Our Opinion - 2023 Mazda Cx-5 Review The Mazda CX-5 2023 not only lives up to the brand’s reputation for quick handling but also offers a nearly luxurious experience at a reasonable price. The Mazda CX-5 is one of our favorite small SUVs because it is both quick and has a nice interior. This is especially true of higher-end models with the optional 256-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The base engine is a four-cylinder with 187 hp, but all versions have all-wheel drive and the agile handling of the CX-5, which is fun no matter which engine you choose. Depending on who you ask, the CX-5 is alright. It has less room inside than rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Even though few small SUVs have as much style as the Mazda, the CX-5’s looks appeal in a market full of valuable options. What's New? This year’s lineup includes the CX-5 and the CX-50, which are about the same size. This makes them compete in the same showroom, but Mazda says it will still sell both cars. The 2023 CX-5 is mostly the same as the year before, but it now comes in a new color called Rhodium White. Pros and Cons Pros: Ride and handling were balanced Hasty speeding up Excellent interior design A lot of safety features are the same. Cons: They can’t use the information system with a touch screen. Insufficient cargo space Engine, Transmission, and Performance The CX-5’s standard 187-hp four-cylinder engine has excellent throttle response, making it feel faster than it is. At higher speeds, like when passing or merging onto the highway, it feels like it doesn’t have enough power. The model with 256 horsepower and a turbocharger that we tested moved much faster. Both engines have all-wheel drive and a quick automatic transmission with six speeds. The CX-5 doesn’t have to be hard to drive to be fun or to show how good it is. Yes, it’s great for a Sunday drive because it’s easy to turn and steer. But it has the quiet ride of crossovers that cost twice as much and can handle rough roads. No one else can compete with how smooth and lively this interaction is. The noise from the road is barely noticeable, the pavement has few cracks, and the damping is neither too stiff nor too soft. The Mazda is also fun to drive on roads with curves. The steering works well when it is helped by electricity. When you press the brake pedal on the Signature model we tried, it works smoothly and isn’t too sensitive. Safety The CX-5 comes with a complete set of driver assistance features as standard, and you can buy more. Among the essential safety features are the following: Pedestrian identification is a standard for automatic emergency brakes. In addition to the typical lane departure warning, it also contains a system that assists you in remaining in your driving lane. Conventional adaptive cruise control Internal and External Cargo Capacity If you wake up in one of the best CX-5 cars, you might think kidnappers took you in an Audi or a Mercedes. It looks very high-end because it is made of high-quality materials and has a great layout. The well-designed steering wheel is straight in front of the driver and not at an angle. The floor-hinged accelerator pedal feels better than the more common one suspended above the floor, and all front seat armrests are at the same height for maximum comfort. During our tests, we could only fit nine carry-on bags behind the back seats of the CX-5. The floor of the storage bay is entirely flat, which is a big plus. Also, the cabin has many cracks and nooks where phones and other small devices can be kept. For example, the center console has a large tray in front and a helpful bin with a shelf that can take off. Fuel Economy and Actual MPG The CX-5 has two different fuel economy ratings, one for each of the two engine options. The CX-5 The 2.5-liter base engine gets 24 mpg while driving in the city and 30 mpg while driving on the interstate. The turbocharged engine is more powerful and gets 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the road. We tested both engines on a 75 mph interstate and found that the primary engine got 32 mpg and the Turbo four got 30 mpg. Infotainment and Connectivity Every model has a 10.3-inch display for entertainment that is mainly controlled by a rotary controller and volume knob on the center console. You can also use your voice and buttons on the steering wheel to control the interface. All cars come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay already installed. The CX-5 comes with Mazda Connected Services, which include a smartphone app and a Wi-Fi hotspot that works for a month. Price and How to Choose The Turbo trim best shows the CX-5. The 256-horsepower turbocharged engine upgrade makes the car go faster and handle better. It looks sporty, with gloss-black parts only found on the trim. It has red accents and stitching inside to match its sporty look.
