using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is where the troubles start. Both connectivity features are for touch screens, and selecting their icons by rotating and clicking the knob is more time consuming and distracting. There’s a reason Mazda added touchscreen functionality to the CX-50 specifically for CarPlay and Android Auto. That said, flipping through playlists or contacts is actually easier with a knob, and unlike most other manufacturers, Mazda doesn’t lock those functions while the car is in motion (good news). for passengers).
How big is the CX-5?
While the CX-5 is smaller on the outside than the CX-50, on the inside they are virtually identical apart from some of the extra width in the CX-50. Either way, both fall into the small SUV segment. The CX-5 has enough space inside for four people to sit in the vehicle with relative comfort, but families may find they can use the kind of extra space offered by the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4 provided. Children are more likely to end up kicking the front seat from the front-facing child seat, and those in the front are more likely to need to move their seat up to make room for a rear-facing child seat.
The CX-5 has a space behind the rear seats of 30.9 liters, significantly less than competitors. The CX-50 has 31.4 cubic feet, which is very ditto. Kia Sportage (39.6), Hyundai Tucson (38.6), Toyota RAV4 (37.5), 2023 Honda CR-V (36) and Subaru Forester (from 33 to 35 depending on options) all have more. That said, the CX-5 has more than the Chevy Equinox and Ford Escapeand in our baggage test, it can hold five suitcases and three duffel bags. It’s a clear upgrade over various mid-size SUVs like Mazda CX-30.
What is CX-5? energy saving and performance specs?
The trim levels of the Mazda CX-5 as the 2.5 S feature a 2.5-liter inline-four engine that produces 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive are standard. It’s a unique AWD system that monitors the vehicle’s weight distribution between common factors such as throttle position and current traction to improve response and handling. Fuel economy estimates for 2023 are not available at this time, but it is highly unlikely that they will change significantly after last year’s 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined . They’re lower than the CR-V, Forester and RAV4, which fall around 28-29 mpg combined. The CR-V and RAV4, along with the Hyundai Tucson, also offer a more efficient and highly rated hybrid powertrain.
The trim levels with the 2.5 Turbo in their namesake have a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four for 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. It will make 256 hp on 93 octane if you live in a place that sells that and you feel like paying more for gas. Either way, this engine produces an energetic acceleration that few other brands in the segment can match, even none of the above. It is also mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Fuel economy drops further to 22 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined.
What does the CX-5 like to drive?
Compact Mazda intersection perfect for those whose life changes have decided to make the transition from a nimble vehicle to some sort of family vehicle. The on-site throttle and steering response is reminiscent of Porsche, while the six-speed automatic transmission aids in fuel-efficient performance (while still delivering a relatively good range). Those dynamic elements, combined with the ideal, carefully crafted driving position and the roar of the available turbo engine will make the CX-5 feel “just right” for those used to driving. more sporty, not family-oriented. That said, its ride quality is on the more solid side. It’s never harsh, even with large wheels, but you definitely feel more on the road than most competitors.
Part of its dynamic power comes from the fact that G-Vectoring Control Plus, Mazda’s proprietary technology, uses the engine’s torque to shift weight onto the front wheels as soon as the vehicle starts to turn. That provides a firmer grip to the spinning wheels and while that’s most noticeable in bad road conditions, it continues to instill in the driver the assurance of calm on winding roads even when the surface is rough. dry face. It is also possible to apply the outer wheel of the brakeGuide the car with the smooth controls typically reserved for sports sedans.
Where can I read other Mazda CX-5 reviews?
Check baggage Mazda CX-5 2019 | How much fits in the trunk
See how much luggage can fit in the CX-5’s cargo area.
Review Mazda CX-5 driver’s note 2019 | More strength, more love
We drove the engine of the CX-5 Turbo for the first time. The car has been updated since then, but our overall impression of the turbo engine remains the same.
2023 Review Mazda CX-50 for the first time driving
Read more about the CX-50, how it differs from the CX-5, and why there’s both the CX-50 and the CX-5.
What is the price of the CX-5 2023?
While there have been no significant updates or upgrades for the ’23, the CX-5’s price has gone up. That alone wouldn’t be strange except that it increases by different amounts depending on the trim level.
Basic equipment for $ 27,975 includes full driver assistance technology (details below), alloy wheels, automatic headlights and wipers, fabric seats, leather steering wheel (rare) among base trim levels), 10.25-inch infotainment screen, four-speaker audio system, two front USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-month/2GB Wi-Fi trial in the car. For an extra $2,000, the S Select is probably the best place to start as it adds rear privacy glass, automatic lighting, near entry, dual-zone climate control, faux leather upholstery, heated front seats with six-way power adjustment and manually adjustable passenger height, a six-speaker sound system and two rear USB ports.
From there, it’s really just a matter of relying on good things that you can almost certainly live without. A few key takeaways, though: The Carbon Edition is primarily an appearance package that sits on top of the Preferred, adding black wheels and trim, unique Polymetal Gray paint, and a red interior option. Sport and Off-Road driving modes also appear starting with the Premium version, while the Turbo version has slightly different styling and leather seats.
All prices below include a $1,225 destination fee.
CX-5 2.5 S: $27,975
CX-5 2.5 S Select: $29,775
Preferred CX-5 2.5 S: $30,865
CX-5 2.5 S Carbon Edition: $31,775
CX-5 2.5 S Premium: $33,675
CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus: $36,775
CX-5 2.5 S Turbo: $38,125
CX-5 2.5 S Turbo Signature: $40,925
What are the CX-5’s safety ratings and driver assistance features?
All CX-5s have forward collision warning with automatic emergency function brake and pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross traffic and blind spot warning systems. The latter two are commonly found in the higher trim levels of competitors. Top-of-the-line Signature adds rear auto emergency brakeThe system warns the driver of inattention and assists low-speed steering when using adaptive cruise control (Traffic Jam Assist).
The federal government has given the CX-5 a top five-star rating for front- and side-impact worthiness. It has a typical four-star composite rating. The Insurance The Highway Safety Institute named it a Top Safety Pick+ for its best-possible rating of all coverages. crash test and for its crash avoidance technology. The CX-5 is also the only compact SUV of the period to receive the best possible rating of “Good” in the newer, more rugged IIHS aspect. crash test (it does not count towards the Top Safe Choice certificate).
