2023 Mazda Cx-5 Review

• The CX-5 won’t change in 2024.
• 2017’s second-generation CX-5.

Mazda is suffering. The CX-5, the brand’s best-selling model, has mostly stayed the same for eight years. Mazda’s 2023 CX-50 is better. Mazda’s latest CX-5 SUVs share its name and size. The power plants and transmissions are interchangeable.

Mazda must contend with shoppers who prefer the older CX-5 SUV. Despite recent improvements, the CX-5 is unlikely to be built until 2024. Mazda is repeating its CX-3-to-CX-30 transition. The CX-5 moniker will fit with the CX-30, CX-50, and CX-90 marketing plan once the Mazda CX-70 is released.

If you want a 2024 Mazda CX-5, buy one today. The 2024 CX-5 is a nice small SUV despite its age. It runs well, looks good, and is well-made inside.

Live with them?

Invoice Pricing tested the second-generation Mazda CX-5 for 20,000 miles. Our 2018 CX-5 study still applies to the 2024 model.

Pros

• Drive thrillingly
• A lovely home
• Instead, have a powerful turbocharged engine.
• Highway quiet.

Cons

• Base engines are slow.
• This class is brutal.
• Most competitors have more cargo space and legroom.

CX-5 speed? The CX-5’s standard engine’s poor acceleration makes interstate passing difficult. Full stops work better. Our test track averaged 8.7 seconds from 0 to 60 mph for base engine competitors. The turbocharged CX-5 can reach 60 mph in 6.6 seconds.

CX-5s drive well. It can communicate and spin faster than your competition without creating noise or losing control. The automobile is unaffected by rapid left-right changes. Best-driving compact automobile. No doubt.

CX-5 comfort? The front seats are comfortable and well-shaped. Backseat passengers may struggle on extended rides due to the flat bench seat floor. However, the back seat can be adjusted for comfort.

The CX-5 rides well. The CX-5 doesn’t float or feel bumps in corners. Roads are repaired immediately. Only highway speeds make cabin noise audible. Talking to others won’t require shouting.

The interior? The driver-focused design makes all settings easy to reach. Big folks have plenty of legroom in the Mazda CX-5’s front seats. Adults cannot sit in the middle due to the curved outer chairs. This may crowd the backseats. Back legroom is limited.

Big windows, low frames, and a high driving position make this automobile simple to see out of. Even though the back windows are substantially smaller than competitors, you can see well enough to avoid blind spots when looking over your shoulder—good backup camera clarity.

Tech quality? The entertainment system’s 10.25-inch screen is colorful and easy to operate. The car’s built-in GPS is simple. CX-5s with head-up displays can display turn instructions on the window. Mazda voice control uses natural speech recognition. It can dial numbers, play terrestrial radio, and type addresses.

The CX-5’s superior driving aids aren’t always helpful. The lane exit warning system’s low-pitched buzzing draws attention. However, the blind-spot warning system is sensitive and can activate when passing distant cars.

Are you storing things? The CX-5’s cargo area was smaller than others, but it fits two large suitcases. The Honda CR-V’s loading area is smaller due to the liftgate’s higher maximum opening height and cargo floor height. Small items do well in the house.

A youngster? Four outside seat holes access the car seat anchors. Bolts are positioned back but easy to put into holes. Seatback tethers are accessible even with the cargo cover. Press the tab to reveal the cord.

Is it gas efficient? An all-wheel-drive CX-5 with the standard engine is estimated to earn 26 mpg city/highway. Our AWD CX-5 earned 28.8 mpg on our mixed-driving test route, so you should expect EPA-rated mileage. Still, some top compact SUVs get more excellent gas mileage.

Is a CX-5 wise? CX-5 parts are costly. The leather seats, buttons, and controls you can install are all high-quality. The only issue is that the bendable side bolsters sometimes touch the central desk. All else is fantastic. Fully outfitted, the CX-5 may cost less than top-tier competitors—no free maintenance and standard warranty coverage.

CX-5’s shark-like nose is immediately noticeable. The cabin is superior to most automobiles in its class, so you’ll feel much better inside. CX-5 crossovers are adventurous.

Mazda hasn’t announced the 2024 CX-5, but the 2.5 S Select will likely sell. Select is higher than the base. It boasts improved seats, a radio, temperature control, and darker back window glass.

Mazda CX-5s

2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo are Mazda CX-5 trims. Engine size is “2.5”. The CX-5 2.5 S has a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, 187-horsepower engine. Regular octane fuel gives the CX-5 2.5 Turbo 227 horsepower. 93-octane energy boosts horsepower to 256. Choose 2.5 S to see the SUV’s trim levels: 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Premium, and 2.5 S Premium Plus. Only the 2.5 Turbo and 2.5 Turbo Signature have turbochargers.