I love my CX5. I had the 2018 Grand Touring 4WD just traded it in for a new 2023 Carbon Edition AWD. Love the Sky-active AWD with G-vectoring, it uses the engine for a better driving experience! Plenty of room when friends are in the car (lots of head room) even for 6ft passengers, back seats when dropping down yes the front comes forward to do so, but once you do it you just adjust the front seat back again for more room up front not exactly like you say. The trim you're driving has heated and cooling seats, independent controls for heated seats in the back row and automatic retractable rear view mirrors. Fun driving this car it's zippy and hugs the road. I would love to test drive the turbo trims. It feels much more luxurious inside than other Japanese crossover SUVs I've been in, after having BMWs for 2 decades I'm very happy with my Mazda.
I would buy the CX5, great transmission not a CVT, no annoying start stop on engine, proven reliable engine and just looks better than all the others. Get a grip on your hoarding habits and the storage space is fine.
@jonsilver5833 I agree. the storage is fine, there are tons of videos which show people packing tons of suitcases in the back. I'm going to this from an old school Venza and I'm not worried about the space.
Just bought the Signature turbo 5 days ago, dark blue. The Bose 10 speaker system sounds great. Drives like a dream. I don’t think the steering is heavy at all. Entertainment is not touch screen though which is fine with me. Love it!!!
I just upgraded from a 2020 CX-3 to a 2023 CX-5 Select and I absolutely love it!!!! Fun to drive, comfortable for a family of 3. I myself love the infotainment system but I also an very familiar with it. The biggest gripe people have is size but this is a compact SUV so that should be a given, I think this car has a great amount of space.
I also don’t understand why people complain of the space, unless you’re having a big family then I may get it. But honestly this car has the right size for its segment and price!
For my family of 4, the CX5 is perfect. Purchased a preferred package in March. Have 5000 miles on it, and my wife and I are very happy with this vehicle. Has plenty of power for what we need, and getting 31 to 32 miles per gallon in combined driving. The preferred package had everything we were looking for, including the power passenger seat, and the power liftgate. Unfortunately, due to the timing of the build, I do not have the Bose system. As much as I would like it, I don’t listen to music that loud anymore so the current system is more than enough for what I need. I do wish it had wireless Apple CarPlay. Also, I have noticed a lot of brake dust on the front wheels. Love the independent rear suspension. Drives exceptionally nice and quiet. Comparing it to the RAV4 and the CRV we both like the aesthetics of the Mazda, better as well as love saving $5000 for a comparable vehicle.
I just bought the 2023 Premium addition and luckily it came with the Bose which is an amazing system at high or low volume. I had the same opinion as you about needing a Premium sound system as i usually only listen to talk radio but now I am listening to all my old favorite bands from my youth just because the sound is that good. I’m sure the regular system sounds good as well due to the acoustics of the build and how quiet it is inside. I also noticed brake dust on my front rims because I keep cleaning them but I think it’s because it’s brand new? I’ve always been an easy braker and have kept original brakes far longer than other people I know so only time will tell if this will still be the case. I’m also surprised in 2023 that it doesn’t have wireless Appleplay but to be honest I don’t even use the wired on mine because I already have navigation and my Bluetooth connection plays everything else I normally use. For driver experience this little vehicle is a blast to drive and I don’t even have Turbo. Handling is superb and the sport mode is definitely noticeable compared to normal. I’ve yet to drive in snow yet and that’s the part that worries me because the OEM tires it came with had terrible reviews. Have you driven in snow yet?
It’s the smallest in terms of cargo space but it’s also got the highest curb weight in its class at 3800 lbs. That’s probably why it’s got the worse mpg in class and best crash test rating
I love the Mazda CX-5 it's all I need. It's sporty and drives so good for me.just wished they had more interior colors.if I need to haul bigger things I'll rent a van from U-Haul
I've bought the new CX5 just a day before yesterday, during these couple of days I'm having lots of fun while driving it! And interior, really looks great! I've compared to lots of other models, but none of them provides good interior, 4x4, and some options like blind spots tracking, etc. for that price.
