Mazda cx5 2023 review

Is the Mazda CX-5 dead? It's Mazda's best-selling vehicle thanks to enthusiast-pleasing driving dynamics, just-enough-style, and value like standard i-Activ AWD across all trims. But Mazda has left it relatively unchanged since 2017, and it's showing.

For 2023, the CX-5 gets an extra paint option--the beautiful Rhodium White. It still doesn't have a touch screen (?!?!), is a little tight for rear seats, and the turbo gets less than 30 mpg on the freeway.

With Mazda introducing a slate of new SUVs, and the CX-5 getting on in design years, could this be the last run for the brand's best-selling vehicle?

We grabbed the keys to the 2023 Mazda CX-5 to see if the fun-driving crossover still has our love, or if it's time to look elsewhere.

Key Features

• 2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder Turbo
• 19"' Alloy Wheels
• Bose Speaker System
• AWD

Specifications

• Model: CX-5
• Engine/Motor: 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder/2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
• Horsepower: 187-256 hp
• Torque: 186-320 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: AWD
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Pros

• Driver-Focused SUV
• Mid-Trims Offer Loads Of Value

Cons

• Space Is Smaller Than Competitors

New Paint, Same Heart

Via: Bradley Hasemeyer

With the largest difference for 2023 being the introduction of Rhodium White, it was fitting that our $41,655 (as tested) top-end Signature AWD loaner had that paint. Mazda claims this paint highlights their Kodo design language. This is Mazda's philosophy to create a connection between the driver and the car using visual cues. In fact, Mazda says they try to "breath life" into the car through design.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 retains that life-breathing shape that has made it so popular. The long hood, raked cockpit, wide(r) stance, sharp angles, and a high belt line flows from the top of the headlights all the way back to meet at the rear. The front of the CX-5 has a bit of a "floating hood" look as the wide and thin LED headlights separate it from the grill, black gloss on our Signature trim. There are eight different trims to choose from with the Signature being the top. This trim also had 19" Bright Alloy wheels, and lots of body-colored panels (rocker molding, wheel, arch, etc.) to give it a more upscale look. It also came with chrome accents at the bottom of the grill and from the A-pillar to the C-pillar underlining the side windows. As the design flows to the back there is a rear roof spoiler, LED taillights, and dual chrome-tipped exhaust.

Via: Bradley Hasemeyer

The overall look of the CX-5 is fine. Just fine. Early in the redesign back in 2017, it really stood out in a sea of competition. But with big names updating their compact SUVs like Honda's new "worth every penny" CR-V, Kia's Sportage with a hybrid option, or the Hyundai Tucson with a plug-in option, we have to wonder if the CX-5 is in need of more than a paint job to keep it current.

The Performance Is The Selling Point

Maybe the 2023 Mazda CX-5 style is aging and in need of an update--or maybe the CX-50 will completely replace it based on some really nice differences--but Mazda fans know this is a brand that is all about driving performance. There are entire race leagues dedicated to the Miata for Pete's sake. Thankfully, the CX-5 still controls the pavement when it comes to performance.

The base model gets the 6-speed automatic SKYACTIV-G 2.5 liter four-cylinder worth 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The same engine carries over through all seven trims except the top two. The 2.5 Turbo and 2.5 Turbo Signature (our loaner) get...well, turbos. They add some horses to the stable and bring the CX-5 up to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, as long as you drop extra pennies at the pump and opt for premium 93 octane.

Via: Bradley Hasemeyer

"Crossover SUVs are a blast to drive," said no one. The CX-5, however, remains a shining light in the segment that often times trades practicality for pure fun. Our whole time with the CX-5, we were smiling on the twisty roads of South Georgia. Flipping the CX-5 into sport mode and moving the shifter to the manual setting allowed us to utilize the paddle shifters. This simple adjustment (and some speed) had a way to almost make the car feel smaller--in a good way.

We were approaching corners in speeds reserved for a sedan, not something with this ride height. The brakes impressed in a way that almost hunkered the CX-5 down in the corners and then a tap on the throttle and we sprang out into the straights. As we used the paddle gearbox, we found we could stay in low gears up to the 6,000 red-line. That doesn't sound very high, but the torque pull was strong enough to get us moving without asking the engine to work too hard so we could let it go all the way up. Then a flip of the paddle and there was so much more to give. We love that Mazda has been able to retain that balance between a daily-driver/grocery-getter, but with a second life to satiate the wants of us enthusiasts. It reminded us of the duality of the 2022 Lexus IS 350 F-Sport we had earlier this year.

This Interior Shows Off In A Big Way

It's true that in terms of performance, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 continues to stand out from the pack, but according to physics, you get small and fast or large and slow. The trade-off for this SUV is in the interior volume, storage and head/legroom. It's a driver-oriented vehicle, not a passenger-oriented one. Once you start trying to put people in the backseat, or even a front passenger, we found the CX-5 fills up fast. Your life may not include car seats or portable cribs but for those who are in that stage of life, the CX-5 can feel small after tossing in a few bags.

Via: Bradley Hasemeyer

Visually, the CX-5 has always had a high bar for the interior and the 2023 model carries that over as well. The base model CX-5 starts around $26,000 but for the top premium interior features, the bank loan goes just north of $40,000. For this extra green, you get Caturra Brown Nappa ventilated/heated Leather (firm) trimmed seats, Genuine-layered wood trim, an upgraded Bose sound system, LED interior lighting, ambient lighting, and head-up display.

The tech conveniences like adaptive cruise, lane keeping assist, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Integration were all there as well. The engineers did a great job insulating the 2023 Mazda CX-5 from outside noise--not something to be taken for granted in this price range and category. The upgraded 10-speaker Bose system was impressive and there was a wireless charging pad (which for the record we find all of them finicky).

Via: Bradley Hasemeyer

But the "you-must-be-kidding" moment came when we touched the 10.2" screen to change the song...only to find it's not a touch screen. What?! How can that be in 2022? Yes, you have to operate the infotainment screen with the control knob on the center console? That meant when we were in CarPlay and wanted to move from Spotify to Google Maps, we had to spin a wheel past four or five other options to land on maps and then select it. That's like using the tab button on your computer to move around a website instead of a trackpad or mouse. Downside, for sure.

We Think It's Still A Favorite...But For Much Longer?

Via: Bradley Hasemeyer

Mazda has always been a favorite brand of enthusiasts like ourselves. Remember the rotary engine?? Likewise, the CX-5 has been a fan favorite for many years. It caters to the driving enthusiast who needs space to bring their stuff--as long as it's not too much.

Yet, we can't help but think this is like the QB from your high school days who is stuck in the past. Every time you hang out, he brings up "that one time..." Fortunately, unlike that old QB, Mazda is aware of this need to innovate to get back to the top of the list and are planning three new SUVs very soon. Hopefully, these will bring some fresh wind, style, and functionality to one of our favorite brands. Of course, if you want to opt for a different SUV experience, you can always go for the Mazda Bongo!!