
Things we like
- Quality finishes and design
- Diesel engine has good torque
- Pleasurable driving experience
Not so much
- Smaller boot space than competitors
- 2.0L petrol lacks performance
- Tight second row
The Mazda CX-5 was a pivotal model for the brand when it launched in 2012, being the first to feature Mazda‘s Kodo design language, and continues to be a best-selling model for the brand.
In 2023, the CX-5 continues to impress Australians as an extremely strong offering in the popular medium SUV segment, sitting above the CX-3 and CX-30, and below the CX-60 and CX-8 in Mazda’s range.

Pricing and Features
Starting from $35,510 before on-road costs, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 is available in six variants, with three engine options (depending on grade) all paired with an automatic transmission.
All come standard with a 10.25-inch display running Mazda Connect software as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, plus a strong range of standard safety equipment such as blind-spot monitoring.
2023 Mazda CX-5 pricing (before on-road costs): | |
---|---|
Maxx 2.0L 2WD | $35,510 |
Maxx Sport 2.5L 2WD | $39,310 |
Maxx Sport 2.5L AWD | $41,810 |
Touring 2.5L AWD | $43,700 |
Touring Active 2.5L AWD | $44,000 |
Touring Active AWD Diesel | $47,000 |
GT SP 2.5L AWD | $49,310 |
Akera 2.5L AWD | $51,500 |
GT SP Turbo AWD | $51,810 |
Akera Turbo AWD | $54,000 |
Akera Diesel AWD | $54,500 |

Features
2023 Mazda CX-5 Maxx features | |
---|---|
17-inch alloy wheels | Lane-keep assist |
Rear parking sensors | Rear cross-traffic alert |
2023 Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport features (in addition to Maxx) | |
---|---|
Dual-zone climate control | Auto dimming rear view mirror |
Satellite navigation | Auto headlamps |
Wireless Apple CarpPay and Android Auto | Road sign recorgnition |

2023 Mazda CX-5 Touring features (in addition to Maxx Sport) | |
---|---|
Power mirrors | Front parking sensors |
Black Maztex/synthetic suede upholstery | Wireless phone charger |
Keyless entry | Reversible cargo floorboard |
2023 Mazda CX-5 Touring features (in addition to Maxx Sport) | |
---|---|
Power-folding mirrors | Front parking sensors |
Black Maztex/synthetic suede upholstery | Wireless phone charger |
Keyless entry | Reversible cargo floorboard |

2023 Mazda CX-5 GT SP features (in addition to Touring) | |
---|---|
19-inch alloy wheels | Heated, six-way power-adjustable front seats |
Sunroof | Black leather seat trim with red stitching |
Power tailgate | 10-speaker Bose premium audio |
2023 Mazda CX-5 Akera features (in addition to GT SP) | |
19-inch alloy wheels | Heated rear outer seats |
360-degree cameras | Russet Nappa leather trim |
Heated steering wheel | Ambient lighting |
Body-coloured exterior features | Real wood door and dashboard inserts |
For a full list of features and more, read our 2023 Mazda CX-5 range review.

Safety
When the second-generation model of Mazda’s mid-sized SUV debuted in 2017, it garnered a five-star ANCAP rating, boasting an impressive 95 per cent score in the Adult Occupant Protection category.
However, due to ANCAP’s policy of six-year rating validity, this five-star score will lapse at the end of 2023.
That said, the CX-5 currently comes loaded with a commendable list of active and passive safety features.

Key Rivals
The CX-5 faces competition from:

Should I Put It on My Shortlist?
Australian families love their medium SUVs. That’s why it is one of the biggest-selling segments and the CX-5 holds a significant portion of that pie.
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 is offered in a range of variants that are sure to impress anyone looking for a comfortable, enjoyable-to-drive and classily designed vehicle.
Things we like
- Quality finishes and design
- Diesel engine has good torque
- Pleasurable driving experience
Not so much
- Smaller boot space than competitors
- 2.0L petrol lacks performance
- Tight second row
We recommend
-
Reviews
Mazda CX-5 review: Full range detailed
The Mazda CX-5 is a popular medium-size SUV in Australia. Learn more about the CX-5 range, including price, interior, boot space, safety assists, and performance.
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News
2023 Mazda CX-5 pricing and features: 10.25-inch widescreen standard, manual axed
Mazda’s popular CX-5 has received an update, with a standard 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment system and other minor changes
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2023 Mazda CX-5 update: What to expect in Australia
A minor update for the popular Mazda CX-5 has debuted in Japan, as local details emerge