Mazda CX-5 2023 Review

In recent years, the compact SUV market has been heating up continuously, and consumers' demand for this type of vehicle has gradually shifted from simply focusing on practicality to a more comprehensive consideration of design quality, driving experience, and configuration balance. As a veteran in this segment, the Mazda CX-5 has optimized its configuration and details in the 2023 model, aiming to consolidate its position in this highly competitive market. In this test drive, we will focus on its static quality, dynamic performance, and daily practicality to see if this classic SUV can still meet the needs of today's consumers.

From the exterior, the 2023 CX-5 continues Mazda's family "KODO" design language, with an overall style that maintains the robustness of an SUV while incorporating smooth lines. At the front, the iconic shield-shaped grille paired with chrome trim connects to the sharp LED headlights, enhancing the visual width. The lens structure inside the headlights and the design of the daytime running lights are highly recognizable and offer clear visibility when illuminated. Along the side of the vehicle, a waistline running from the front to the rear, combined with a subtly upward-kicking side skirt, creates a streamlined stance. The 19-inch multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels add a sporty touch, and the 225/55 R19 tire specifications strike a balance between grip and comfort. The rear design is relatively simple, with a LED taillight cluster featuring the iconic round-shaped lamp units that echo the front headlights. The silver skid plate below the rear bumper and the dual exhaust layout further emphasize the rugged character of an SUV. Overall, the exterior design of the 2023 CX-5 does not feature overly aggressive changes, but the refined details still make it stand out among its segment peers.

Step inside, and the CX-5 showcases a simple and practical interior design while emphasizing the quality of its materials. The dashboard is covered with soft-touch materials, while the armrest box and the inner sides of the door panels are wrapped in leather, offering a delicate and comfortable touch. The center console is driver-oriented, featuring an 8-inch floating touchscreen located at the top, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity with smooth operation. Below the screen are physical buttons and knobs, allowing for convenient operation while driving. The steering wheel is a three-spoke design made of genuine leather, providing a solid grip, with functionality buttons on the left for cruise control, volume adjustment, and other features. The instrument panel consists of traditional analog dials alongside a 7-inch LCD screen, which clearly displays information such as speed, fuel consumption, and driver assistance system status. In terms of configuration, the test drive model includes practical features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, front seat heating, keyless entry/start, and a backup camera to meet daily usage needs. For safety, the i-ACTIVSENSE intelligent safety system includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, enhancing driving safety.

As for space performance, the 2023 CX-5 has body dimensions of 4555mm×1842mm×1685mm and a wheelbase of 2700mm, which are standard for the compact SUV segment. The front seats support multi-directional electric adjustments, and when a 175cm-tall passenger adjusts the seat to a comfortable position, there is about one fist of headroom remaining. In the rear seats, passengers of the same height have approximately two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, making it adequate for daily family use. The slight floor hump in the middle of the rear row does not significantly affect the comfort of the middle passenger. Regarding storage capacity, the front center armrest box is relatively spacious, and the door pockets can hold two water bottles. The rear center armrest is equipped with cup holders, and the rear seats support a 40/60 split-fold design. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 442L, which can be expanded to 1342L when the rear seats are folded down, making it suitable for long trips or transporting large items. Additionally, the rear seats are equipped with air conditioning vents and USB charging ports, enhancing convenience for rear passengers.

In terms of dynamic performance, the test drive model featured a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power output of 144kW (196PS) and peak torque of 252N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During initial acceleration, power output is smooth and linear, without the abruptness of turbocharged engines. When pressing the accelerator pedal deeply, the engine begins to perform notably above 3000 rpm. Acceleration is fairly standard, making it adequate for urban commuting and highway cruising requirements. The transmission exhibits clear shift logic, with responsive upshifting and downshifting, and almost no perceptible shift shocks during daily driving. Three driving modes are available: Normal, Sport, and Eco. In Sport mode, throttle response becomes more sensitive, which is suitable for occasional pursuits of driving enjoyment.

Handling and chassis performance have always been strengths of the CX-5. The steering is precise, with minimal dead zones and moderate feedback strength, providing good confidence in handling. The chassis features a front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for a balance of sportiness and comfort. On bumpy roads, the suspension effectively filters out minor vibrations while retaining some road feel. During high-speed cornering, body roll is kept within a reasonable range, with good suspension support ensuring driving stability. In terms of noise insulation, the vehicle performs satisfactorily in controlling engine noise and tire noise. Wind noise becomes slightly noticeable at high speeds, but overall it is above average for models in the same segment.

During the fuel consumption test, we drove approximately 50km each on city roads and highways with the air conditioning on, using the Normal driving mode. The measured fuel consumption was around 8.2L/100km, slightly higher than the officially stated average fuel consumption of 7.5L/100km. However, considering the complexities of real-world road conditions, this result is typical for SUVs of the same engine capacity.

Overall, the 2023 Mazda CX-5’s core strengths lie in its balanced product capabilities: a minimalist and refined interior, practical space utilization, smooth power delivery, and robust handling and chassis. Compared to competitors in the same class, the CX-5 has certain advantages in driving quality and interior materials, but its tech features and performance specifications may not be as aggressive as some turbocharged-engine models. This car is better suited for consumers who value the driving experience and a balance between quality and practicality, especially for family users or those whose primary need is daily commuting. If you do not seek extreme performance or advanced tech features but rather want a compact SUV that is easy to drive and reliable to use, the 2023 CX-5 is worth considering.