The 2023 Mazda CX-5 has now standard all-wheel drive across the trim levels: S, Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, Premium Plus, Turbo, and Turbo Signature. The Mazda CX-5 is powered by one of two engine combinations, a 2.5L 4-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque or a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 227 horsepower and 310lb-ft of torque attached to a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission. Premium gasoline can increase the performance figures producing 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque.
The CX-5 manages to feel balanced, responsive and sprightly, even with its somewhat taller seating position. This is thanks to a responsive electric-boost rack-and-pinion power steering system and Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus, which improves steering response by altering engine output to change the dynamics of the CX-5 in corners. All of this makes the CX-5 one of the best-handling compact utility vehicles.
The CX-5 is also versatile. In all versions of the CX-5, the back seats are split 40/20/40 and fold nearly flat. Liftover height is low, and the resulting cargo floor is continuous, which makes it easy to pack larger pieces of weekend cargo.
The S trim include a long list of standard features such as full LED automatic headlights with auto high-beams, 10.25-inch color dashboard display with Mazda's fancy Commander knob, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, rearview camera, HD Radio, two USB ports, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and adaptive cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio, adaptive cruise control with traffic stop and go, keyless entry, push-button ignition, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and power windows and door locks, factors to keep in mind when comparing the CX-5 against less expensive competitors that lack some of that equipment. Standard drive assist featured across the line up are G-Vectoring Control and Smart City Brake Support, Mazda's low-speed automated-emergency-braking system, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and active lane departure.
The Select trim adds much more popular equipment, a rear-seat armrest with storage, steering-wheel audio controls, leatherette and simulated suede upholstery, 6-speaker sound system, proximity keyless entry, dual zone automatic air conditioning, power driver seat, heated front seats, SMS text-messaging capability and Pandora compatibility. The system also gives rear-seat passengers a pair of USB ports, a fold-down center armrest, and A/C vents between the front seats.
The Preferred trim add a lot of equipment, power liftgate and sunroof. Inside, the Preferred has an 8-way power driver and 6-way power passenger seat, driver's seat memory, leather seat surfaces, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The Carbon Edition adds a visual kit with 19-inch black aluminum wheels, exclusive gray paint, gloss black exterior mirrors, and choice of red leather interior.
The Premium adds a few performance and tech enhancements to the Preferred trims, 19-inch aluminum wheels, adaptive headlights, heated mirrors, 10-speaker Bose audio system, paddle shifters, adjustable driving modes, satellite radio, and upgraded 7-in driver info display.
Premium Plus moves the luxury up a notch including power folding mirrors, heads-up display, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and heated steering wheel.
Moving up to the Turbo trim the CX-5 gets special exterior and interior details, black aluminum wheels, and wireless charging pad.
The Turbo Signature trim includes ambient LED lighting, wood accents, satin chrome accents, 360-degree camera view, navigation system, rear automatic braking, and front and rear parking sensors.
Powerful New Turbocharged Engine Availability
Stylish Exterior
Strong Set Of Safety Features
High Quality Interior
Excellent Fuel Economy Ratings
The popular Mazda CX-5 returns for 2023 with minimal changes.
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 competes with the likes of the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape. Even in this crowd, it's one of the sportiest-driving models, with surprisingly good fuel economy ratings, even from its new turbocharged engine. The CX-5 also stands out for offering a great ride quality and a flexible, spacious interior. The CX-5's infotainment system, with Bose sound, is one of the most feature-packed in its competitive set, too, with features such as well-integrated Pandora internet radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
