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The world knows Mazda for its sporty yet practical SUVs that appeal to almost all audiences. However, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 helps keep the automaker on the map for compact SUVs. Not only does it deliver excellent performance, but it’s also an SUV with a daring design for its price. But perhaps most significant is that it’s an incredibly safe vehicle, making it perfect for first-time drivers. 

This small Mazda SUV is an ultra-safe vehicle

2023 Mazda CX-5 in red from the front
2023 Mazda CX-5 | Mazda

Despite its offering of dynamic performance, one of the strongest traits of the 2023 Mazda CX-5 is that it’s a wonderfully safe vehicle. It has a five out of five-star rating from the NHTSA. Additionally, the latest model Mazda CX-5 is a Top Safety Pick from the organization. In fact, people consider the vehicle to be among the safest small SUVs on the market. 

Instead of just being safe, this 2023 small Mazda SUV is reliable. It has an 82 out of 100 predicted reliability score from J.D. Power, which means buyers can trust this vehicle in the long run. It also means that the CX-5 will make a great used SUV in a few years. It is expected that the CX-5 will last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles. These traits make the 2023 Mazda CX-5 a potentially smart investment.  

The Mazda CX-5 has incredible performance 

2023 Mazda CX-5 in red on the road
2023 Mazda CX-5 | Mazda

The world regards Mazda SUVs for their genre bending performance. According to Edmunds, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 comes standard with a 2.5-liter inline-four with a maximum output of 187 horsepower and a torque of 186 lb-ft. The base trim is all-wheel drive and uses a six-speed automatic transmission. The two highest trims of the CX-5 are turbocharged and produce a max horsepower of 227. 

Regarding speed, the latest Mazda CX-5 accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 7.8 seconds. However, the top trims of the small Mazda SUV do the feat in about 6.6 seconds. This little Mazda can also tow up to 2,000 pounds. While not a lot, it’s more than many of its rivals. People should also note that the CX-5 has a pretty stiff suspension system, making it perfect for its level of performance. 

Impressive interior 

2023 Mazda CX-5 Interior one of the best small SUVs
2023 Mazda CX-5 | Mazda

The inside of the Mazda CX-5 is also one of the best parts of the compact SUV. Though relatively inexpensive, the CX-5 has a fairly upscale interior that many have compared to Audi and Mercedes models. Of course, it’s not necessarily on the same level, but it has many of the same features. The materials are well-placed and well-built, and the car’s cabin has comfortable seats that make driving fun. One of the highlights is the 10.3-inch display. 

Overall, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 may not be as luxurious as some of the bigger SUVs from the automaker. However, Mazda put a great deal of effort into this vehicle and preserving its legacy for top-of-the-line affordable SUVs. It’s fast, has a great interior, and perhaps most importantly, it’s incredibly safe. Additionally, it has a bold look that helps make it even more exciting. 

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