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A white 2023 Mazda CX-5 is shown driving through a city.

Everything You Need to Know Before Buying the 2023 Mazda CX-5

The compact Mazda CX-5 has only been in production for a decade, but since its introduction to the market for 2013, it has left quite an impression on the industry. Since 2015, the CX-5 has been Mazda’s best-selling vehicle. You can thank its exquisite and sophisticated design, remarkable performance, and top-notch connectivity, technology, and safety ratings for that title. If you’re searching for an affordable small SUV fresh off the assembly line that looks as refined as it performs, offering the latest technological advancements, you should look into the 2023 Mazda CX-5.

With its mainstream pricing, the premium 2023 Mazda CX-5 is worth every penny. It has a competitive MSRP of $26,700, offering an abundance of desirable amenities for a driving experience that feels tailored to your individual needs regarding style, comfort, convenience, safety, and performance while you’re behind the wheel. Want to know more? Well, you’re in luck because we’ve put together a buyer’s guide for the 2023 Mazda CX-5. All you have to do is read on.

What’s New for 2023

Since the Mazda CX-5 received a facelift for its 2022 model year, the 2023 CX-5 entered the lineup with minimal changes. It carries over the same design from last year with all eight of its trim levels and has kept its respected powertrain options and abundance of technology features. However, new for the 2023 CX-5 is the addition of the premium Rhodium White exterior paint to the color palette, which portrays the crossover’s elegant yet simple beauty by complimenting the details of its body lines and curves.

A red 2023 Mazda CX-5 is shown driving through a city.

Experience Fun-to-Drive Performance

There’s nothing quite like taking to the road in a machine you can trust to respond to the throttle when you need it most, steer with meticulous precision, and dampen the road’s imperfections for a well-composed and refined drive in any weather and on any surface condition. Add modest towing capability and reasonable gas mileage, and you have a well-rounded automobile. As you might expect with its exceptional reputation, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 offers all of the above and then some.

Continuing the change for 2022, the new CX-5 comes standard with Mazda’s exclusive i-ACTIV AWD system for the most predictive and responsive control in the harshest road conditions. The system’s 27 sensors monitor numerous factors, including windshield wiper activity, over 200 times every second to ensure the proper distribution of power when your vehicle needs it most. For greater customization of your driving experience, the available Mi-Drive technology allows you to tailor your vehicle’s performance to the surfaces you’re driving on with the push of a button to select either Normal, Sport, or Off-Road Mode.

You’ll enjoy the standard, peppy 187 hp four-cylinder engine, which delivers 186 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. For even quicker acceleration in your 2023 Mazda CX-5, you can opt for 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with the available turbocharged four-cylinder. However, you can expect a slight decrease in fuel efficiency with that quicker acceleration, and you will need premium gas to get the most out of the more powerful engine. Both powertrain options can handle towing a boat, camper, or fully-loaded trailer weighing up to 2,000 lbs.

Exquisite Design From the Inside Out

Although this compact crossover from Mazda might not be quite as spacious as its competitors, only providing a maximum of 59.6 cu.ft. of cargo space, it sure makes up for it with both its performance and its artful and athletic aesthetics. Prepare yourself to be wowed by the sleek and sculpted exterior and invigoratingly rich interior design of the 2023 Mazda CX-5, which you won’t find with similarly priced models. From its elevated stance to the signature three-dimensional wing spanning from the center of the woven front grille and outward, to the dual tailpipes that blend seamlessly with the rear bumper, you’re going to draw the attention of all passersby no matter which CX-5 model you choose.

Whether you prefer the affordability and simplicity of the CX-5 S base trim or favor being surrounded by luxurious features for the highest level of comfort and convenience available with the CX-5 Turbo Signature, you’re guaranteed to be impressed with its value. Sure, the Turbo Signature trim includes sophisticated Caturra Brown Nappa leather-trimmed seats to compliment the genuine layered wood trim, but even the base trim will surprise you with what it has to offer at such an attainable price.

Standard in every CX-5 are numerous thoughtfully placed compartments to keep your cabin space clutter-free and organized, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and an all-around pleasing layout that will welcome you with a first-class ride. Remote keyless entry, push-button start, an electronic parking brake, and one-touch power windows are just a few of the standard features that deliver a rich driving experience every time you take to the road. Many other upscale standard amenities are included to satisfy your needs for entertainment, connectivity, and peace of mind on the road.

The black interior of a 2023 Mazda CX-5 shows the steering wheel.

Stay Safe and Connected With Intuitive Technology

In our high-tech world, top-of-the-line vehicles are expected to include the industry’s most advanced technology and connectivity. In that regard, it should be no surprise that every 2023 Mazda CX-5 is equipped with an abundance of features to keep you connected, entertained, and safe while out on the road. The standard 10.25-inch infotainment display can be controlled through a touchscreen interface, steering wheel-mounted buttons, or a rotary dial on the center console.

Smartphone integration through standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with Bluetooth connectivity allows you to make and receive hands-free calls. You can stream your favorite music and podcasts with standard HD Radio and Pandora internet radio integration, and everything will sound amazing with the available 10-speaker Bose audio system. Built-in navigation can be added to every trim through the available Mazda Navigation SD Card.

With a subscription, you and your passengers can stay connected to the web wherever you go to access movies, restaurant menus, and whatever else you please with the integrated WiFi hotspot. More importantly, when you drive home a 2023 Mazda CX-5, no matter which package you choose, whether it be the base model or the top-tier trim, know that the weight of the road won’t be all on your shoulders with the aid of Mazda’s Advanced Safety Technologies.

Standard Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert will alert you when an approaching vehicle is hidden from your view, and the Lane Departure Warning System with Lane-Keep Assist will warn you when you drift across lines and help steer your vehicle back into your lane. Mazda’s Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go lets you set the speed you want to travel and automatically adjusts to keep you at a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. It can even bring the CX-5 to a complete stop if needed.

Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection and Smart Brake Support with Collision Warning will help you prevent rear-end collisions and avoid hitting pedestrians while cruising around the city at speeds below 50 mph. Plus, there’s an available 360-degree View Monitor to give you a clear view of any obstructions around your vehicle and an Adaptive Front-Lighting System with swiveling headlights to illuminate your path even when you’re taking a sharp corner.

Elevate Your Driving Experience With a 2023 Mazda CX-5

Whoever said that luxury comes at a high price clearly never owned a Mazda, especially not its best-seller. The 2023 Mazda CX-5 isn’t much different than last year’s model, but when something is as close to perfect as the CX-5, there’s no need for significant changes until new innovations hit the market. For a mainstream price, you’ll feel like you’re behind the wheel of a much more expensive model with premium materials, a refined ride, and top-notch tech. You can’t do much better than that. If you want our opinion, you should check the CX-5 out for yourself because we’re sure you won’t need to look any further for a new vehicle.