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2023 Mazda CX-5 Review: Unmatched Value and Refinement

2023 Mazda CX-5 Review:

  • 2023 CX-5 – $26,700 – $39,650
  • IIHS+ Superior Safety Pick
  • Pros: Tons of standard features, engaging drive, high quality interior
  • Cons: No touchscreen, underpowered base engine, narrow backseat
2023 Mazda CX-5 | Allison Barfield, MotorBiscuit

It offers the brand’s reputation for providing luxury vehicles with luxury amenities at an affordable price. Driving the CX-5 is an engaging, athletic and comfortable experience.

shares that it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.7 seconds. This is about average for the class and provides ample power to pass others and blend into traffic.

But upgrading to the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine gives you 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular gas. It uses 93-octane fuel to boost those figures to 256hp and 320Nm of torque. With this engine, the CX-5 can hit 60 mph in about 6.6 seconds.

It has instant acceleration with precise control thanks to the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. However, the 2023 CX-5 can be slow to downshift at times, though. Aside from that, it has sure-footed and predictable brakes, direct steering, and responsive handling.

The CX-5 feels confident and connected to the road, with plenty of cornering grip and fun through tight turns. There are customizable Mi-Drive modes for Sport, Normal, Eco and Off-Road.

Use Sport mode to tighten throttle response and acceleration times. Normal mode is calmer for relaxed, informal driving. Also, Eco mode may feel a little slow but it can help save fuel.

Can the Mazda CX-5 go off-road?

2023 Mazda CX-5 off-roader
2023 Mazda CX-5 | Allison Barfield, MotorBiscuit

Yes, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 can go off-road, but we wouldn’t push it beyond entry-level trails or challenges. It features only 7.6 inches of ground clearance, which isn’t the best at clearing obstacles.

It’s a bit interesting for the CX-5 to have an Off-Road mode but not a dedicated Snow or Slippery mode. However, it’s still excellent in the snow. The i-Activ AWD system precisely measures the amount of torque that needs to be sent to each wheel to prevent slip and spin.

The CX-5 felt confident and in control on gravel and dirt roads with stretches of deep, wet mud. The steeper inclines made the engine hiss a bit and we would avoid mud and deeper ruts. However, the 2023 CX-5 should help you get to your campsite without any problems.

How comfortable is the 2023 Mazda CX-5?

2023 Mazda CX-5 interior comfort
2023 Mazda CX-5 | Mazda

The 2023, smooth ride on most surfaces. The suspension is a little stiff which is great for making it feel more athletic but results in a more bumpy feel.

Rough spots and larger impacts are absorbed easily and do not cause the interior to vibrate or upset. Also, the interior can be peacefully quiet at slower speeds. You will notice some wind noise on the highway, but it’s not disturbing.

The front seats are wide and well padded for hours of comfort. The rear seat has a relaxing backrest angle and ample lumbar support. But the lower cushions are a bit flat and legroom is a bit tight for taller passengers.

Plus, the 2023 CX-5 is unmatched when it comes to heated steering wheel, heated seats, and ventilated seats. You can quickly warm up or cool down as needed. The climate control system is powerful and rarely needs adjusting.

Does the 2023 CX-5 have a nice interior?

Yes, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 has an excellent interior with high quality materials such as wood grain trim and premium leather upholstery. Provides a sense of luxury sophistication without the luxury price tag.

The steering wheel, armrests, dashboard, headlining, carpet, and more feel well-crafted and plush.

Large sections of soft-touch coated surfaces are accented with touches of chrome for a simple yet attractive layout.

In addition, the front seats are large and easy to access. Everything you need is conveniently at your fingertips. The windshield is large with tons of visibility, but the rear window is narrow. Large side mirrors and active safety systems make the difference.

How is the technology of the Mazda CX-5?

2023 Mazda CX-5 technology
2023 Mazda CX-5 | Mazda

For the most part, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 features technology that is intuitive and easy to use. However, the 10.25-inch infotainment display isn’t a touchscreen. It is controlled by a rotating dial on the center console.

Sometimes it seems to add a few extra steps and can be distracting. It is advisable to know it before driving. But the graphics are sharp and the software works quickly. The voice recognition system is responsive and the built-in navigation is intelligent.

The head-up display is easy to customize and the digital instrument cluster provides crucial information for the driver despite looking a bit basic. Plus, the 10-speaker Bose premium sound system sounds great.

We like the wireless phone charging pad and its convenient location. However, we wish Apple CarPlay/Android Auto wireless was available. While advanced security systems offer peace of mind, notifications can be a bit intrusive.

You can only see a severe weather warning while the vehicle isn’t moving, and we were often hit with drowsy driver warnings at 40-minute intervals.

How much cargo space does the 2023 Mazda CX-5 have?

The offers 29.1 cubic feet of cargo space in the rear with up to 59.3 cubes overall. While this amount of space is less than rivals, it’s still quite plentiful and practical. The seats are easy to fold down to create a flat load floor.

Additionally, the CX-5 has a wide tailgate opening with a low lift height. You can probably upload more items than you think. If you need the extra room, the CX-5 can tow up to 2,000 pounds. Rivals can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Storage of small items is plentiful in the CX-5 thanks to various trays and compartments. The center console is a bit narrow. But on a positive note, child seats are easy to install.

Is the 2023 Mazda CX-5 safe?

Yes, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 is incredibly safe. It’s a Top Safety Pick+. It received a “good” rating in nearly all of its simulated crash tests, which is the highest possible rating.

The CX-5 earned a “Superior” rating for its collision avoidance at speeds of 12 and 25 mph. It has Standard Smart Brake Support with collision warning and Smart City Brake Support with pedestrian detection.

We are impressed by the adaptive LED headlights. They provide tons of visibility and quickly adjust to oncoming traffic. The child seat anchorages only received an Acceptable rating because they are considered too deep in the seat.

Standard security features include:

  • Forward collision mitigation
  • Blind spot warning
  • Rear cross traffic warning
  • Lane change mitigation
  • adaptive cruise control

How reliable is the Mazda CX-5?

2023 Mazda CX-5 Turbo
2023 Mazda CX-5 Turbo | Mazda

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 has an above-average reliability rating. It earned an 82 out of 100 from JDPower. Scores between 91 and 100 are the best, while scores between 81 and 91 are excellent. The range from 70 to 80 is average.

You can expect your CX-5 model to go over 200,000 miles before requiring an expensive repair. Some models have surpassed 270,000 miles without significant problems over approximately 12 or more years of road service.

But the key to longevity is regular care and proper maintenance. Annual maintenance for the CX-5 costs about $447. This is great compared to the $652 average annual cost for other vehicles.

MotorBiscuit awards 2023 Mazda CX-5 with official rating of 8.7 out of 10

Editors gave the 2023 Mazda CX-5 a score of 8.7 out of 10. The 2023 CX-5 is a luxury bargain to consider, with comfort and luxury unmatched for its price. Plus, it has a long list of standard features, including AWD.

You can customize the CX-5’s settings to create the optimal driving experience based on your mood. Use Sport mode and wheel-mounted paddle shifters to increase your enjoyment, or take it easy with Normal or Eco mode. Don’t forget the Off-Road mode!

The CX-5 is safe and comfortable, making your daily commute more enjoyable. But it could use some tech updates to feel more modern, and some rivals offer more cargo space with greater towing capacity.

While the turbocharged engine is limited to more expensive trims, it’s worth it. Additionally, the 2023 CX-5 is safe and reliable. We can’t wait to see if it gets a mid-cycle update soon.

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