Great review. I am buying one in October. The signature model. If they have any left. I've owner 4 other new Mazdas. They are great cars. And even better now that Ford is no longer involved with Mazda. My favorite one I had was the 1980 Rx-7. That was the best car I ever owned. It was the only car where I could leave home late for an appointment and arrive early! 🤣
I just ordered one and the dealer told me to just order the 2024 since the factory isnt making anymore new 2023's and is just fulfilling old orders. So I am down for a 2024 CX-5 Signature.
@jbrown4137 I did end up getting a 7 year extended warranty to protect myself against odd stuff failing. Also we drive our cars 10-15 years so hoping to get that long here.
I got one of these top spec models a month ago. Silver colour. My only gripe is the black plastic on the outside that scratches way to easily. Everything else I like very much.
The best suv price - quality - design - comfort - driving sensation up to $34 k more than that is to enter another segment of the Market . I forgot... mine is made in Japan
Nice review. I had a 2016 GT NA 2.5 and now a 2021 Signature Turbo. Everything is a tradeoff. I don't need CR-V/RAV4 space, have adapted to the improving infotainment system, don't prioritize mpg, and could care less about USB placement. I don't like the OEM tires and think the old key fob was better than the current one. I've test driven/rented all the competitors and nothing can touch the CX-5 for steering feel and pure driving pleasure. Those are my priorities along with reliability. I'll probably be in a 2026 top of the line CX-50 when the time comes. It has almost everything the CX-5 has and by '26 any bugs will likely have been worked out.
Excellent reviews Very clear details step by step about the car. I haven’t own any compact SUV, I have been to the cars show other day seen one CX5 very beautiful, interior look very luxury compared to some other competition For sure definitely Mazda CX5 is on my shopping list .
Waiting for my 2023 VS CX5 to be delivered. Have a 2016 CX5 which has Hernandez so can't wait to add a second one. RAV4 here has a 12 month wait for delivery and the Hybrid is like 2 years. Hyundai Tscon felt cheap inside and cost more too. So Mazda was my choice when it came to signing on the dotted line. We have 2 going kids and the 2016 CX5 suits our needs so the 2023 should as well. In case you are wondering I'm in the GTA in Canada.
As good as it is, there are a few things that are minor annoyances: center arm rest is too short, no wireless Apple CarPlay; Signature could use a power adjuster steering wheel. Yes, it’s on my short list when I say a glad goodbye to my ‘20 Lexus NX.
The infotainment screen touch functionality can be enabled in the settings, at least in European TAKUMI build. It was set OFF deliberately by Mazda for security reasons.
The CX-5 is really due for changes to both the interior and exterior! Both have not changed since this model was introduced in 2017, so that means it's the same car for the last SEVEN model years. Just changing the front grille and front/rear lights a little bit is not significant enough. I started driving the 2017 model and now drive a 2021; that lease is expiring in about five months, and I will not be getting another CX-5 because honestly I am BORED with driving the same car all these years. Mazda hasn't even introduced any new colors to spice things up a bit; still the same boring white, silver, gray, black, red and two blues for at least the last 12 YEARS! Yeah, it's time for a change!!! 🥴
@@djhrjeiwhri Also, since 2017: Updated infotainment system, ventilated front seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, upgraded backup and surround camera resolution, etc. So yeah, besides everything @djhrjeiwhri and I said, it's basically the same car, lol!!
I hear you but as folks noted they have made important tweaks--I had a 2016 GT and now a 2021 Signature. I'll be moving to the CX-50 in 2-3 years after they get out the inevitable new model bugs and come up with a "Signature" level trim.
Yes, it's time for Mazda to say what's ahead for the CX-5. Will it be dropped and the CX-50 the standing replacement or is it going to be redesigned? Forget what Honda, and Toyota are doing. Look at what Kia and Hyundai are doing! The current platform had some age yet is on a great run. However, it's time for Mazda to redesign and release the sexiest, hi-tech Mazda yet in the next gen CX-5!
