The 2023 Mazda CX-5 - What's New?

Mazda have announced a facelift to their award-winning CX-5 for 2023, with the first cars arriving in 2023, changing the specification levels and bringing Mazda's mild hybrid system to the model. The 2023 CX-5 builds on the success of the updated 2022 Mazda CX-5, which made its debut in January, so it’s unsurprising that much of the spacious and dynamic SUV remains unchanged.

By expanding the mild-hybrid technology across the CX-5 range, every petrol-powered CX-5 will now come with 24V mild-hybrid technology and Mazda suggest this has reduced average CO2 emissions across the range by 9g/km. Mild Hybrid technology involves using a small generator to capture energy that is normally wasted during braking. This energy is then stored until it's needed to assist the engine, helping to save fuel by powering the car’s electrical systems and optimising the drive. This differs from a plug-in hybrid, as no plugging in is required, meaning you don't need to change your driving habits or your lifestyle. Additionally, the 2023 CX-5 becomes the next car to come with Mazda’s new signature paint colour, Rhodium White, which made its debut on the Mazda CX-60. The 2023 Mazda CX-5 also introduces 5 new trim level names, featuring: Centre-Line, Newground, Exclusive-Line, Homura and Takumi, each with their own individual styling.​

Starting off with the Centre-Line where wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, while the front USB ports have been changed to USB-C. Above sits the Newground model, with a more rugged look, and adds silver exterior accents and lime green sections in the grille which is mirrored on the interior with green piping on the black half leatherette seats. Also, the boot features a reversible waterproof floor, meaning this car is well suited for outdoor adventures.

The renamed mid-range car, the Exclusive-Line, is predicted to be the bestseller in the UK, with a choice of 165ps e-Skyactiv G petrol or 150ps and 184ps Skyactiv-D diesel. The Exclusive-Line boasts a panoramic sunroof, a powered tailgate, reversing camera, Bose sound system, wireless phone charging and heated steering wheel. The Homura trim is exclusively offered with the 165ps e-Skyactiv G petrol engine and front wheel drive and delivers a sportier look with gloss-black styling accents on the bumpers, door mirrors and wheel arches, larger tailpipes and a black leather interior with red contrast stitching.

Sitting at the top of the 2023 CX-5 range, the Takumi combines a unified one-colour exterior with a high-class interior, featuring smooth, brown Nappa leather. Externally, the single colour body and trim details highlight the CX-5’s dynamic proportions, while the interior features high quality materials and an extensive amount of technology, such as adaptive LED headlights, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a 360-degree camera system. Unlike other models in the range, a more-powerful 2.5-litre petrol engine can be added.

Commenting on the 2023 Mazda CX-5, Jeremy Thomson, Mazda's Managing Director, said: “The Mazda CX-5 is an incredibly important car in Mazda’s history. From the launch of the original first-generation car in 2012 it has been a hugely popular choice for UK SUV buyers, who have loved its style, quality and driver engagement. It’s the car that established Mazda as a maker of sporty SUVs, which deliver class leading quality and high levels of standard equipment”. Adding, “With the introduction of Mazda M Hybrid technology across all petrol models, customers will benefit from improved efficiency, plus lower fuel and tax costs, with the 2023 CX-5 available to order now for delivery early next year there’s a huge choice of models across the range”.