Jim Sharifi, managing editor at U.S. News Best Cars, emphasized the CX-5’s winning combination: “The Mazda CX-5 combines desirable features, such as standard all-wheel drive, with a top spot in our rankings. The CX-5 also offers a competitive price and low ownership costs, but many of its best attributes are noticeable right out of the gate. Buyers will appreciate that the CX-5 really shines when it comes to interior quality, and sporty driving dynamics help it deliver a unique and rewarding driving experience.” This award underscores the Mazda CX-5’s position as the best compact CUV, offering consumers an unmatched value proposition without compromising on quality or driving pleasure.
Why the CX-5 is the Best Compact CUV Choice
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 distinguishes itself as the best compact CUV in numerous ways. Its standard all-wheel drive (AWD) system, a feature often optional in competing models, provides enhanced confidence and control in various driving conditions. This, coupled with Mazda’s signature sporty driving dynamics, ensures a uniquely engaging experience behind the wheel, setting it apart from other CUVs in its class. The interior of the CX-5 also receives high praise for its premium quality, offering a refined and comfortable cabin environment that rivals luxury brands, further solidifying its status as the best compact CUV for discerning buyers.
Adding to its appeal, the 2023 CX-5 introduces the new Rhodium White premium paint color, enhancing Mazda’s striking Kodo design aesthetic. This new color option complements the CX-5’s sophisticated styling, making it visually appealing both inside and out. Consistent with Mazda’s commitment to providing value across its SUV lineup, every 2023 CX-5 model in the U.S. comes equipped with the i-Activ AWD system as standard, reinforcing its position as a leader in the best compact CUV category.
Unmatched Safety and Award-Winning Features
The Mazda CX-5’s reputation as the best compact CUV is further cemented by its numerous industry accolades and safety awards. The vehicle has consistently earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating, a testament to its robust safety engineering. Notably, the CX-5 was the first vehicle to achieve a “Good” rating in the IIHS’s more stringent side impact test, showcasing its leadership in occupant protection.
The 2023 model year carries forward all the engineering and safety technologies that contributed to these prestigious awards as standard features. These include advanced systems such as Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Smart Brake Support, Advanced Smart City Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist. These technologies work in harmony to provide CX-5 drivers with confidence and peace of mind, whether navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, making it a truly exceptional and best compact CUV option.
Offered in eight distinct packages, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 caters to a diverse range of customer preferences. Each package provides a well-appointed vehicle with an impressive array of standard technology and safety features, all while upholding Mazda’s renowned driving dynamics. For those seeking the best compact CUV that combines value, safety, and driving enjoyment, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 stands out as the clear choice.