I love my 2022 CX5. Just one annoying thing for me. I can't understand why Mazda decides to use the horrid black piano plastic on interior and exterior pillars. You can literally look at the plastc and it gets scratched. Other than that, I would not buy any other brand.
I agree 100%. Mine is only a month old and the pillars are covered in scratches. I’ve just had them protective film covered. That helps a lot because the micro scratches self heal in the sun. The interior black on the doors I’ve covered in a nice durable fabric stuck down with double sided tape. But it’s stupid that I have to do these things on a brand new car.
@@aussie8114where did you get the film covers from? Is there a business that does them or did you do them yourself? I definitely want to get this done.
@@jawsgreatwhite9966 There are businesses that install protective film known as PPF. Find a reputable business if you can and they can supply and fit it. They usually use a plotter to cut it out in their business premises. STEK Dynosheild or Expel Ultimate are the 2 common and decent films. They will self heal in the sun or a hairdryer but only the minor surface (swirl) type scratches will self heal, any scratch that goes through the top self healing layer will not heal. It’s not a perfect solution because you still need to treat them with a lot of care but it’s worth trying. In future once these look crappy I will decide whether to get them done again or replace the gloss pillars with the brushed finish from the lower model range. They don’t look as fancy but they seem to be more user friendly.
@@jawsgreatwhite9966 If you’re referring to the interior covers, I made them myself. Cut paper templates then used the templates to cut some nice fabric I bought. I painted the underside of the fabric with PVA glue to stiffen it up and help contour the curve, then used double sided tap to fix it to the black plastic.
I have a 2022 CX-5, but not the turbo. I bought it new, have been driving it since May 2022, and I can't stand it. The only thing I like its the overall body style. The remote is slippery and falls out of my hand, and it sometimes opens the hatchback if I put the keys in my pocket (horrible button placement). The car is slow AF, and sometimes hesitates on initial acceleration. The entertainment system is outdated. You have to go through menu after menu just to find something, no presets with one touch. While I guess it would be okay for old people who drive 45 mph and under, it doesn't work for me. I will never buy another Mazda. I have been a Hyundai fan for a long time, but I will be buying Toyotas in the future. The only reason I didn't this time is they jacked the price up so much over MSRP in 2022.
It's industry nomenclature. Compact SUVs/CUVs compare to midsize cars or small large cars like Honda Accord. The Pilot, Highlander and Telluride would be mid size, and Hyundai Santa Fe too weirdly. Large SUVs would be Tahoe, Wagoneer, Expedition.
I love my CX5. I had the 2018 Grand Touring 4WD just traded it in for a new 2023 Carbon Edition AWD. Love the Sky-active AWD with G-vectoring, it uses the engine for a better driving experience! Plenty of room when friends are in the car (lots of head room) even for 6ft passengers, back seats when dropping down yes the front comes forward to do so, but once you do it you just adjust the front seat back again for more room up front not exactly like you say. The trim you're driving has heated and cooling seats, independent controls for heated seats in the back row and automatic retractable rear view mirrors. Fun driving this car it's zippy and hugs the road. I would love to test drive the turbo trims. It feels much more luxurious inside than other Japanese crossover SUVs I've been in, after having BMWs for 2 decades I'm very happy with my Mazda.
I would buy the CX5, great transmission not a CVT, no annoying start stop on engine, proven reliable engine and just looks better than all the others. Get a grip on your hoarding habits and the storage space is fine.
Not for a family
@@FreddyFermin For a SMALL family. Like, 1 kid.
@@FreddyFermin Perhaps we should be looking at minivans.
@@FreddyFermin Eh? Its perfectly fine for two kids. Teenagers even are just fine.
@jonsilver5833 I agree. the storage is fine, there are tons of videos which show people packing tons of suitcases in the back. I'm going to this from an old school Venza and I'm not worried about the space.
Love this CX-5. The size is the perfect sweet spot for most people who want a Mazda.
Just bought the Signature turbo 5 days ago, dark blue. The Bose 10 speaker system sounds great. Drives like a dream. I don’t think the steering is heavy at all. Entertainment is not touch screen though which is fine with me. Love it!!!
