As spring has sprung, I just realized we have gone through our second winter with our ‘23

CX-5, the car approaching 20,000 miles after 14 months on the road. I have noted that in addition to many valid mechanical questions and some dubious complaints, occasionally folks write in asking about purchasing the Mazda; I thought I would note our family’s observations, for anyone searching for ownership experiences.

Bottom line: we love the car. I note maybe two downsides: first, gas mileage COULD be a bit better, but then again it beats our previous ‘07 Subaru Legacy and I realize we are pushing a big old block of metal down the road. However, we did get 32 observed MPGs on a 500 mile highway trip, averaging 70 miles per hour before break-in, so that is not bad, really. Second, the car does skip and skitter sideways a bit when hitting a bump during sweeping turns. Otherwise, the ride is composed.

What we most appreciate is how much fun the car is to drive. Handling is precise, refined, and sporty; the steering is silky but weighted enough; and the firm suspension gives a feeling strength and potential reliability.

However, we also like that the interior levels above its price. Materials are of quality and the fit and finish are exceptional. We like the controls — especially the love-it-or-hate-it center console rotary ****; the push-buttons and other rotary ***** have a refined feel, as well. While the CX-5 is not a Lexus, it is still pretty darn quiet on the road.

We chose the ‘23 Select model. I have seen no reviews of or recommendations for this trim. However, it suited us well. We did not want leather, but the fako-leather seats are supportive and easy-to-maintain. The features are few, but they were a big step-up from the base, providing, for example power driver’s seat and rear blacked out windows. It provides all we need; best of all, we still just plain old enjoy hopping in for a ride over a year in.

Other than the stop-start feature, anyone buying a 2024 CX-5 should find similar strengths to our 2023, I imagine.
Oh, I almost forgot. For those concerned about the car's all-wheel drive performance, I find it perfectly capable. After a large storm this winter, our city did not get to plowing side streets for several days, and we were able to plunge through twelve inches of snow with confidence (driving rationally) with new Michelin Cross-Climate2 tires.

 

Lexus' are just overpriced Toyotas with outdated technology. Mazda wipes them in terms of what you get for the price.

 

Agreed. I felt the somewhat same when I sat in a baby Audi SUV, the Q3 at a rental car lot last week. I think Toyota has quietly focused on de-conteting here and there over the years.