Review – Mazda CX-5 2023 now electrified, how does it work?
Electrification
Electrification is here to stay in the automotive world. Thanks to electric assistance, gasoline engines become more fuel-efficient and also offer more power during acceleration. So a win-win situation. Mazda is also working on electrification. Not just with an all-electric Mazda MX-30 or plug-in hyride Mazda CX-60. For the 2023 model year, the Mazda CX-5 will also be electrified thanks to Mazda M Hybrid technology.
Mazda CX-5 M Hybrid
Well, Mazda M Hybrid technology for the popular Mazda CX-5 SUV. What exactly is involved? Explain. The compact mild hybrid system has an integrated starter generator (ISG) and a 24V lithium-ion battery placed between the wheels. It reduces fuel consumption by recovering the energy released during deceleration and activating the ISG – which also acts as an electric motor – to support the gasoline engine during acceleration.
Mild-hybrid
This mild form of electrification is popularly called mild-hybrid. It is best compared to an e-bike. So we also show in the extensive video about the 2023 Mazda CX-5. Setting off without electro-assistance simply takes much more power. See it with your own eyes? Then check out the video in this article.
Mazda CX-5 2023: now ELECTRIC!? – REVIEW – AutoRAI TV
Wait, there’s more!
Mazda is making more changes to its CX-5. For example, the gasoline engines of the Mazda CX-5 now also feature a modified engine management system to improve fuel economy and achieve lowerCO2 emissions. The e-Skyactiv-G 2.0 liter with 165 hp and e-Skyactiv G 2.5 liter with 194 hp also have cylinder deactivation.
Towing weight Mazda CX-5 2023
Also nice: despite the use of electrification in the Mazda CX-5, the family SUV still has a high towing weight. The braked towing capacity is at least 1,800 kilograms and increases to as much as 2,000 kilograms! This is just as well, because the Mazda CX-5 is one of the most popular caravan tractors in the Netherlands. So it is beloved among caravan owners. The 165-hp mild-hybrid gasoline powertrain, combined with a six-speed manual transmission, has 1,800 kilograms of braked towing weight. With automatic it is even 2,000 kilograms. The more powerful 194-hp variant is always allowed to tow 2,000 kilograms with brakes.
As a driver, what do you notice about mild-hybrid technology?
The mild-hybrid technology in the Mazda CX-5 with e-Skyactiv-G gasoline engines introduces drivers to electrification in an approachable way. As a driver, you don’t have to worry about the integrated starter generator (ISG) and the 24V lithium-ion battery. The car simply does the work. You do notice that the car recovers some energy because the car brakes extra while lifting the gas pedal. What you also notice: an extra push during acceleration. Stop-start driving is of course very beneficial for this car, because by braking a lot you continuously recover some extra energy that the mild-hybrid system uses again to support the combustion engine. According to Mazda, this CX-5 mild-hybrid is about 10 percent more fuel-efficient than a powertrain without an MHEV.
Those Japanese have an eye for detail
Enough about mild-hybrid. After all, how do you like the Mazda CX-5 as a practical family car? And what does the car have to offer for model year 2023? Explain. Practicality is certainly the CX-5. It is nice and roomy inside, even adults are excellent in the back. Then there’s also ample luggage space, which we’ll come back to in a moment.
There is also an eye for the smaller details. Call it Japanese craftsmanship or just high quality, but the interior of the car looks very nice. Quiet mostly, but uncluttered and well finished. Nice thing is that you can personalize the CX-5 by choosing the Newground, Homura or Takumi variant, for example. These versions have subtle differences to define their own character.
Newground and Homura
For example, the Newground has suede upholstery with a hexagonal pattern and stitching and piping in the color green-yellow. The grille also features a greenish-yellow accent color. Also cool: the Newground version of the CX-5 features a reversible cargo floor plate in the luggage compartment with a water-resistant coating on the underside. In this version, the undertray is water and scratch resistant. Ideal for storing wet, muddy clothing and footwear. In the Homura variant, the grille surround is black in color and we detect red accents, also in the interior.
Other updates
Furthermore, the Mazda CX-5 model year 2023 has all the conveniences, such as a center console with a wireless smartphone charger, as well as a wireless version of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And yes: USB-C charging ports, too. Driving assistance systems abound. For example, the CX-5 has lane keeping assist, a collision prevention system, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and a rear cross traffic alert system.
Conclusion Mazda CX-5
In short, starting with the 2023 model year, the Mazda CX-5 will be electrified thanks to the use of mild-hybrid technology. The car is again just a little more economical and, thanks to several updates, also more complete than ever. This will help the CX-5’s popularity, as it is still a beloved model. Indeed, it is the best-selling car within Mazda’s global model lineup. That’s saying something.
