CX-5 2023

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 is competent transportation. Nothing went wrong, nothing impressed me either. If you just need a reliable appliance this will serve you fine. If you want something engaging, look elsewhere.

45,000 miles, zero mechanical issues. Tyres wearing evenly, everything works as day one. Resale value holding up brilliantly. The definition of a reliable long-term proposition.

Hits a sweet spot for me. Refined on the motorway, economical for commuting, practical for family. Only gripe is infotainment slow to connect to phone on startup. Build quality noticeably better than my previous car.

Excited at purchase, reality more subdued. Positives: generous space, good fuel economy. Negatives: touchscreen freezes, rear wiper smears, lane-keeping too aggressive. Not bad but needs polish.

Reliability has been below the brand's reputation. Two dealer visits in the first year for issues that shouldn't exist on a new car. Interior quality also doesn't match the asking price.

Eight months in — fuel efficiency, comfort, and city traffic handling are all impressive. Gripes: rear legroom slightly tight for tall adults, auto transmission occasionally hesitates. Minor. Overall package excellent.

1,200-mile round trip with two kids and a dog. Boot swallowed everything, rear space genuinely comfortable, fuel stops infrequent. Kids slept most of the way. Ultimate endorsement.

Picked up my 2023 Mazda CX-5 and have zero complaints. Build quality is exceptional, driving experience puts a smile on my face every commute. Fuel economy beats EPA estimates. Highly recommend.

Mid-spec was the sweet spot. Heated seats, wireless CarPlay, blind-spot monitoring all standard. Build quality honest and durable. No showiness, just exactly what I needed.

Competent, reliable, comfortable. But 'competent' isn't what you want spending this much. Hard plastic panels in places, engine note unpleasant. Test-drive the competition before committing.