2023 Mazda CX-5
Mazda created a goldmine from its popular CX-5. It is so popular that you cannot ignore one of the highway…let alone a slew of them.
There are many reasons why it is popular. Its size fit a lot purposes from family hauling to a full day of shopping. It does a good job by balancing ride quality with solid handling. And, they are dependable.
However, every time we review the CX-5, we always get the turbocharged model. The reason is simple – the engine alone elevates the experience, as well as performance to the mix. The truth is that Mazda sells more of the non-turbo CX-5 than the turbocharged models.
Let us tell you about the more efficient and less expensive version of Mazda’s popular CX-5.
After last year’s updates, the CX-5 continues to look fresh and inviting. The grille texture, LED headlamps and taillights, and an update to the infotainment system help keep this popular offering on our shopping list.
The rest of what you expect from the latest Mazda CX-5. It is very handsome and distinctive enough to notice them on the road. The tall profile, wide opening doors and liftgate, along with a familiar Mazda shape may have aged a bit. Still, people buy the CX-5 for its usefulness rather than its style.
Our Premium all-wheel drive tester added a set of 19-inch alloy wheels. While this is considered “middle of the road,” the exterior of the CX-5 is not. It continues to be a handsome compact SUV that fits everyone’s lives.
That theme continues inside with higher-quality materials, along with an easy-to-read mix of analog and digital instrumentation and knob-based operation of the infotainment system and other controls. The instrument binnacle features a customizable center screen for the speedometer and trip-related readouts.
The leather seats of the Premium model are comfortable while offering plenty of support and bolstering. Front seat space is exceptional, but it will be the back seats that will surprise you. There is more than enough leg and head room in the back for people over six feet tall and the doors open wide, almost to 90 degrees.
A power-operated liftgate offers ease of access to an expandable cargo space. Once open, you have up to 30 cubic feet of space to pack. Fold down the rear seats, and you now have up to 59.6 cubic feet of space to haul in the back.
Our Premium tester is powered by a 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine putting down 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque on tap. It is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission and, in our tester, the all-wheel drive system. Performance is very good, with solid passing and cruising behavior. For fuel economy, we averaged a solid 26.8 MPG.
The 2023 CX-5 continues to offer a smooth ride, competent handling, and cornering. It should be just fine for many folks. The steering is also quite good, though putting it into Sport mode does tighten up the weight a bit. The wheel action is good with a solid turning radius overall. Brakes are fine with decent pedal action. The CX-5 exhibited solid stops in both normal and panic situations.
Pricing for the 2023 Mazda CX-5 starts at $26,700. You have a choice of eight different trim levels and two engine choices. This 2.5 S Premium tester came with a sticker price of $34,275.
The CX-5 continues to attract customers looking for a good value in a compact SUV, it also has ambitions to attract upwardly mobile customers. The CX-5’s competitors include the Toyota RAV4, Lexus NX, Honda CR-V, Acura RDX, Nissan Rogue, Infiniti QX50, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Genesis GV70, Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi Outlander, Ford Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Buick Envision, Jeep Cherokee, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volkswagen Tiguan, Audi Q5, Jaguar E-Pace, Volvo XC60, and Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
If you temped to drive something that drives very well and do not need a lot of horsepower, check out the 2023 Mazda CX-5. It offers plenty of versatility and practicality you expect in a vehicle in its size class. That is why it continues to be a common sight on our roads today.
Credits: CarSoup Editors
