2023 Mazda CX-5

　　

Mazda CX-5 Video Shorts

by zzdcar Test Team

　　

2023 Mazda CX-5 Review

byChristian WardlawCorrespondent

　　Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at zzdcar and was the first editor-in-chief of zzdcar.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.

　　The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV with seating for up to five passengers. Its current generation has lived near the top of our rankings for years thanks to its premium interior and excellent driving dynamics for a compact SUV in this price range. Consumers apparently agree that the CX-5 is a compelling choice in its class, as it is the most popular vehicle in Mazda's lineup.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$143/mo  for CX-5 2.5 S

　　CX-5 2.5 S

　　2.5 S 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $26,700 MSRP2.5 S Select 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $28,500 MSRP2.5 S Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $30,190 MSRP2.5 S Carbon Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $31,100 MSRP2.5 S Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $33,000 MSRP2.5 S Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $35,500 MSRP2.5 Turbo 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $36,850 MSRP2.5 Turbo Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $39,650 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　However, Mazda has a big decision to make about the CX-5. This year, Mazda debuted the CX-50, which is about the same size inside and out but is styled and packaged for a more outdoorsy type of buyer. The CX-5, for its part, is aimed at urbanites and suburbanites. The CX-50 slots above the CX-30 and lives below the upcoming CX-70 and CX-90 in Mazda's lineup. Which leaves the CX-5, well, where?

　　It's been seven years since the CX-5 got a complete redesign, and we think the nameplate is not long for this world. It simply doesn't fit into the emerging Mazda SUV lineup or match with the new naming conventions the automaker is using. But, hey, that's future talk. For now, the 2023 CX-5 is still a great choice for a small SUV. Check out our Expert Rating below for our test team's complete breakdown of the CX-5's utility, comfort and more.

　　

What's it like to live with?

Our test team spent a year putting 20,000 miles on a 2018 Mazda CX-5, and their findings still broadly apply to the 2023 model. Find out what it's like to live with Mazda's fun-to-drive compact crossover by reading our long-term test of the CX-5.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the CX-5 drive? The base engine provides underwhelming acceleration while the CX-5 is moving, and overtaking on the highway requires some planning. It fares slightly better from a dead stop — the 0-60 mph run on our test track took 8.7 seconds, which is typical for rivals with a base engine. The available turbocharged engine gets the CX-5 to 60 mph in only 6.6 seconds.

　　Handling is where the CX-5 excels. Since it's sharp and communicative, you can take corners at speeds greater than rivals without squealing tires or feeling like you're out of control. The car is unfazed by quick left-to-right transitions. This is the best-handling small crossover. No doubt about it.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the CX-5? The front seats are shaped well and generally comfortable. The rear bench seat is flat on the bottom, which might make long-distance driving uncomfortable for rear passengers. But the rear seatback can recline for added comfort.

　　The CX-5's ride quality is firm but not uncomfortable. Midcorner bumps barely faze the CX-5, and it never feels floaty. Road imperfections are dealt with immediately. Noise in the cabin is really only evident at highway speeds. Even then, you won't have to raise your voice to talk to passengers.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below