The Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV was first seen back in 2012 and this five seater SUV has gone on to become Mazda's best-selling model globally every year since 2014.
So, what makes this Mazda model such a global hit? Read on as we take a closer look at what the 2023 Mazda CX-5 has to offer.
What's New for 2023?
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 continues mostly unchanged from the 2022 model year, which saw substantial updates, including fitting all trims with AWD. For 2023, a new optional Rhodium White paint color has been added to the color palette.
Eight trim levels and two engine options are available for the 2023 model year.
Sporty Exterior
This second-generation 2023 Mazda CX-5 received a refresh in 2022 that gave the CX-5 restyled bumpers and updated tailgate along with new-look headlamps and tail lamps, as well as beefier-looking exhaust tips.
Mazda's Kodo design philosophy is evident in the reflective curved exterior body panels that lend the CX-5 a sleek and elegant profile with Mazda's designers paying attention to the smallest of details in all of the exterior features.
Plentiful standout exterior features on the front of the CX-5 are the slim horizontal LED headlamps, available LED daytime driving lights, and black mesh front grille with silver accents.
Further features include a roof-mounted "shark fin" antenna, body-colored rear roof spoiler, dual exhaust outlets with a bright finish, rear privacy glass, and AWD badge, plus many more trim-dependent features.
All 2023 trim levels ride on alloy wheels ranging from 17 inches to 19 inches, and the 2023 Mazda CX-5 range is available in eight exterior colors.
2023 Mazda CX-5 Dimensions
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 rides on a 106.2-inch wheelbase and measures 180.1 inches long, 72.6 inches wide, with mirrors folded in and 65.4 inches high.
The standard ground clearance of 7.6 inches and 7.9 inches on all trim from the Carbon Edition and up allows for problem free weekend travels on some country trails.
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2023 Mazda CX-5 Interior
The CX-5's features a sophisticated cabin that pampers the driver. The leather-wrapped gear selector and leather-wrapped steering wheel are both standard as well as audio, phone, and cruise controls.
The instrument gauge cluster features classic black dials with white lettering, finished in a bright silver metal look surround. Drivers get a speedometer, tachometer, and fuel gauge and the dashboard is also equipped with an ambient temperature and clock display, plus a 4.6-inch Multi-Information Display with a trip computer.
There is a heated 6-way power adjustable seat for the driver and a 6-way manual heated front passenger's seat. Standard upholstery is black leatherette, while upper trims get leather, and the driver will enjoy the convenience of an eight-way power-adjustable seat.
All seat positions get adjustable headrests, plus the front seats are heated with 3-level adjustment.
Infotainment equipment comprises a standard 10.25-inch full-color display with the Mazda Connect infotainment system accessed via the center console-mounted rotary controller and volume knob. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are also standard.
Load space in the CX-5's cargo area measures 30 cubic feet and expands up to 59.3 cubic feet
of total load space once the 60/40-split rear seats have been folded down with a completely flat cargo floor.
Mazda CX-5 Performance
Lower trims in the 2023 Mazda CX-5 lineup use a naturally aspirated SKYACTIV-G,four-cylinder 2.5-liter, double overhead cam gasoline engine that makes 187-horsepower @ 6,000 rpm with 185 pound feet of torque @ 4,000 rpm.
Upper trims are fitted with the more powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder producing 256 horsepower and torque of 320 pound feet.
Standard transmission is a SKYACTIV®-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift and Sport mode coupled with the i-ACTIV AWD drivetrain fitted with a center limited-slip differential.
Owners of the CX-5 are guaranteed spirited performance, with even the base trims managing the benchmark 0 to 60 mph acceleration test in a respectable 8.4 seconds.
The impressively powerful turbocharged trims will dispatch the 0 to 60 mph test in just 6.2 seconds, which is not too shabby for a compact and versatile family SUV.
Technology Features
The modern design of the CX-5 also brings plentiful technology to the table with a comprehensive array of both standard and optional features on offer to make passengers comfier and safer in their travels.
The CX-5 has Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) technology available that optimizes traction and driving responsiveness using the different drive modes, allowing the driver to remain in full control in varying road surfaces and driving scenarios.
Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus system responds to driver steering inputs, making subtle engine torque and braking adjustments by working in tandem with the drive modes and standard all-wheel drive; this system enhances stability, whether you are driving on paved roads, towing, or even tackling some rougher off-road tracks.
