Flash Drive

2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo

December 17, 2023 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature AWD

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5-Turbo is an agile highway car with all-weather capabilities.

Engine: 2.5-liter I-4, 227 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive

EPA Rating: 22-mpg city, 27-mpg highway, 24-mpg combined

Base Price: $39,650

As Tested: $41,520

Performance:

Smooth, well-integrated performance

Powerful turbocharged engine

Strong acceleration

Sport, Normal, Off-road drive modes

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 outward appearance is unchanged from the 2022 model.

Impressive standard safety features

Front and rear parking sensors

Very pleasant highway ride

Seamless all-wheel drive

Good fuel economy—our best was 28.4-mpg highway

Our city economy dipped below 20-mpg

Comfort:

Quiet interior

Upscale materials in Signature trim level

Excellent front seats

Heated and ventilated (3 temps)

The front seats of the Mazda CX-5 is roomy, comfortable, and well-appointed.

Super stretch-out front passenger leg room

Medium thick, slightly contoured steering wheel

Heated steering wheel

Good range tilt/telescopic column

Low rear floor hump

Adults can almost fit in middle position

Very firm middle cushion

Soft rear armrest

Utility:

Power liftgate

The steering wheel is comfortable with good auxiliary controls.

Ample cargo capacity

Flat cargo deck

No lift-over

High opening hatch

Split rear seats fold almost flat

Medium front door bins, but shallow

Deep, medium capacity console bin

Soft armrest on top of console bin

Medium glovebox but no lock

Small sunroof

Cell phone charging pad in front of shifter

A wide touch screen is mounted on top of the dashboard.

Small rear door bins

Nice vinyl seatback pouches

Good size visors but no side slide feature

Rear doors open extra wide

Noticeable wheel well intrusion

WOW Factors:

Fun driving dynamics, smooth

Handsome styling

Comfortable, luxurious cabin

Upscale interior materials

Very welcome head up display

The 2.5-turbo provides excellent performance.

Excellent front passenger room

Whines:

Small sunroof

Rear seat middle position extra hard

Bottom Line:

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 was a great compact SUV so little was changed for the 2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature AWD which puts all the best features in one highly functional package of performance, safety, luxury, and style at an affordable price point.