The 2023 Mazda CX-5 has a problem that has nothing to do with how it looks or feels when driven. First introduced in 2012, the rumor mills persist about an all-new, third-gen CX-5 waiting in the wings. However, Mazda gave fans the CX-50, a slightly longer and bigger CX-5 with more rugged DNA, although this left us a bit confused.
We would rather have a fully redesigned CX-5, but Mazda said it would continue selling the current CX-5 alongside the new CX-50 for the moment, so it’s up to customers to decide. If you dig a newer and more rugged Mazda crossover, the CX-50 is a sterling choice. But if you want a more luxurious and fun-to-drive alternative, it’s hard to argue with the 2023 CX-5.
2023 Mazda CX-5: What’s New?
The Mazda CX-5 received a comprehensive update for the 2022 model year. It received new trim levels, new features, and a standard all-wheel drivetrain. But for 2023, the only change is a new Rhodium White premium paint option. It’s the first time Mazda has offered this hue in North America.
2023 Mazda CX-5 Powertrain Options
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 has a standard 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft. of torque. Power goes to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic shared across all trim variants.
Meanwhile, the CX-5 Turbo and Turbo Signature have a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-banger with 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft. of torque on a diet of premium 93 octane gas. But if you fill up with 87 octane fuel, the turbo engine generates 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. of torque.
Trim Levels, Standard Equipment & Pricing
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 is available in eight trim levels: S, S Select, S Preferred, S Carbon Edition, S Premium, S Premium Plus, Turbo, and Turbo Signature. We will briefly cover each trim level below. Our free and easy search tools* let you scroll through dealer inventory on your schedule. The pricing info below includes the $1,275 destination fee.
CX-5 S
The base Mazda CX-5 S starts at $27,975 and has an excellent array of standard features like remote keyless entry, push-button start, a leather-wrapped tiller with integrated control buttons, dual front USB ports, automatic climate control, black cloth seats, a rearview camera, and one-touch up/down power windows.
Tech features include a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a four-speaker audio system. Moreover, automatic on/off LED headlights, high beam control, rain-sensing wipers, and a rear roof spoiler are standard fare.
CX-5 S Select
The Mazda CX-5 S Select adds auto-leveling LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, rear privacy glass, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, and an advanced keyless entry system. It also has black or beige leatherette seats, a six-speaker audio system, rear air vents, and rear USB ports. The Select starts at $29,775.
CX-5 2.5 S Preferred
The Mazda CX-5 S Preferred starts at $30,865. For the money, it adds black or beige leather upholstery, power front seats, memory settings for the driver seat, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, and a power moonroof.
CX-5 2.5 S Carbon Edition
Although stylish, prepare to shell out at least $32,000 if you prefer the CX-5 S Carbon Edition. It has an exclusive Polymetal Gray exterior with a black or red leather interior. Adding more styling flair are 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, gloss black mirror caps, and shiny black interior trim.
CX-5 2.5 S Premium
The CX-5 S Premium starts at $33,675. The S Premium has Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Normal, Off-Road, and Sport driving modes. Other standard features include LED daytime running lights, LED combination taillights, bespoke 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, adaptive headlights, heated side mirrors, paddle shifters, and a seven-inch LCD multi-information display in the instrument cluster.
CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 S Premium Plus starts at $36,775 and builds upon the goodies from the S Premium model. It adds a full-color heads-up display (HUD), navigation, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a windshield wiper de-icer, and power-folding door mirrors. In addition, the S Premium Plus gets a 10-speaker Bose audio system, SiriusXM, and a power-operated rear liftgate with programmable height adjustment.
CX-5 2.5 Turbo
The 2.5 Turbo kicks off at $38,125 with its more potent turbo engine, all-wheel drive, and a six-speed automatic. The standard equipment list includes glossy black exterior trim for the front grille, door mirrors, lower bumper, rocker moldings, and wheel arches. It also has metallic black 19-inch wheels, black or parchment leather upholstery with red stitching, and wireless smartphone charging.
CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature
The top-of-the-line Mazda CX-5 Turbo Signature starts at $40,925. It has body-color wheel arches, bright silver 19-inch wheels, and unique exterior trim. Inside, it has brown Nappa leather upholstery, genuine woodgrain trim, ambient lighting, a unique steering wheel, a black headliner, and navigation.
Standard Safety Features
Every 2023 Mazda CX-5 is standard with advanced safety features like radar cruise control, smart brake support, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The range-topping 2.5 Turbo Signature has a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, traffic jam assist, smart city brake support, and driver attention alert.
Mazda Warranty
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 has a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. It also comes with a five-year/unlimited mileage corrosion warranty and three years/36,000 miles worth of free roadside assistance. There are options available to extend the factory warranty. Before you decide, see this helpful guide first. Likewise, if you have questions about new vehicle financing, this auto loans 101 guide will point you in the right direction.
Alvin Reyes is an Automoblog feature columnist and an expert in sports and performance cars. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.
Photos & Source: Mazda North American Operations.
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