NEW 2023 MAZDA CX-5 REVIEW

SMALL CROSSOVER, LARGE IMPACT

As current automotive trends are shifting toward SUVs, every automotive manufacturer seems to be pumping out crossovers and SUVs left and right. Understandably, for consumers, it’s difficult for individual models to stand out in this sea of cookie-cutter crossovers and SUVs, with the exception of one brand; Mazda. Mazda has always stood out from competitors due to their high attention to detail, quality, and driving experience. Just look at the iconic Mazda Miata, still praised for its driving characteristics, 30 years after release. The same exhilarating driving experience and characteristics of Mazda are fully embodied in the 2023 Mazda CX-5. Compact, premium, and infinitely fun to drive, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 is the compact SUV you never knew you needed. Starting at an affordable $26,700, stay tuned to discover what makes the 2023 Mazda CX-5 not only a great SUV but a great car in general.

ELEGANCE EMBODIED

The current CX-5 design debuted way back in 2017 but has honestly, aged like fine wine. Curves and contouring lines wrap around the entirety of the CX-5 giving it a sense of motion, even at a standstill. The curves and accents however are subtle, the CX-5 doesn’t need to shout that it’s a refined and premium vehicle, you just feel it as soon as you look at one. Just like how everyone knows a BMW from its grille design, the CX-5, or any Mazda for that matter is distinguishable through its calm yet bold presence. When asked about the exterior design, Lead CX-5 Designer Takanori Tsubaki had this to say: “…I’m confident that it will speak to the soul and transcend its existence as a mere machine. Nothing would make me happier than for it to be enjoyed by people who value quality and possess mature sensibilities.”

AFFORDABLE COST, PREMIUM PERFORMANCE

As mentioned before, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 starts at an extremely competitive price of $26,700. Vehicles in this price range usually come standard with Front Wheel Drive, paired to an uninspiring engine, built solely for getting to point A to point B. The Mazda CX-5 will get you to point A to point B as well, only with standard AWD, more refinement, performance, and exhilaration. Two engine options are available for the CX-5; a 2.5-liter inline-4, capable of 187 horsepower, 186 lb-ft of torque, and 24/30 miles per gallon. The second engine option is a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4, delivering a whopping 256 horsepower, 320 lb-ft of torque, and 22/27 miles per gallon. For the power you’re getting, the CX-5’s cost and fuel efficiency is highly competitive, outshining 95% of SUVs just on the performance specs alone. How does it handle? Beautifully. Steering is crisp, brakes are responsive, and the refined chassis keeps you confident and in control of the CX-5. Whether you opt for the non-turbo or turbo variant, the CX-5 is, by all means, fun to drive. But don’t expect it to drive like a sport performance vehicle, because that’s not what it’s designed for. Instead, the CX-5 perfectly blends both luxury and performance to embody the spirit of driving. Sorry, we can’t help but get poetic when driving the Mazda CX-5.

LUXURIOUS INTERIOR, HOST OF FEATURES

The Mazda CX-5 boasts a luxurious interior, not typically seen in vehicles in this class. Beautiful leather, wooden detailing, and notes of Piano Black and chrome encapsulate the interior, while knobs and buttons are smartly and logically placed on the dashboard. The cabin exudes a sense of sportiness, but also a “homey” feeling, as if you’ve stepped into a living space, rather than a vehicle’s cabin. The sleek 10.25-inch infotainment display sits above the beautifully crafted dashboard, and the controls, to the delight of many drivers, are controlled physically with a single knob. Regarding space, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 offers plenty of room; with 41 inches of front legroom, 39.6 inches of rear legroom, and an impressive total cargo volume of 59.3 cubic feet.2023 mazda cx-5 interiorComplimenting the premium interior are the equally premium and abundant safety features available in the CX-30. Awarded an NHTSA 5-star rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick Award, the CX-30 grants owners access to a host of safety and driver-assist features called i-Activesense. i-Active sense includes:

• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control
• Adaptive Front Lighting System
• Smart Braking System
• Lane Departure Warning and Lane-Keep Assist
• Driver Attention Alert
• and much more.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

Personally, I’ve never thought I’d ever want a crossover compact SUV, due to being a fan of coupes and sports sedans. However, the CX-5 is the one and only SUV I’d consider if I was shopping for one. Mazda’s reliability, attention to detail and performance transcend the CX-5 from a typical crossover, but to a true “Driver’s Car” but with all the utility and luxury Mazda is known for.