Mazda towing mode is available but only compatible with genuine Mazda accessories' trailer hitch and harness. This technology compensates for the additional towed weight, helping the driver handle responses more intuitively.
Tugging along the family boat or trailer is effortless thanks to the CX-5's generous low-end torque that allows for towing up to 3,500 pounds.
Standard driver assistance technologies include the Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE safety package with advanced driving aids that include blind-spot warnings, lane departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, advanced smart city brake support with day and night-time pedestrian detection and available Traffic Jam Assist, plus others.
Safety Features in the 2023 Mazda CX-5
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 was awarded a 2023 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK award and is kitted out with a comprehensive list of standard safety equipment, including:
- Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, four-channel Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist
- Dual front airbags with seat belt-use and passenger-weight sensors
- Front side-impact airbags and side-impact air curtains with rollover protection
- Three-point seat belts for all seating positions
- Dynamic stability control with traction control system
- Child safety rear door locks
- Rear seat alert
- Rearview monitor
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- LATCH rear seat, child-safety-seat anchors and upper tether anchors
Fuel Economy and MPG
With the 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, the lower trims of the CX-5 achieve EPA estimates of 26 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.
The more powerful turbocharged CX-5 trims return 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
2023 Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels and Pricing
A lineup of eight trims ensures that prospective buyers of the CX-5 get to pick and choose trims that match their budgets.
2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S
The entry-level 2.5 S trim at a starting $28,075 MSRP offers the aforementioned generous appointments that include leatherette upholstery, air conditioning with pollen filter, heated front seats, four speakers audio, and front and rear USB ports.
Other notable features include manual leveling LED headlights, keyless entry, and fitted automatic rain-sensing wipers.
The 2.5 S rides on 17-inch gray metallic alloy wheels wrapped in P225/65 R17 all-season tires and is available in four exterior paint colors.
2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select
The 2.5 S Select at a starting MSRP of $29,875 adds to the specs of the 2.5 S the following upgrade, dual-zone automatic climate control with pollen filter with rear seat vents, six speakers audio system, automatic leveling LED headlights and privacy glass.Â
The 2.5 S also rides on 17-inch gray metallic alloy wheels wrapped in P225/65 R17 all-season tires and is available in six exterior paint colors.
2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Preferred
The 2.5 S Preferred starts at $31,565 MSRP. This trim includes a power moonroof, power rear liftgate with programmable height adjustment, genuine black or parchment leather seats, power-operated front seats, power lumbar support plus memory settings for the driver's seat, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Carbon Edition
This trim is for those who seek the exclusivity of Mazda's Polymetal Gray paint available on the CX-5 Carbon Edition priced at $32,475 MSRP. Interior highlights include the black or red leather upholstery, 19-inch alloy rims, gloss black interior accents, a premium 10-speaker Bose audio system, and the addition of dual USB-C charge ports.
2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium
The CX-5 2.5 S Premium starts at $34,375 MSRP, which gets buyers the Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) system that offers normal, off-road, and sport-driving modes.
Other additional features are custom 19-inch alloy rims, adaptive front lighting, heated side mirrors, paddle shifters, a seven-inch LCD meter display, and the front LED daytime running lights.
2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus
The top non-turbo trim starts at $36,875 MSRP and ups the luxury and convenience features with a full-color heads-up-display (HUD), heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, power-folding wing mirrors, along with a windshield wiper de-icer.
The Premium Plus also offers wireless smartphone connectivity and wireless smartphone charging.
2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo
The 2.5 Turbo trim is fitted with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine and features specs similar to those of the Premium Plus at a starting MSRP of $38,225.
2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature
The range topping 2.5 Turbo Signature at $41,025 MSRP offers all the bells and whistles inclusive of leather steering wheel with unique stitching, caturra brown leather seating, ambient cabin lighting for front & rear foot wells.
A unique overhead console with a sunglasses holder with an LED room lamp and courtesy downlight is standard, plus available interior trim upgrades of genuine wood instrument panel insert, genuine wood door panel insert, and metal-look interior accents.
Exterior upgrades include the exclusive Signature badging.
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Get Your Mazda CX-5 at Central Mazda
The stylish CX-5 is waiting for you to test drive and fall in love with it.
Our dedicated sales team here at Central Mazda in Plainfield, CT, will show you all you need to know about this compact SUV and assist you in getting behind the wheel in no time.
