2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured new LED headlights and taillights, offering more distinctive illumination. It also had updated bumpers, a revised grille, a redesigned rear liftgate, and new alloy wheel designs. The top-of-the-line Signature trim received body-color lower exterior trim, enhancing Mazda’s premium brand aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort, and the trim levels were restructured into the CX-5 2.5 S and CX-5 2.5 Turbo, with the latter offering a turbocharged engine.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 continued to impress with its stylish design and high-quality materials, making it feel more like a small luxury SUV. Despite its age, it remained a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV segment. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the model boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The 2023 model was essentially a carryover from the previous year, with the main difference being the introduction of the CX-50 as a redesigned and renamed successor to the CX-5.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The EPA rated its fuel economy at 26 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo variant offered a turbocharged engine delivering 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. It also featured the revised transmission and AWD, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg in combined driving. The 2022 model benefited from increased structural rigidity, reworked suspension tuning, and Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) drive modes, resulting in improved driving dynamics and a quieter, smoother ride.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 retained the same powertrain options as the 2022 model. The 2.5 S base model had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, achieving 26 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo variant offered the same turbocharged engine with 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg in combined driving. The 2023 model continued to benefit from the previous year's updates, including increased structural rigidity, improved suspension dampening, and reduced interior noise, making it feel more like an entry-level luxury vehicle.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and handling with new seats that provided better comfort and support. The driving position was sportier, and all trims except the base 2.5 S included a height-adjustable front passenger seat. The 2.5 Turbo test vehicle featured leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the back seat remained snug, and the control layout of the Mazda Connect infotainment system was frustrating. Cargo space was adequate, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 continued to offer improved front seat comfort and support, with height-adjustable seats for both the driver and front passenger in all but the base 2.5 S trim. Higher trims included power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and premium Nappa leather upholstery in the Signature trim. However, the technology, storage space, rear-seat room, and cargo space were still lacking. The cargo space remained the same as the 2022 model, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured a Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, but it was not touch-sensitive and lacked natural voice recognition. Users had to rely on center console and steering wheel controls, which could be frustrating. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and a three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services. Higher trims included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system and SiriusXM satellite radio.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 retained the same Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which continued to be a source of frustration due to its lack of touch sensitivity and natural voice recognition. The physical controls on the center console were awkward to use and required memorization. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services. Higher trims included SiriusXM and a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system. The test vehicle also offered a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system for easier parking.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive i-Activsense package of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 continued to offer the i-Activsense package as standard, with most features included except for a few exclusive to the 2.5 Turbo Signature trim. These included a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, rear low-speed automatic emergency braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The i-Activsense tech operated smoothly and accurately, with a head-up display showing operational status and alerts. The CX-5 also had an E911 system for automatic collision notification. The 2023 model received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.