2022 vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

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2022 vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

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  • Highs Artful exterior design, refined handling, richer interior than similarly-priced SUVs.
  • Lows Rear-seat legroom is tight, tows less than rivals, cargo space is merely average.
  • Verdict The CX-5 is true to Mazda’s philosophy of building cars and SUVs with driver-friendly road manners and chic, upscale interiors.

By Drew Dorian and Eric Stafford

Overview

Not only does the 2023 Mazda CX-5 deliver on the brand’s reputation for athletic handling, it also offers a near-luxury experience for mainstream money. It’s this particular blend of nimble road manners and interior refinement that makes the CX-5 one of our favorite small SUVs, especially higher-end models that come with the optional 256-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The entry-level engine is a pokier 187-hp four, but all-wheel drive is standard on all models—as is the CX-5’s lithe handling, which will satisfy regardless of your choice of engine. The CX-5 isn’t perfect—although, that depends on who you ask—as it’s not as spacious as rivals such as the Honda CR-V or the Toyota RAV4. Few compact SUVs can match the Mazda’s panache, though, and in a segment full of pragmatic options the CX-5’s charms are alluring.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

What's New for 2023?

The CX-5 is joined by the similarly-sized CX-50 in the lineup this year creating a sibling rivalry within the same showroom, but Mazda says it plans on selling both models for the time being. The 2023 CX-5 is largely unchanged from last year, but gains a new optional Rhodium White paint color.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We think the Turbo trim best exemplifies the CX-5. With the upgraded 256-hp turbocharged engine, its quickness better corresponds with its athletic handling. Its exterior is elegantly sporty with trim-specific gloss-black accents. Its interior mirrors that sportiness with red accents and stitching.

    Engine, Transmission, and Performance

    The CX-5's standard 187-hp four-cylinder engine has great throttle response when pulling away from stoplights or hustling around town, so it feels quicker than it actually is. It's at higher speeds, such as when trying to pass or merge onto the freeway, that it feels underpowered. The 256-hp turbocharged version we tested provided much quicker acceleration. Both engines pair with a snappy six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. You don't need to drive the CX-5 hard to enjoy it or to appreciate its excellence. Sure, its precise steering and composed cornering make for one helluva Sunday cruise. But it also soaks up rough roads without commotion and has the ride quality of crossovers that cost twice as much. This harmonious interplay of dynamics is unrivaled by its competitors. Pavement imperfections are isolated, road noise is minimal, and the damping is neither stiff nor floaty. At the same time, the Mazda comes alive on curvy roads. The electrically assisted steering provides satisfying responses. The Signature model we tested had a reassuring brake-pedal feel that operated without delay and without being too touchy when you apply the brakes.

    Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

    With two engine options, the CX-5 has two fuel-economy ratings. The base 2.5-liter engine is rated at 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The more powerful turbocharged engine is rated at 22 mpg city and 27 highway. We've tested both on our 75-mph highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, and the standard engine returned 32 mpg compared with the turbo four's 30 mpg result. For more information about the CX-5's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

    Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

    Wake up inside the top-tier CX-5 models and you might think you've been abducted by kidnappers driving an Audi or a Mercedes. First-rate materials and a fabulous layout make it feel especially upscale. The floor-hinged accelerator pedal feels better than the more common version that is suspended above the floor, the well-crafted steering wheel is directly in front of the driver and not offset at a slight angle, and all of the front-seat armrests are at the same height for optimal comfort. Sacrifices come in small packages: in this case, the CX-5 held just nine carry-on suitcases behind its rear seats in our testing. The storage bay does benefit from a completely flat load floor. There are also several nooks and crannies in the cabin to store smartphones and other small items. For instance, the center console has a deep tray at the front and a useful bin with a removable shelf.

      Infotainment and Connectivity

      Every model boasts a 10.3-inch infotainment display that's primarily manipulated through a rotary controller and volume knob on the center console. The interface also operates through voice commands and buttons on the steering wheel. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the board. The CX-5 comes with Mazda Connected Services that includes access to remote vehicle functions via a smartphone app and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot.

        Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

        The CX-5 comes standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technology and some other optional assists. For more information about the CX-5's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

        • Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
        • Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
        • Standard adaptive cruise control

        Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

        Kia and Hyundai both offer better warranty coverage than Mazda, and some other automakers that play in this segment offer complimentary maintenance.

        • Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
        • Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
        • No complimentary scheduled maintenance

        Specifications

        Specifications

        2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature
        Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

        PRICE
        Base/As Tested: $40,225/$40,745
        Options: Snowflake White Pearl paint, $395; rear bumper guard, $125

        ENGINE
        turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
        Displacement: 152 in3, 2488 cm3
        Power: 256 hp @ 5000 rpm
        Torque: 320 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm

        TRANSMISSION
        6-speed automatic

        CHASSIS
        Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
        Brakes, F/R: 12.6-in vented disc/11.9-in disc
        Tires: Toyo A36
        P225/55R-19 99Z M+S

        DIMENSIONS
        Wheelbase: 106.2 in
        Length: 180.1 in
        Width: 72.6 in
        Height: 66.3 in
        Passenger Volume: 104 ft3
        Cargo Volume: 29-31 ft3
        Curb Weight: 3832 lb

        C/D TEST RESULTS
        60 mph: 6.2 sec
        1/4-Mile: 14.9 sec @ 93 mph
        100 mph: 17.7 sec
        Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
        Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.7 sec
        Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.4 sec
        Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.6 sec
        Top Speed (mfr's claim): 129 mph
        Braking, 70–0 mph: 185 ft
        Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.78 g

        C/D FUEL ECONOMY
        Observed: 24 mpg

        EPA FUEL ECONOMY
        Combined/City/Highway: 24/22/27 mpg

        C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

        More Features and Specs

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        What is the difference between 2022 and 2023 Mazda CX

        This new model year is not a new generation for the CX-5. It carries over almost unchanged from 2022. The big change for the year is the addition of a premium color. Rhodium White will be added to the lineup.

        Will there be a 2023 CX

        IRVINE, Calif., July 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations announces pricing and packaging for the 2023 CX-5 – the brand's best-selling vehicle in the U.S. For 2023, the CX-5 is available with an all-new Rhodium White exterior premium paint color, complimenting Mazda's Kodo design.

        What are changes to the 2022 Mazda CX

        The 2022 Mazda CX-5 introduces Mi-Drive drive mode selection, enhanced driving dynamics, new styling and stronger grade differentiation, improvements to on-board packaging and practicality, and an expanded range of safety features.

        Is Mazda redesigning the CX

        The 2022 Mazda CX-5 has been redesigned for this model year. North Canton drivers will enjoy the newly sculpted exterior and delicate interior. The grille has been updated to give the CX-5 further alignment with the Kodo design philosophy.