SUVs continually land atop critics’ lists. The compact SUV segment remains highly competitive, with popular models from several brands plunging into consumer attention. Recently, two Mazda compact SUVs — and the CX-50 — joined small crossovers from four other automakers in the Car and Driver’s 2023 Editors’ Choice roundup.
2023 Car and Driver Editors’ Choice for Best Compact SUV
The Car and Driver 2023 Editors’ Choice list of the best cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans is an extensive list that requires enough scrolling to aggravate carpal tunnel syndrome. Since we’ll be reviewing the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Volkswagen Tiguan elsewhere, let’s dig into the Mazda and CX-50 to see what makes Mazda’s compact SUVs a favorite.
“artful” and praises its “refined handling” and upscale interior compared to rivals. While the CX-5’s cargo space is “just average,” rear-seat passenger legroom and towing capacity suffer by comparison. Still, Car and Driver reviewers say the “blend of road agility and interior refinement” — combined with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine — makes the 2023 Mazda CX-5 a of their “favorite small SUVs”.
All 2023 CX-5 powertrains include a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD. A 187-hp naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine comes standard in six CX-5 trim levels, including Base, Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, and Premium Plus, with an MSRP starting from $27,975 to $36,775. Additionally, the $38,125 Turbo and $40,925 Turbo Signature trims feature an intercooled, turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter, putting out 256 hp.
Fuel economy ratings vary by powertrain. The 187-hp version gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. As expected, the 256-hp turbo option gets a slightly less economical 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offers a luxurious cabin and a pleasant ride
Mazda sells the CX-5 alongside the all-new , but it’s probably a matter of time before the popular CX-5 fades into oblivion. Both models offer the same propulsion options, high-end cabins and pleasant driving characteristics. While the CX-50 is slightly larger than the CX-5, its lower roofline offers less headroom than its predecessor.
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offers seven trim levels with the 187-hp 2.5-liter engine (Base, Select, Preferred, Preferred Plus, Premium, Premium Plus and Meridian Edition) and three with the 256-horsepower turbo-four HP (Turbo , Turbo Premium and Turbo Premium Plus).
Like the CX-5, all CX-50 trims pack a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD as standard equipment and offer comfort ranging from “basic to downright luxurious,” it reports. Prices range from the Base trim’s $28,825 MSRP to the highest non-turbo Meridian Edition, priced at $41,620. Turbocharged versions start at $38,425 and go up to $43,575 for Turbo Premium Plus.
While the 2023 Mazda CX-50 doesn’t come with a hybrid variant, it is on the horizon and likely similar to the Toyota RAV4’s 219hp hybrid drivetrain. Until then, the CX-50’s fuel economy closely resembles that of the CX-5, with the base transmission returning an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. However, it performed better than the turbocharged CX-5 in terms of gas mileage, with 23 mpg city/29 mpg highway.
