Starting Price: $26,700 | Price Yours
KBB Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Affordable automakers compete to be good at everything from inspiring design to great sound systems. But some also have a particular trait they built their identity around. Mazda’s is athleticism.
Mazda vehicles handle with a sharpness that nothing else in their price range can match. Many also offer several power options.
The 2023 Mazda CX-5, for instance, is one of several dozen well-balanced small SUVs that are easy to live with day-to-day and serve as great family cars. But, if you love to drive, it’s probably the one you’d like best.
While most competitors have just one engine option, CX-5 buyers get a choice of two. The base engine, found on six trim levels, is competitive with most of its class and would probably meet the needs of most buyers. An optional turbocharged engine, found on two trim levels, is more expensive but offers power levels rarely seen in this class.
Either choice sends power through a 6-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. In 2023, every Mazda SUV comes with standard all-wheel drive (AWD).
The Popular Engine
2.5-liter 4-cylinder
187 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
186 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy: 24/30/26 mpg
Price of entry: $26,700
Most compact SUVs use a 4-cylinder engine mated to an automatic transmission with fuel economy numbers in the mid-20s.
The CX-5 is no different. Its standard engine is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder model putting out 187 horsepower — a few more than the Mitsubishi Outlander, a few less than the Nissan Rogue, and exactly the same as the Hyundai Tucson.
It’s the usual answer because it’s just right for most drivers’ needs. Our test driver calls it “punchy enough for most occasions.”
The More Powerful Engine
2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
227 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm (256 with premium fuel)
310 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000 rpm (320 with premium fuel)
EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy: 22/27/24 mpg
Price of entry: $36,850
The Mazda CX-5’s standard engine is fairly typical for its class. But Mazda does something atypical, too — they build an optional, more powerful turbocharged powerplant.
It’s the same engine found in the higher-performance versions of most Mazda vehicles, and it can adjust for different types of gasoline. With regular, it makes 227 horsepower. With 93-octane premium fuel, it makes 256.
If nearly every automaker finds roughly 180 to 190 horsepower to be just right for a compact SUV, who needs 256?
People who just got excited to find out it’s an option. The turbocharged engine is more expensive and utterly unnecessary day-to-day, but it’s a lot of fun. If that appeals to you, it may be worth the added money.
Most of the fun in a Mazda comes from the chassis and the steering setup. But more passing power and the ability to put the power down out of a turn and enjoy the surge of a turbocharger undoubtedly add to the fun. If you’re interested in a Mazda because of its performance, the turbo models might be worth a test drive.
More 2023 Mazda CX-5
Now that you have a better idea of which engine is right for you, build and price your own 2023 Mazda CX-5 to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Mazda CX-5 models for sale near you.
