2023 Mazda CX-5

Overview

Not only does the 2023 Mazda CX-5 deliver on the brand’s reputation for athletic handling, it also offers a near-luxury experience for mainstream money. It’s this particular blend of nimble road manners and interior refinement that makes the CX-5 one of our favorite small SUVs, especially higher-end models that come with the optional 256-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The entry-level engine is a pokier 187-hp four, but all-wheel drive is standard on all models—as is the CX-5’s lithe handling, which will satisfy regardless of your choice of engine. The CX-5 isn’t perfect—although, that depends on who you ask—as it’s not as spacious as rivals such as the Honda CR-V or the Toyota RAV4. Few compact SUVs can match the Mazda’s panache, though, and in a segment full of pragmatic options the CX-5’s charms are alluring.

What’s New for 2023?

The CX-5 is joined by the similarly-sized CX-50 in the lineup this year creating a sibling rivalry within the same showroom, but Mazda says it plans on selling both models for the time being. The 2023 CX-5 is largely unchanged from last year, but gains a new optional Rhodium White paint color.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Base

$27,975

Select

$29,775

Preferred

$30,865

Carbon Edition

$31,775

Premium

$33,675

Premium Plus

$36,775

$38,125

Turbo Signature

$40,925

We think the Turbo trim best exemplifies the CX-5. With the upgraded 256-hp turbocharged engine, its quickness better corresponds with its athletic handling. Its exterior is elegantly sporty with trim-specific gloss-black accents. Its interior mirrors that sportiness with red accents and stitching.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The CX-5’s standard 187-hp four-cylinder engine has great throttle response when pulling away from stoplights or hustling around town, so it feels quicker than it actually is. It’s at higher speeds, such as when trying to pass or merge onto the freeway, that it feels underpowered. The 256-hp turbocharged version we tested provided much quicker acceleration. Both engines pair with a snappy six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. You don’t need to drive the CX-5 hard to enjoy it or to appreciate its excellence. Sure, its precise steering and composed cornering make for one helluva Sunday cruise. But it also soaks up rough roads without commotion and has the ride quality of crossovers that cost twice as much. This harmonious interplay of dynamics is unrivaled by its competitors. Pavement imperfections are isolated, road noise is minimal, and the damping is neither stiff nor floaty. At the same time, the Mazda comes alive on curvy roads. The electrically assisted steering provides satisfying responses. The Signature model we tested had a reassuring brake-pedal feel that operated without delay and without being too touchy when you apply the brakes.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

With two engine options, the CX-5 has two fuel-economy ratings. The base 2.5-liter engine is rated at 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The more powerful turbocharged engine is rated at 22 mpg city and 27 highway. We’ve tested both on our 75-mph highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, and the standard engine returned 32 mpg compared with the turbo four’s 30 mpg result. For more information about the CX-5’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Wake up inside the top-tier CX-5 models and you might think you’ve been abducted by kidnappers driving an Audi or a Mercedes. First-rate materials and a fabulous layout make it feel especially upscale. The floor-hinged accelerator pedal feels better than the more common version that is suspended above the floor, the well-crafted steering wheel is directly in front of the driver and not offset at a slight angle, and all of the front-seat armrests are at the same height for optimal comfort. Sacrifices come in small packages: in this case, the CX-5 held just nine carry-on suitcases behind its rear seats in our testing. The storage bay does benefit from a completely flat load floor. There are also several nooks and crannies in the cabin to store smartphones and other small items. For instance, the center console has a deep tray at the front and a useful bin with a removable shelf.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every model boasts a 10.3-inch infotainment display that’s primarily manipulated through a rotary controller and volume knob on the center console. The interface also operates through voice commands and buttons on the steering wheel. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the board. The CX-5 comes with Mazda Connected Services that includes access to remote vehicle functions via a smartphone app and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The CX-5 comes standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technology and some other optional assists. For more information about the CX-5’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Kia and Hyundai both offer better warranty coverage than Mazda, and some other automakers that play in this segment offer complimentary maintenance.

Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Specifications

2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature

Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE

Base/As Tested: $40,225/$40,745

Options: Snowflake White Pearl paint, $395; rear bumper guard, $125

ENGINE

turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 152 in3, 2488 cm3

Power: 256 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque: 320 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm

TRANSMISSION

6-speed automatic

CHASSIS

Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink

Brakes, F/R: 12.6-in vented disc/11.9-in disc

Tires: Toyo A36

P225/55R-19 99Z M+S

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 106.2 in

Length: 180.1 in

Width: 72.6 in

Height: 66.3 in

Passenger Volume: 104 ft3

Cargo Volume: 29-31 ft3

Curb Weight: 3832 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS

60 mph: 6.2 sec

1/4-Mile: 14.9 sec @ 93 mph

100 mph: 17.7 sec

Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.

Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.7 sec

Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.4 sec

Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.6 sec

Top Speed (mfr’s claim): 129 mph

Braking, 70–0 mph: 185 ft

Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.78 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY

Observed: 24 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY

Combined/City/Highway: 24/22/27 mpg

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

More Features and Specs