car tests

Success number

By 2022, Mazda sold some 365,000 units of the CX-5. That makes it the most popular model the Japanese manufacturer has in its showroom. In Europe, the model accounts for some 26% of annual sales. In short, it is an important car for the brand. The Japanese therefore polish it every year at the detail level. A number of updates have also been made for the 2023 model year.

Mild hybrid

For the 2023 model, we find the news mostly under the hood. Mazda goes with the fashion – and follows Brussels’ strict emissions regulations – and equips the CX-5 with mild hybrid technology. The familiar Skyactiv G engines will henceforth go through life as e-Skyactiv-G. The “e,” of course, stands for electrification.

From now on, the familiar 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engines receive help from an integrated starter generator, which can perform three tasks. First, crank the engine. After all, it is basically a starter motor. In addition, it can support the engine during acceleration. Exactly at those times when a gasoline engine is extra thirsty, it provides an extra boost. The starter motor then acts as a small electric motor. Its third function is to generate power. The starter generator then acts like a dynamo, converting energy released during braking into electricity. Power is stored in a compact battery pack(s) under the floor.

The result is lower CO2 emissions and gasoline consumption. Now don’t think it saves gallons of gasoline, because it’s not called a mild hybrid system for nothing. But on the other hand: you get the system almost “free” on the updated CX-5, as the car is less than 200 euros more expensive than the outgoing model. A CX-5 comes starting at 38,190 euros. Remarkable, because automakers are raising their prices left and right by huge amounts, even without introducing any new technology on their models. Mazda is not participating in that.

Pull king

Why Dutch caravan owners love the CX-5 so much. Simple: the base version may already tow 1,800 pounds up the mountain. The base version is the 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which is good for 165 horsepower. You can get it with manual transmission or automatic. With automatic transmission, this version may even tow up to 2,000 kg.

Those who want a little more power can opt for a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 194 hp. This version is always equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and also has an allowable towing weight of up to 2,000 kg. This larger engine also allows you to opt for an AWD system. Handy, if you want to be sure you can get away with the caravan even on a muddy campsite.

Mi-DRIVE

The CX-5 model year 2023 also features Mazda Intelligent Drive select (Mi-Drive), which allows you to select the most appropriate driving mode at the touch of a button. The Mi-Drive switch is located on the switch panel and offers a choice of two additional driving modes: Sport and an off-road mode on the version with AWD.

Luggage space Mazda CX-5

The Mazda is not the very largest SUV in its segment, yet it is a very practical car. The luggage compartment was redesigned last model year, increasing the cargo volume to 550 liters. A new height-adjustable, reversible floor plate ensures that you no longer suffer from a high sill. In the Newground variant, the cargo floor has carpet on one side and protective dirt- and water-resistant plastic on the other. Ideal if you want to throw muddy boots, a wetsuit or a mountain bike in the back while camping.

Appearance

Was nothing changed on the outside then? Well, little. In fact, Mazda already did that last year. Then the design went through a major overhaul. You can easily recognize the 2022 and 2023 models by the new headlights with daytime running lights that are done in L motif. A new paint color – Rhodium White – does arrive for 2023, and a total of five versions of the CX-5 are now available, three of which are new: the Newgroud, Homuro and the Takumi.

Newground

You can recognize the Newground by silver trim pieces with dark trim on the front and rear bumpers and sides. It also features black side mirrors, yellow-green accents on the grille and 19-inch black rims. The interior features suede upholstery with yellow-green stitching. The Newground is available starting at 43,190 euros.

Homura

In terms of design, you can think of the Homura as the sports version. Mazda gave a lick of high-gloss black paint to many different elements on this version, such as the grille, lower parts of the bumper, wheel arches, doors and door mirrors. The 19-inch alloy wheels are also black in color and the grille features red accents. In the interior, the steering wheel, center armrest, various dashboard elements and door panels are finished with red stitching. The leather and faux suede upholstered seats are also finished with red stitching. The Homura is available from 44,890 euros

Takumi

The Takumi is the upscale version and looks sleek and businesslike, with no eye-catching colored accents. Inside, you’ll encounter Nappa leather upholstery and luxurious woodgrain trim on the dashboard and door panels. The Takumi is available starting at 46,440 euros.

No touchscreens

Since 2021, the interior has been fitted with a 10.25-inch display, which we already know from the Mazda 3 and CX-30. It is a clear and sharp screen, which you can operate via a rotary knob. So, in short, it is not a touchscreen. This takes some getting used to at first – because these days you control all the screens in your life with your fingers, except your TV – but the interface is very simple. This allows you to quickly find the things you are looking for.

Of course, the system is suitable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although they are less easy to operate with a rotary knob. New in the interior is a wireless charger in the center console for telephones. The CX-5 model year 2023 also features wireless Apple CarPlay and modern USB Type-C ports. How the updated CX-5 drives we tell you in the video below: