2023 Mazda CX-5 Performance

It might be easy to think of the Mazda CX-5 SUV as a family commuter, but Mazda's engineers clearly think of it as an SUV for those who have been forced to grow up but still enjoy driving. It has a communicative chassis, keen handling, suspension that doesn't flop all over the show, and crucially, a punchy turbocharged engine. Only the latter is compromised on cheaper models, but in these, the standard naturally aspirated 2.5-liter is still decent enough. It'll manage a 0 to 60 mph sprint in around the mid-eights, which is about standard for the segment. However, for performance few compacts can match, the 2.5T motor is the real gem, cutting that sprint down to the six-second region. Few, if any rivals in the segment can compete with that; the previous Kia Sportage turbo wasn't far behind the Mazda, but Kia no longer sells the new Sportage with this engine. As for its top speed, that's not something you should be pursuing in a family crossover, so Mazda makes no claims in this regard.

Unlike many in this segment, a choice of FWD or AWD isn't available - the CX-5 comes only with AWD as standard. The maximum towing capacity remains pegged at just 2,000 lbs and this is some way behind segment leaders like the RAV4 that can tow up to 3,500 lbs in its optimal configuration.

Mazda avails two engines for the CX-5 range, identical in displacement at 2.5 liters apiece, but with one key differentiator, turbocharging. The base engine does without forced induction, generating 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, while, on premium fuel, the turbocharged variant generates peak outputs of 256 hp and 320 lb-ft. Regardless of the engine choice, a six-speed automatic gearbox is the only available transmission. Previously, we complained that this is the weak link here, as it could be slow to respond and gear changes weren't quite met with the same urgency as we'd like, so Mazda has retuned the transmission to be more responsive and respond more smoothly.

As for the engines themselves, both are decent, with ample pull and a decent desire to be revved out, but the turbo motor is by far the jewel of the two. It might not sound particularly sporty, but it pulls strongly and makes the bulk of its torque available across a decent engine speed range. Be it from standstill or when overtaking, there's more than enough grunt ready to be deployed, while the naturally aspirated motor is happy to be wrung out to achieve the necessary end result.

With only two drivetrain configurations available this year, the CX-5's gas mileage figures depends on whether you go Turbo or not. The lightest sipper of the bunch is the AWD base CX-5 2.5 S with the naturally aspirated engine, returning EPA estimates of 24/30/26 mpg. The turbocharged AWD has figures of 22/27/24 mpg. In its most efficient guise, the CX-5's 14.8-gallon fuel tank will allow for 385 miles of range. The Turbo models, however, will only manage around 355 miles.