Every two or three years, automakers release updates for each model, and these are usually noticeable innovations. In our case, the second restyling of the same generation CX-5 requires a fairly thorough delving to identify at least some changes.
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Updates to the Mazda CX-5
It’s time to take a closer look at Mazda’s midsize and most popular crossover to know exactly how to distinguish the new model. Let me start by saying that you can safely bet on your knowledge of the updates. The average user will not find them without a tape measure and molecular research. It’s true that the manufacturer hasn’t been spoiling us with unnecessary updates and novelties lately, except for the CX-60. But our people respect the cars from the Japanese brand for their sophisticated design, comfortable and stylish interiors, reliability and safety.
The last restyling of the CX-5 took place in 2021 and ITC has already written about it. Now we have the second update of 2023. So we can explore all its details. The first thing that comes to mind is that the word «restyling» can be dismissed altogether, because the overall styling hasn’t changed since 2016. All the tiny changes fit into the same recognizable KODO design and are transformed according to the need to remind you of the model. Most often, this is what facelifts are for, but sometimes they bring useful fresh features.
For example, the Mazda CX-5 has an updated grille for all trims, which is almost indistinguishable from the previous one unless you look with a magnifying glass. Now the grille faces are directed vertically, while in the predecessor — horizontally. Plus, in the maximum TOP configuration, like our test car, it will be dark gray. In addition, we installed a silver overlay on the front and rear bumpers, instead of the black one in other trims.
Of course, the new body color was not without its share. And our test car presented a new white — Rhodium White, which looks like a pearl matte in sunlight, which is quite impressive. In total, the CX-5 offers a choice of 10 colors that are already included in the price of the car, regardless of the configuration.
Another feature of the new crossover is the availability of the SPORT BLACK version with glossy plastic inserts on the body, black chrome in the grille, black rearview mirrors, black wheels and a new two-tone interior.
In total, there are five trim levels for the CX-5: Touring, Touring S, Style, Sport Black and Top. With a starting price of UAH 1,291,200 to a maximum of UAH 1,844,600. The difference between them is in engines, assistance systems, comfort features and, of course, in appearance
What’s new in the Mazda CX-5 interior
The most important changes are actually hidden in the middle of the Mazda CX-5, or rather in the depths of the MZD Connect multimedia system. First of all, there is now a new 10.25-inch center screen (instead of an 8-inch one) with a clearer image and an improved 360-degree camera, which is available in the maximum configuration. Now, even at night, everything is clearly visible not only behind, but also ahead when driving from the parking lot.
Finally, they updated the system and wireless Android Auto is now available, and it, along with Apple CarPlay, is available in the last three trims (until now it was only wired). It’s worth mentioning that wireless connection with the iPhone was in the previous update, as well as wireless charging. Type-C ports have also appeared alongside the usual USB inputs, which is nice because they left the choice open. At least there’s no need to change cables.
Everything else works quite well and without failures, which was nice, and the clarity of the camera image was impressive. You rarely see such quality even in premium cars. So far, I’ve only seen it in Chinese cars. The menu in the multimedia system has also changed and now looks a little different, but the branded fonts remain.
The upholstery of the armchairs was also updated in this restyling. Black genuine leather was added to the offer, and the stitching in the leather and Nappa leather versions became light. The decorative inserts on the torpedo, which combine the air deflectors into a single strip, have also changed, but this is a small detail, and it’s hard to even remember what the previous ones looked like.
Everything else has remained unchanged: spaciousness of the cabin, comfortable electrically controlled seats, center console with gear lever, multifunctional steering wheel, full set of heating and even front seat ventilation on a separate panel for climate control.
The crossover still has the same unchanged dashboard with hardcore wells and an additional small information display in the middle, which shows fuel consumption and trip cutoffs, as well as information from the enabled assistance systems. Recently, the dashboard also displays the change of driving modes. There are two of them in the mono-drive version and three in the all-wheel drive version: Sport, Normal, or Off-Road.
The main things about the Mazda CX-5
The midsize crossover was built on the updated Skyactiv-Vehicle platform, which was modified to make the chassis more balanced, the steering more precise, and the car itself quieter. Therefore, Mazda CX-5 with fully independent suspension is good at balancing comfort and handling. This has always been a big plus for Mazda. So the CX-5 still impresses with its sharp steering, pleasantly elastic but light steering with good feedback, no critical rolls, and monolithic confidence on the road.
We are offered versions with mono- and all-wheel drive. The latter is based on an automatic torque distribution system between the axles (50×50) and between the wheels, which is also assisted by the G-Vectoring motion control system. Over the years, this system has proven itself well and is considered one of the best among competitors.
Under the hood of the Mazda CX-5 is the latest generation Skyactiv-G engine. We are offered 2.0 and 2.5 versions with a respective output of 150 hp and 194 hp paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Of course, fuel consumption is not record low, but rather a rare exception in recent times, as the figure does not fall below 9.2 liters in the city and 8.6 liters on the highway. The box works well with the engines and responds quickly to changes in dynamics, revving the engines as needed.
The saturation of safety systems makes the crossover quite modern and adds to the safety, which was already at the level of 5 stars of the EURO NCAP safety rating. Only the main active assistants are available only to the last three trims, the previous two have only conventional cruise control and standard passive assistance systems such as ABS, EBA, EBD, TCS, DSC, ESS and others.
The test car in the Top configuration had all the possible systems that work quite well and restrain the driver in the absence of full attention on the road. So there was nothing new here either. The car monitors the lane, keeps the distance to the previous car, reports the presence of a car in blind spots, and so on. You can customize the systems and their activity in the settings on the central display.
General impressions of the updated Mazda CX-5
To summarize the entire test drive, it is worth saying that the main innovations still relate to technology and driver comfort. What most competitors have long offered, such as Toyota RAV-4, Nissan X-Trail, Hyundai Tucson, Peugeot 3008 and others. Only they have many more innovations that are more impressive than Mazda’s.
Until now, the brand has survived due to well-chosen packages, stylish design, good reputation and high quality, but now it will be difficult for them to attract more consumers. Only those who have an unshakable faith in the brand and are an unwavering supporter of Japanese design and technology will stay with them. I just think that this is not the last word from the Japanese, and they will surprise us.
PROS: good handling, all-wheel drive, comfort, roominess, dynamics, reliability, design.
CONS: fuel consumption, outdated design and technology elements.
Technical characteristics of the Mazda CX-5 TOP
| Body, type | SUV |
| Dimensions (LxWxH), mm | 4575/1845/1675 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2700 |
| Declared ground clearance, mm | 200 |
| Trunk volume, liters. | 438/880/1340 |
| Curb weight, kg | 1572 |
| Engine | 2.5 SkyActiv-G |
| Power, hp. | 194 |
| Torque, Nm | 258 |
| Type of drive | AWD |
| Pendant | Macpherson/independent |
| Transmission | 6AT |
| Dynamics 0-100, s | 9 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 195 |
| Fuel consumption, l (mixed) | 8,8 |
| Cost, UAH | 1 291 200 |
| The cost of the test car, UAH | 1 844 600 |
| Competitors | Toyota RAV-4 |
| Nissan X-Trail | |
| Peugeot 3008 | |
| Honda CR-V | |
| Hyundai Tucson |
Автомобіль наданий AUTO International
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