The Mazda CX-5 is a best-seller for the company and for good reason. This compact crossover-SUV seats up to five in a right-sized format with an engaging drive dynamic, stellar looks, and an award-winning interior.

In our testing, the Mazda CX-5 is one of the best options in the two-row compact SUV market. This generation of the CX-5 was introduced in 2017 and refreshed in 2022 with updated styling. Its base engine is less than peppy and Mazda is muddying the waters for this model with the introduction of the more rugged-appearing CX-50 model.

We still consider the Mazda CX-5 to be one of the best options in its segment. The value, driving engagement, and accouterments included are all reasons to like this vehicle. Nothing about the CX-5 feels cheap or looks out of place. Even a fully-decked CX-5 model is lower cost than most luxury-branded competitors and often lower than non-luxury options in their top trims.

Most buyers will be happy with the base 2.5-liter engine, but some more adventurous drivers might find it underwhelming. For them, we recommend upgrading to the turbocharged option, which adds about 40 horsepower. With premium fuel, that number gets even higher.

There are many great choices in the compact crossover segment, but we rank the Mazda CX-5 as one of the best.

A best seller in the compact SUV segment, the Nissan Rogue was recently redesigned to a much higher standard than its previous generation. Compared to the CX-5, the Rogue is more up-to-date, more fuel efficient, and more contemporary. The CX-5, however, is better looking, we think, and more fun to drive.

Newly redesigned, the Honda CR-V is a bit larger and more efficient. It has a good, if contemporary, look and a hybrid option for maximum fuel efficiency. We still like the CX-5 better, though, for its nicer interior design, better exterior looks, and pizzazz. While the CR-V has a more spacious cargo space, the CX-5’s is more usable when the second row seats are dropped.

Price comparatively to the CX-5, the Sportage has a much better warranty and an equally smart interior. The Sportage doesn’t return good fuel economy, however, and some of its controls for basic interior items like audio and HVAC are confusingly clunky. The CX-5 is a more upscale drive by comparison.

Pricing for the 2023 Mazda CX-5 starts at $28,075 plus delivery. A top end Turbo Signature model starts at $41,025 before delivery.

The table below shows the most common trim levels and how much they will run you.

After its refresh for 2022, the Mazda CX-5 sees no changes for the 2023 model year. The refresh added standard all-wheel drive, updated styling at the front and rear, performance changes for the chassis to improve road feel, and some changes to the trim level lineup.

The Mazda CX-5 communicates well with the driver, with sharp steering, intuitive handling, and a well-balanced feel. The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that outputs 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This results in quick acceleration from zero, but the power curve means that passing while at speed will require more time. The six-speed automatic is hesitant to drop a gear to add power in those circumstances as it hunts for better fuel economy.

The Turbo models upgrade the 2.5L with a turbocharger that boosts HP to 227 on standard octane fuel. Going to 93 octane will boost horses to 256. Torque is rated at 310 to 320 lb-ft, depending on fuel. This model has much more get-up and go, shaving about two seconds from the 0-60 mph sprint and adding a lot of mid-range power for overtaking and passing at highway speeds.

With either engine, drivers will find a lot to love in the Mazda CX-5’s road feel and quiet cabin.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 has received excellent safety scores from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The 2023 CX-5 has received no recalls as of this publication. Reliability ratings from most sources rate this Mazda as being better than average. Mazda as a whole is rated as much higher than average for reliability.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 has a JD Power rating of 83/100 from its dependability survey. Repair Pal, which rates vehicles by repair costs and frequency, gives the CX-5 a 4.5 of 5 score. Repair Pal also ranks Mazda as the fifth most reliable car brand.

The base model 2023 Mazda CX-5 is the 2.5 S, which comes pretty well-equipped with standard all-wheel drive, alloy wheels, LED headlamps, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a three year complimentary subscription to Mazda Connected Services for telemetry.

Even with all of that included equipment, however, we would recommend upgrading to the next-level 2.5 S Select model, which adds some comfort and convenience items like hands-free keyless entry, dual-zone climate with added rear vents, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, simulated leather upholstery, and a few other things. This package makes the vehicle more livable.

Those looking for the turbocharged option will very likely enjoy the Turbo model without the added expense of the Turbo Signature and its higher-end add-ons.

The Mazda CX-5’s warranty is standard for the class. Other options in this segment have much longer warranties, especially the Hyundai, Kia, and Mitsubishi brands.

• Basic: 3 years / 36k miles
• PowerTrain: 5 years / 60k miles
• There are 3 SUV brands with better warranties
• If buying used look at our best extended warranties

Used models of the CX-5 are more difficult to come by than average. Most buyers of this model keep it for longer than average. With that said, a good lease turn-in or a potential certified used model are a great find and worth looking into.

The expected reliability of the CX-5 and the good design are what make it a popular keeper for most buyers. A well-sourced, well-maintained used model would be a prize for most used car buyers.

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