Mazda CX-5
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 has now standard all-wheel drive across the trim levels: S, Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, Premium Plus, Turbo, and Turbo Signature. The Mazda CX-5 is powered by one of two engine combinations, a 2.5L 4-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque or a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 227 horsepower and 310lb-ft of torque attached to a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission. Premium gasoline can increase the performance figures producing 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque.
The CX-5 manages to feel balanced, responsive and sprightly, even with its somewhat taller seating position. This is thanks to a responsive electric-boost rack-and-pinion power steering system and Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus, which improves steering response by altering engine output to change the dynamics of the CX-5 in corners. All of this makes the CX-5 one of the best-handling compact utility vehicles.
The CX-5 is also versatile. In all versions of the CX-5, the back seats are split 40/20/40 and fold nearly flat. Liftover height is low, and the resulting cargo floor is continuous, which makes it easy to pack larger pieces of weekend cargo.
The S trim include a long list of standard features such as full LED automatic headlights with auto high-beams, 10.25-inch color dashboard display with Mazda's fancy Commander knob, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, rearview camera, HD Radio, two USB ports, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and adaptive cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio, adaptive cruise control with traffic stop and go, keyless entry, push-button ignition, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and power windows and door locks, factors to keep in mind when comparing the CX-5 against less expensive competitors that lack some of that equipment. Standard drive assist featured across the line up are G-Vectoring Control and Smart City Brake Support, Mazda's low-speed automated-emergency-braking system, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and active lane departure.
The Select trim adds much more popular equipment, a rear-seat armrest with storage, steering-wheel audio controls, leatherette and simulated suede upholstery, 6-speaker sound system, proximity keyless entry, dual zone automatic air conditioning, power driver seat, heated front seats, SMS text-messaging capability and Pandora compatibility. The system also gives rear-seat passengers a pair of USB ports, a fold-down center armrest, and A/C vents between the front seats.
The Preferred trim add a lot of equipment, power liftgate and sunroof. Inside, the Preferred has an 8-way power driver and 6-way power passenger seat, driver's seat memory, leather seat surfaces, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The Carbon Edition adds a visual kit with 19-inch black aluminum wheels, exclusive gray paint, gloss black exterior mirrors, and choice of red leather interior.
The Premium adds a few performance and tech enhancements to the Preferred trims, 19-inch aluminum wheels, adaptive headlights, heated mirrors, 10-speaker Bose audio system, paddle shifters, adjustable driving modes, satellite radio, and upgraded 7-in driver info display.
Premium Plus moves the luxury up a notch including power folding mirrors, heads-up display, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and heated steering wheel.
Moving up to the Turbo trim the CX-5 gets special exterior and interior details, black aluminum wheels, and wireless charging pad.
The Turbo Signature trim includes ambient LED lighting, wood accents, satin chrome accents, 360-degree camera view, navigation system, rear automatic braking, and front and rear parking sensors.