The CX-50 is coming, but it is not replacing the CX-5. Both crossovers are going to be competitive, mainly because the upcoming vehicle is going to feature a V6 engine. The 2023 Mazda CX-5 will be redesigned with quite a lot of changes. The release date is not set yet, but you can expect it late in 2022. We can expect to see some solutions from the CX-50 to be implemented to its close sibling. On the other hand, some say the new crossover will replace an old nameplate. Until Mazda confirms or denies rumors, all options are open.
A pair of four-cylinder drivetrains are available and CX-5 will carry over both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged engines. A turbodiesel is not coming back. Well, this was a good optional choice. The future is bringing a six-cylinder mill. Experts are sure the new CX-50 is going to use it. Furthermore, a hybrid setup should make the 2023 Mazda CX-5 more competitive.
2023 Mazda CX-5 Specs
Under the bonnet of the 2023 Mazda CX-5 will still be a reliable 2.5-liter SkyActiv petrol engine. The four-banger is producing 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. That is more than enough for a compact crossover. A power router is a six-speed automatic transmission. The manual gearbox is not available for this vehicle. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional for most trims.
If you want more power, turbo-four engine and AWD are the package that comes together. To maximize power from a 2.5-liter plant, engineers placed a turbocharger. However, you will need premium fuel if you want to get 250 horsepower. Otherwise, the CX-5 can do 227 ponies and 310 lb-ft. With 93-octane fuel, you can get 320 pound-feet. The gas mileage is good. With the naturally aspirated configuration, the crossover SUV achieves up to 31 mpg. SkyActiv technology is combining the best elements of diesel and petrol engines. So, the drivetrain returns high power but still keeps good gas mileage. The turbocharged mill should return about 25 mpg combined.
Hybrid
Mazda is working on the electrification of its drivetrains. One of the priorities should be the 2023 Mazda CX-5. The compact segment is now full of hybrid units. Some of them can return more than 40 mpg. The Japanese company is definitely going to use a 2.5-liter engine again. With its base performance and excellent gas mileage, we can expect the 2023 CX-5 to join the elite company: Toyota Rav4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape, whose hybrid models can do 40+ mpg. This is also going to be a cleaner option.
Packages
The entry-level model will be packed with even more options after the redesign. Nevertheless, there is plenty of time for development and Mazda is not going to release details so soon. Nevertheless, expect the Sport version to be the base one, followed by the Touring. Both models will keep 17-inch wheels. The infotainment system is also being updated. A huge 10-inch touchscreen is the center of it. Even some larger SUVs are not using such a big display. Mazda has a big advantage over the competition thanks to the full package of driver aid features available at lower trim levels.
Touring model is going to spice it up with some premium touches, such as leatherette seats, advanced audio, or more air conditioning zones. Preferred is a mid-range trim on most Mazda vehicles. You will get the most if you take the 2023 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring. It will definitely be the top of the class version. The only one that can beat this is the Signature edition.
2023 Mazda CX-5 Release Date and Price
The launch of the 2023 Mazda CX-5 depends on the development of a hybrid engine. Also, the CX-50 is a priority at the moment, but the new nameplate is about to debut as the 2022 YM. After that, we can think about the CX-5. Well, the company should make it clear if both crossovers are going to be available since there are a lot of rumors about the replacement. The price is going up a bit. This model has always been considered an upscale vehicle with a lot of equipment available for the entry-level model. Still, the MSRP won’t start above $28,000. The high-end Signature edition is already a premium crossover, with a price tag of $37,000. With a hybrid engine, it might hit $40k in 2023.
