Let's dive deep into the 2023 Mazda CX-5 S Premium Plus, a vehicle that has been turning heads and setting benchmarks in the compact SUV segment. If you're in the market for a car that blends luxury, performance, and practicality, then stick around. We're going to break down everything you need to know about this fantastic ride, from its stunning design and powerful engine to its advanced tech features and overall driving experience. Whether you're a Mazda enthusiast or just starting your car search, this review will provide you with all the insights you need to make an informed decision. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the 2023 Mazda CX-5 S Premium Plus

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 S Premium Plus isn't just another compact SUV; it's a statement. Mazda has carved out a niche for itself by offering vehicles that feel more premium than their price tags suggest, and the CX-5 S Premium Plus is a shining example of this philosophy. This model sits near the top of the CX-5 lineup, offering a compelling blend of features that cater to both comfort and performance.

Key Highlights:

• Engine: The heart of this beast is a spirited 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a punchy performance, making it a joy to drive both in the city and on the open road.
• Interior: Step inside, and you're greeted with a cabin that punches above its weight class. High-quality materials, comfortable seating, and thoughtful design touches create an inviting atmosphere.
• Technology: Mazda doesn't skimp on tech, either. The CX-5 S Premium Plus comes loaded with advanced safety features, a user-friendly infotainment system, and connectivity options to keep you connected on the go.
• Design: The CX-5 boasts Mazda's signature Kodo design language, characterized by its sleek lines, elegant curves, and a sporty stance that sets it apart from the more mundane offerings in the segment.

Why should you consider the 2023 Mazda CX-5 S Premium Plus? Well, if you value a car that offers a refined driving experience, luxurious features, and a stylish design without breaking the bank, this could be the perfect choice for you. It’s a vehicle that manages to balance practicality with a touch of elegance, making it suitable for both daily commutes and weekend adventures. Plus, with Mazda's reputation for reliability, you can have peace of mind knowing you're investing in a car that's built to last.

Exterior Design

The exterior design of the 2023 Mazda CX-5 S Premium Plus is where Mazda's Kodo design philosophy truly shines. The Kodo design, which translates to "Soul of Motion," aims to capture the energy of an animal poised to strike. This design language gives the CX-5 a dynamic and sophisticated appearance that sets it apart from its competitors.

From the front, the CX-5 features a bold and assertive grille, flanked by sleek LED headlights that give it a piercing gaze. The signature wing that extends from the grille into the headlights adds a touch of elegance and emphasizes the vehicle's wide and planted stance. The sculpted hood and flowing lines create a sense of motion, even when the car is standing still. The Premium Plus trim enhances this with features like adaptive front-lighting system. This system improves visibility by automatically adjusting the headlight beams to match driving conditions.

Moving to the side profile, the CX-5 boasts a long and athletic silhouette. The gently sloping roofline and pronounced wheel arches contribute to its sporty demeanor. Chrome accents around the windows and along the lower door panels add a touch of luxury, while the 19-inch alloy wheels fill the arches nicely, giving the car a well-proportioned look. The attention to detail is evident in every curve and crease, reflecting Mazda's commitment to craftsmanship.

At the rear, the CX-5 continues to impress with its clean and uncluttered design. The LED taillights are slim and wrap around the corners of the car, accentuating its width. The subtle spoiler adds a sporty touch, while the dual exhaust outlets hint at the performance that lies beneath the hood. The power liftgate is also a very useful feature. It allows for easy access to the cargo area, which is perfect for grocery runs or loading luggage for a road trip.

Overall, the exterior design of the 2023 Mazda CX-5 S Premium Plus is a masterclass in automotive styling. It's a vehicle that looks equally at home in the city and the countryside, and its timeless design ensures that it will continue to turn heads for years to come. If you appreciate a car that's as beautiful as it is functional, the CX-5 is definitely worth a closer look.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the 2023 Mazda CX-5 S Premium Plus, you'll immediately notice the attention to detail and the high-quality materials used throughout the cabin. Mazda has made a conscious effort to create an interior that feels more premium than its price tag suggests, and it shows. The seats are comfortable and supportive, upholstered in supple leather that feels great to the touch. The driver's seat offers multiple adjustments, including lumbar support, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. Heated front seats are standard on the Premium Plus trim, which is a welcome addition on chilly mornings.

The dashboard is well-organized and features a clean, minimalist design. The 7-inch infotainment display is integrated seamlessly into the dashboard. This placement minimizes distractions while driving. The system is controlled via a rotary knob and physical buttons, which are easy to use while on the move. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard. This allows you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's infotainment system.

One of the standout features of the CX-5 S Premium Plus is its premium sound system. It delivers crisp and clear audio throughout the cabin. Whether you're listening to your favorite music or catching up on a podcast, the sound quality is exceptional. Noise levels are also well-controlled, thanks to Mazda's efforts to reduce wind and road noise. This creates a quiet and relaxing environment inside the car.