I just upgraded from a 2020 CX-3 to a 2023 CX-5 Select and I absolutely love it!!!! Fun to drive, comfortable for a family of 3. I myself love the infotainment system but I also an very familiar with it. The biggest gripe people have is size but this is a compact SUV so that should be a given, I think this car has a great amount of space.
I also don’t understand why people complain of the space, unless you’re having a big family then I may get it. But honestly this car has the right size for its segment and price!
More interior features = more stuff to break. I just purchased a CX-5 Sport Design for my wife, and surprisingly I am very impressed with Mazda!
For my family of 4, the CX5 is perfect. Purchased a preferred package in March. Have 5000 miles on it, and my wife and I are very happy with this vehicle. Has plenty of power for what we need, and getting 31 to 32 miles per gallon in combined driving. The preferred package had everything we were looking for, including the power passenger seat, and the power liftgate. Unfortunately, due to the timing of the build, I do not have the Bose system. As much as I would like it, I don’t listen to music that loud anymore so the current system is more than enough for what I need. I do wish it had wireless Apple CarPlay. Also, I have noticed a lot of brake dust on the front wheels. Love the independent rear suspension. Drives exceptionally nice and quiet. Comparing it to the RAV4 and the CRV we both like the aesthetics of the Mazda, better as well as love saving $5000 for a comparable vehicle.
I just bought the 2023 Premium addition and luckily it came with the Bose which is an amazing system at high or low volume. I had the same opinion as you about needing a Premium sound system as i usually only listen to talk radio but now I am listening to all my old favorite bands from my youth just because the sound is that good. I’m sure the regular system sounds good as well due to the acoustics of the build and how quiet it is inside. I also noticed brake dust on my front rims because I keep cleaning them but I think it’s because it’s brand new? I’ve always been an easy braker and have kept original brakes far longer than other people I know so only time will tell if this will still be the case. I’m also surprised in 2023 that it doesn’t have wireless Appleplay but to be honest I don’t even use the wired on mine because I already have navigation and my Bluetooth connection plays everything else I normally use. For driver experience this little vehicle is a blast to drive and I don’t even have Turbo. Handling is superb and the sport mode is definitely noticeable compared to normal. I’ve yet to drive in snow yet and that’s the part that worries me because the OEM tires it came with had terrible reviews. Have you driven in snow yet?
It’s the smallest in terms of cargo space but it’s also got the highest curb weight in its class at 3800 lbs. That’s probably why it’s got the worse mpg in class and best crash test rating
I bought my 2023 CX-5 CE a month ago and put around 1.8k miles on it. I totally agree with your review. It is objective and to the point.
I love the Mazda CX-5 it's all I need. It's sporty and drives so good for me.just wished they had more interior colors.if I need to haul bigger things I'll rent a van from U-Haul
I've bought the new CX5 just a day before yesterday, during these couple of days I'm having lots of fun while driving it! And interior, really looks great! I've compared to lots of other models, but none of them provides good interior, 4x4, and some options like blind spots tracking, etc. for that price.
We're a family of 3 and this 2023 Mazda CX-5 Turbo Signature is perfect for us!!
Great review. I am buying one in October. The signature model. If they have any left. I've owner 4 other new Mazdas. They are great cars. And even better now that Ford is no longer involved with Mazda. My favorite one I had was the 1980 Rx-7. That was the best car I ever owned. It was the only car where I could leave home late for an appointment and arrive early! 🤣
Sounds great!
I just ordered one and the dealer told me to just order the 2024 since the factory isnt making anymore new 2023's and is just fulfilling old orders. So I am down for a 2024 CX-5 Signature.
@jbrown4137 I did end up getting a 7 year extended warranty to protect myself against odd stuff failing. Also we drive our cars 10-15 years so hoping to get that long here.
I got one of these top spec models a month ago. Silver colour. My only gripe is the black plastic on the outside that scratches way to easily. Everything else I like very much.
