2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 presented a subtle evolution in its design, with new LED headlights and taillights that offered more distinctive illumination. This change aimed to address the issue of owners driving without their regular lights on. The model also featured updated bumpers, a revised grille, a redesigned rear liftgate, and new alloy wheel designs. The top-tier Signature trim received body-colour lower exterior trim, enhancing Mazda's premium brand aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 maintained its luxurious feel, especially in the Signature trim, with Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The seats were new for 2022, promising improved comfort.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50, on the other hand, showcased a more rugged aesthetic with a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield. Its design included blistered fender swells, bold lower body cladding, and faux skid plates, giving it a robust appearance. The CX-50's standard black grille and mirror caps, along with available 20-inch alloy wheels, contributed to its appealing look. A new Meridian Edition added exclusive wheels, all-terrain tires, and a roof-mounted load platform. Inside, the CX-50 featured a driver-focused design with quality materials, polished metallic trim, and a mix of analog and digital gauges. The interior was stylish, with black leather and caramel-coloured stitching, though the centre air vent appeared somewhat out of place.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered a base Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission for improved responsiveness. All-wheel drive was standard across the lineup. Fuel consumption was rated at 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The turbocharged engine option delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, with slightly lower figures on regular gas. The turbo engine also featured the revised transmission and standard AWD, with a fuel consumption rating of 9.8 L/100 km combined. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, providing a quieter and smoother ride.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50's base engine was a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. Fuel consumption was 9.7 L/100 km city, 7.9 highway, and 8.9 combined. The GT Turbo trim offered a turbocharged engine with up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, and a towing capacity increase to 3,500 pounds. Fuel economy for the turbo engine was 10.4 L/100 km city, 8.1 highway, and 9.4 combined. The CX-50's driving experience was smooth, with Mazda's Mi-Drive modes and G-Vectoring Control ensuring natural vehicle behaviour. The ride was firmer compared to the CX-5, with a hint of torque steer in tight turns.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints with new seats that offered better support and a sportier driving position. Most trims included a height-adjustable front passenger seat, and the test vehicle featured leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. The back seat remained snug but offered heated cushions and air vents. The control layout was a source of frustration due to the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect system. Cargo space was 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with them folded, adequate compared to luxury SUVs but less impressive against mainstream crossovers.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 GT Turbo came equipped for winter with heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated mirrors. The ventilated front seats and dual-zone climate control were useful in warmer weather. The front seats were comfortable for long drives, though more side bolstering would be beneficial. The back seat was roomy, with rear air vents and charging ports. Storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for additional bins. Cargo space was 889 litres behind the rear seats and 1,595 litres with them folded, slightly less than the CX-5 due to the CX-50's lower roofline.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display and Bluetooth, but lacked touchscreen functionality and natural voice recognition. Users had to rely on centre console and steering wheel controls, which could be distracting. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a two-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. The GT and higher trims included a 10-speaker Bose sound system, which performed adequately.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured a Mazda Connect system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch display. While historically lacking touchscreen control, the CX-50 allowed touchscreen use for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint system provided a satisfying audio experience. An Active Driving Display (HUD) was available, projecting useful data within the driver's line of sight, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, 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, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, missing the "+" designation due to some headlight configurations and pedestrian collision avoidance results. It offered a generous standard package of driving assistance systems, with upgrades like Traffic Jam Assist, parking sensors, reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera. The adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize vehicles cutting in, requiring manual intervention.