Mazda SUVs consistently top the critics’ lists. The compact SUV segment remains highly competitive, with popular models from multiple brands vying for consumer attention. Recently, two Mazda compact SUVs — the CX-5 and CX-50 — joined small crossovers from four other automakers in Car and Driver’s 2023 Editors’ Choice roundup.
2023 Car and Driver Editors’ Choice for Best Compact SUV
Car and Driver 2023’s Editors’ Choice list of the best cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans is an expansive list with enough scrolling to make your carpal tunnel syndrome worse. Since we’ll discuss the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Volkswagen Tiguan elsewhere, let’s look at Mazda’s CX-5 and CX-50 to see what makes Mazda their favorite compact SUVs might.
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 impresses with its design and handling
C/D calls the 2023 Mazda CX-5’s interior design “ornate” and praises its “refined handling” and upscale interior compared to rivals. Though the CX-5’s cargo space is “just average,” its rear seat legroom and towing capacity suffer in comparison. Nonetheless, Auto and Driver reviewers say the “blend of nimble road manners and interior refinement” — combined with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine — makes the 2023 Mazda CX-5 one of their “favorite” small SUVs. “
All 2023 CX-5 powertrains include a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD. A naturally aspirated, 187-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is standard on six CX-5 trims including Base, Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium and Premium Plus, with starting MSRPs of $27,975 to $36,775. Additionally, the $38,125 Turbo and $40,925 Turbo Signature trims feature an intercooled, turbocharged version of the 256-horsepower 2.5-liter engine.
Fuel consumption values vary depending on the powertrain. The 187-horsepower version gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city and 30 mpg on the highway. As expected, the 256-hp turbo option gets a slightly less fuel-efficient 22mpg city and 27mpg on the highway.
The Mazda CX-50 2023 offers an upscale cabin and a smooth ride
Mazda sells the CX-5 alongside the all-new CX-50, but it’s probably a matter of time before the popular CX-5 fades into oblivion. Both models offer the same drive options, high-quality cabins and pleasant driving characteristics. Although the CX-50 is slightly taller than the CX-5, its lower roofline offers less headroom than its predecessor.
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offers seven trim levels with the 187 hp 2.5-liter engine (Base, Select, Preferred, Preferred Plus, Premium, Premium Plus and Meridian Edition) and three with the 256 hp turbocharged four-cylinder ( Turbo , Turbo Premium and Turbo Premium Plus).
Like the CX-5, all CX-50 trims come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, and offer comforts that range from “simple to downright luxurious,” reports Car and Driver. Prices range from $28,825 MSRP of the base trim to the highest non-turbo Meridian Edition priced at $41,620. Turbocharged versions start at $38,425 and go up to $43,575 for the Turbo Premium Plus.
Although the 2023 Mazda CX-50 doesn’t offer a hybrid variant, it’s on the horizon and is likely to resemble the 219-horsepower hybrid powertrain found on the Toyota RAV4. Until then, the CX-50’s fuel economy looks very similar to the CX-5, with the base powertrain returning an EPA-estimated 24mpg around town and 30mpg on the highway. However, the turbocharged CX-50 performed better than the turbocharged CX-5 on gas mileage at 23mpg city/29mpg highway.