The best suv price - quality - design - comfort - driving sensation up to $34 k more than that is to enter another segment of the Market . I forgot... mine is made in Japan
Nice review. I had a 2016 GT NA 2.5 and now a 2021 Signature Turbo. Everything is a tradeoff. I don't need CR-V/RAV4 space, have adapted to the improving infotainment system, don't prioritize mpg, and could care less about USB placement. I don't like the OEM tires and think the old key fob was better than the current one. I've test driven/rented all the competitors and nothing can touch the CX-5 for steering feel and pure driving pleasure. Those are my priorities along with reliability. I'll probably be in a 2026 top of the line CX-50 when the time comes. It has almost everything the CX-5 has and by '26 any bugs will likely have been worked out.
A joy to drive, truly! I’m obsessed with fog lights so that’s a disappointment. CX-5 is still on my short list though.
Just brought a 2023 CX 5 turbo signature in deep sea crystal blue love it
Picking up new 2023 Mazda CX-5 Preferred next week.
How do you like it?
Excellent reviews
Very clear details step by step about the car. I haven’t own any compact SUV, I have been to the cars show other day seen one CX5 very beautiful, interior look very luxury compared to some other competition
For sure definitely Mazda CX5 is on my shopping list .
What features is it really Missing that the other competitors have
Waiting for my 2023 VS CX5 to be delivered. Have a 2016 CX5 which has Hernandez so can't wait to add a second one. RAV4 here has a 12 month wait for delivery and the Hybrid is like 2 years. Hyundai Tscon felt cheap inside and cost more too. So Mazda was my choice when it came to signing on the dotted line. We have 2 going kids and the 2016 CX5 suits our needs so the 2023 should as well. In case you are wondering I'm in the GTA in Canada.
Just ordered my CX-5 as well. I'm waiting for the 2024 model which they are going to start producing next month. GTA as well.
As good as it is, there are a few things that are minor annoyances: center arm rest is too short, no wireless Apple CarPlay; Signature could use a power adjuster steering wheel. Yes, it’s on my short list when I say a glad goodbye to my ‘20 Lexus NX.
I made a solid cushion to go on the armrest using elastic straps. Now it’s softer and extends out an extra couple of inches.
Couldn't you remove the back headrests to fold the seats down and not move the front seats up?
Yes.
How's steering/steering wheel experience for new drivers?
Love it.
The infotainment screen touch functionality can be enabled in the settings, at least in European TAKUMI build. It was set OFF deliberately by Mazda for security reasons.
do the turbo change the heavy drive style? I love this vehicle but I think I am the only person who don't like the heavy drive.
from crypto to cars... what a legend
i am George
we are all George
I LOVE YOUR video review
How far back do you drivers put your seats? I've seen 6'1" people sit in the back fine with 6' people driving!
The CX-5 is really due for changes to both the interior and exterior! Both have not changed since this model was introduced in 2017, so that means it's the same car for the last SEVEN model years. Just changing the front grille and front/rear lights a little bit is not significant enough. I started driving the 2017 model and now drive a 2021; that lease is expiring in about five months, and I will not be getting another CX-5 because honestly I am BORED with driving the same car all these years. Mazda hasn't even introduced any new colors to spice things up a bit; still the same boring white, silver, gray, black, red and two blues for at least the last 12 YEARS! Yeah, it's time for a change!!! 🥴
At least
Beyond skin deep (Rhodium white and zircon sand), Since 2017 model year:
2. Turbo engine
3. Updated rear chassis
4. Tweak transmission
@@djhrjeiwhri Also, since 2017: Updated infotainment system, ventilated front seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, upgraded backup and surround camera resolution, etc. So yeah, besides everything @djhrjeiwhri and I said, it's basically the same car, lol!!
I hear you but as folks noted they have made important tweaks--I had a 2016 GT and now a 2021 Signature. I'll be moving to the CX-50 in 2-3 years after they get out the inevitable new model bugs and come up with a "Signature" level trim.