In terms of technology, the CX-5 S Premium Plus comes loaded with advanced features that enhance both convenience and safety. These include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting your speed as needed.
• Lane Departure Warning: Alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane.
• Blind Spot Monitoring: Warns you of vehicles in your blind spots.
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Detects vehicles approaching from the side when you're backing up.
• Automatic Emergency Braking: Can automatically apply the brakes to help prevent or mitigate a collision.

Overall, the interior of the 2023 Mazda CX-5 S Premium Plus is a comfortable and well-equipped space that's perfect for both daily commutes and long road trips. The combination of high-quality materials, advanced technology, and thoughtful design makes it a standout in its class.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance and handling, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 S Premium Plus truly shines. Mazda has always been known for its commitment to driving dynamics, and the CX-5 is no exception. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces a healthy 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. While this may not sound like a lot on paper, it's more than adequate for most driving situations. The engine is responsive and eager to rev, providing plenty of power for merging onto the highway or passing slower traffic. The six-speed automatic transmission is smooth and precise, shifting gears seamlessly and intuitively.

One of the things that sets the CX-5 apart from its competitors is its handling. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing excellent feedback to the driver. The suspension is firm but not harsh, striking a good balance between comfort and control. The CX-5 corners confidently and feels planted on the road, inspiring confidence in the driver. Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC+) system further enhances the handling by subtly adjusting engine torque in response to steering inputs. This helps to smooth out the ride and improve stability, especially in corners.

The CX-5 is also equipped with Mazda's i-Activ all-wheel-drive system. It provides added traction and stability in slippery conditions. The system continuously monitors road conditions and adjusts the distribution of power between the front and rear wheels as needed. This helps to prevent wheel slip and maintain control, even on snow-covered or icy roads.

In terms of fuel economy, the CX-5 S Premium Plus delivers respectable numbers. The EPA estimates that it achieves 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, for a combined rating of 26 mpg. These figures are competitive with other compact SUVs in its class.

Overall, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 S Premium Plus offers a rewarding driving experience. Its combination of responsive engine, precise handling, and advanced technology makes it a joy to drive, whether you're commuting to work or exploring winding back roads.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for Mazda, and the 2023 Mazda CX-5 S Premium Plus comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. These features work together to help prevent accidents and minimize the risk of injury in the event of a collision.

Some of the key safety features include:

• Advanced Smart City Brake Support: This system uses a camera and radar to detect vehicles and pedestrians in front of the car. If a collision is imminent, it can automatically apply the brakes to help prevent or mitigate the impact.
• Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: These systems use radar sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spots and warn you of approaching vehicles when you're backing up.
• Lane Departure Warning System with Lane-Keep Assist: These systems help you stay in your lane by alerting you if you start to drift out of your lane and gently steering you back on course.
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go: This system maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting your speed as needed. It can even bring the car to a complete stop and resume driving in stop-and-go traffic.
• High Beam Control: This system automatically switches between high and low beams to avoid blinding other drivers.
• ** rearview camera:** displays a clear image of the area behind the vehicle on the infotainment screen, making it easier to back up and park.

In addition to these advanced safety features, the CX-5 also comes standard with a full complement of airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. The CX-5 has earned top safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This provides further reassurance that it's a safe and reliable vehicle.

Overall, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 S Premium Plus offers a high level of safety thanks to its advanced safety features and robust construction. If safety is a top concern for you, the CX-5 is an excellent choice.

Conclusion

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 S Premium Plus stands out as a compelling option in the crowded compact SUV market. It successfully blends stylish design, a premium interior, engaging driving dynamics, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. Whether you're looking for a comfortable daily commuter or a capable weekend adventurer, the CX-5 S Premium Plus delivers on multiple fronts.

Here's a quick recap of what makes this vehicle special:

• Elegant Design: Mazda's Kodo design language gives the CX-5 a distinctive and sophisticated appearance that sets it apart from the competition.
• Luxurious Interior: The cabin is crafted with high-quality materials and offers a comfortable and well-equipped space for both driver and passengers.
• Engaging Performance: The 2.5-liter engine provides ample power, while the precise handling and G-Vectoring Control Plus system make it a joy to drive.
• Advanced Technology: The CX-5 comes loaded with advanced safety features and a user-friendly infotainment system that keeps you connected on the go.
• Top Safety Ratings: The CX-5 has earned top marks from both NHTSA and IIHS, providing peace of mind for you and your family.

Of course, no vehicle is perfect, and the CX-5 does have a few minor drawbacks. The rear cargo area is slightly smaller than some of its competitors, and the infotainment system can take some getting used to. However, these are relatively minor issues that are easily outweighed by the vehicle's many strengths.

If you're in the market for a compact SUV that offers a premium experience without the premium price tag, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 S Premium Plus is definitely worth considering. It's a vehicle that manages to strike a near-perfect balance between style, performance, comfort, and safety, making it a true standout in its class. So, go ahead and take it for a test drive – you might just be surprised at how much you like it!