The 2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo AWD Signature SUV

The Bottom Line: What is a CX-5? The CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV, and it’s the number one best selling nameplate built and sold by Mazda. The 2023 CX-5 2.5 Turbo AWD all wheel drive model offers a crossover that wants to be driven. The compact crossover SUV class is the largest single class of all crossover vehicles sold, with a sales rate of over 1.3 million vehicles purchased every year.

To be competitive you have to have a model line up that has to look good, and be the best in performance, comfort and drivability, and it has to deliver all these elements at a great price. The Signature Edition comes with a gloss black grille with red accents, a chrome black wing, and 19” black alloy wheels, with all the right stuff for that special look, that makes this model stand out from the crowd.

With a starting price of just over $26,000 for the base model, to the Turbo Signature Edition that I tested at just over $41,000, the Mazda CX-5 delivers a luxury level ride, with an entry level price tag. With beautiful body work, extra comfort, and the leather and wood accented interior, this car feels right at home at the Country Club, or at Costco.

To prove that point, this week Mazda sent me a 2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo AWD Signature SUV, with a base price of $39,650 on the window sticker, for this near top of the line model. The 2 options on the press car are: the Soul Red Crystal metallic paint for $595, and the rear bumper guard cover for $135. The MSRP manufacturer’s suggested retail price, including the $1,275 destination charge, is only $41,655.

After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealers fees, the total out the door and in your garage purchase price came to: $46,862. This number is just below the average transaction sale price of all vehicles sold in the US, which is now at $48,300. To be a number one seller in its class, price is a big part of the equation, and the 2023 Mazda CX-5 delivers the best bang for the buck in the compact SUV sales class.

It starts with the Skyactiv 2.5L liter turbocharged engine that makes 227 HP horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine is bolted to a Skyactiv drive 6 speed automatic transmission with sport mode, that sends power into a Mi-Drive AWD traction control system, with on road, off road and sport select driving modes. The dynamics on this Turbo AWD model are a constant reminder that the car has total control on the road, at all speeds, in all weather conditions, all the time, 24/7/365.

The Signature Edition adds interior ambiance with LED lighting, front and rear parking sensors, a 360 degree camera, driver attention alert, reverse smart city brake support and a head up display to help you keep your eyes on the road. Then add in Nappa leather seating, an 8 way driver’s seat, a power passenger seat, active driving display, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a drivers attention alert system with Mazda connected services.

Technology is at the top of the class with: LED headlights with auto on and off, adaptive front end lighting, a 10.25″ color center stack display screen, a wireless phone charging pad, a Bose AM/FM/HD/Satellite sound system with 10 speakers, Bluetooth connectivity with 4 USB inputs, SiriusXM radio with traffic and travel services, a frameless auto dimming rear view mirror with Homelink, the Mazda navigation system with traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, rear cross traffic alert, and automatic braking in reverse, just to name a few of the best features.

The Mazda CX-5 is one impressive premium SUV. With AWD all wheel drive available on every model, turbo power, and innovative safety enhancement features, the Mazda CX-5 is a joy to drive. Today the target market for Mazda are buyers that are: younger, more affluent, better educated, are a bit more diverse, with the propensity for premium products, all at a better price then the competition.

So, when you’re ready to buy a new compact crossover SUV, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 should be on your ride and drive list, as it’s one of the best priced and optioned crossover SUV’s for sale in the compact class. Call, click or visit your local Mazda dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the 2023 Mazda CX-5 Signature SUV. And remember, the base price for a new CX-5 starts at only $25,700. Mazda – Feel Alive.

Be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, “You Are What You Drive”© And maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should “Drive one, Buy one, Today”©.

This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a “Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense”© editorial  provided by Tony Leopardo. “Tony the Car Guy”© is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net