Yes, it's time for Mazda to say what's ahead for the CX-5. Will it be dropped and the CX-50 the standing replacement or is it going to be redesigned? Forget what Honda, and Toyota are doing. Look at what Kia and Hyundai are doing! The current platform had some age yet is on a great run. However, it's time for Mazda to redesign and release the sexiest, hi-tech Mazda yet in the next gen CX-5!
As well Q5, X3, CRV, Forrester. Just a few exterior changes.
Hi are there any exteriors design differences between trim? Please somebody can confirm tnx..
Great Review
I love mine
I'm guessing if the second row is going to be folded down, you could take out the headrests. The CX-5 is way too small
The cx 5 is NOT way to small.
How about the start-stop function? I heard it disappeared in 2023?
The 2023 model does not have it
In my country it has it, but you can defeat it by having the front window fan on.
Useful
its not even an SUV which is built on a Truck Frame cx 5 is built on a Mazda 3 frame its a crossover
I love my 2022 CX5. Just one annoying thing for me. I can't understand why Mazda decides to use the horrid black piano plastic on interior and exterior pillars. You can literally look at the plastc and it gets scratched. Other than that, I would not buy any other brand.
I agree 100%. Mine is only a month old and the pillars are covered in scratches. I’ve just had them protective film covered. That helps a lot because the micro scratches self heal in the sun. The interior black on the doors I’ve covered in a nice durable fabric stuck down with double sided tape.
But it’s stupid that I have to do these things on a brand new car.
@@aussie8114where did you get the film covers from? Is there a business that does them or did you do them yourself? I definitely want to get this done.
@@jawsgreatwhite9966 There are businesses that install protective film known as PPF. Find a reputable business if you can and they can supply and fit it. They usually use a plotter to cut it out in their business premises. STEK Dynosheild or Expel Ultimate are the 2 common and decent films. They will self heal in the sun or a hairdryer but only the minor surface (swirl) type scratches will self heal, any scratch that goes through the top self healing layer will not heal. It’s not a perfect solution because you still need to treat them with a lot of care but it’s worth trying.
In future once these look crappy I will decide whether to get them done again or replace the gloss pillars with the brushed finish from the lower model range. They don’t look as fancy but they seem to be more user friendly.
@@jawsgreatwhite9966 If you’re referring to the interior covers, I made them myself. Cut paper templates then used the templates to cut some nice fabric I bought. I painted the underside of the fabric with PVA glue to stiffen it up and help contour the curve, then used double sided tap to fix it to the black plastic.
Fun and Comfortable don't go together. When I hear this , that SUV is fun to drive, i just walk away. I'm more into relaxing SUV.
👍
Needs a touchscreen.
That knob doesn't work all that well with Android Auto and CarPlay.
I don’t mind it but cx-50 etc has touchscreen at least so it’s coming from now on.
I have a 2022 CX-5, but not the turbo. I bought it new, have been driving it since May 2022, and I can't stand it. The only thing I like its the overall body style. The remote is slippery and falls out of my hand, and it sometimes opens the hatchback if I put the keys in my pocket (horrible button placement). The car is slow AF, and sometimes hesitates on initial acceleration. The entertainment system is outdated. You have to go through menu after menu just to find something, no presets with one touch. While I guess it would be okay for old people who drive 45 mph and under, it doesn't work for me. I will never buy another Mazda. I have been a Hyundai fan for a long time, but I will be buying Toyotas in the future. The only reason I didn't this time is they jacked the price up so much over MSRP in 2022.
I would call it a mid size not a compact SUV..
It's industry nomenclature. Compact SUVs/CUVs compare to midsize cars or small large cars like Honda Accord. The Pilot, Highlander and Telluride would be mid size, and Hyundai Santa Fe too weirdly. Large SUVs would be Tahoe, Wagoneer, Expedition.
It’s compact. Smallest out of all of them.
@@SentoukiEX smaller than a CX-3? 😂
@@kbling2946 The person was probably referring to other competitors.
It is a mid size, not a compact. It’s plenty big enough.
Design is too long in the tooth. Time for a total redesign.
No thanks looks the same for the last 8 years.