carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $29,090–$34,385 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2023 Mazda CX-5 at 8.0/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.6/10, while Performance at 7.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 8.6/10, reliability is one of this suv's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The 8.5/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance scores 7.0/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.6/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $29,090–$34,385, 27 MPG, seating 5, the Mazda CX-5 sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.1/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2023 Mazda CX-5 is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 ranks #180 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 93% of the segment. Its 8.0/10 overall score is 0.6 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $29,090 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 19%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2020 Mazda CX-5 scores 7.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 8.0 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.1/10 | $30,889 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 8.1/10 | $30,889 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.1/10 | $29,990 | Read review → |
| 2023 (this review) | 8.0/10 | $29,090 | |
| 2022 | 7.9/10 | $28,190 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.8/10 | $27,290 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.8/10 | $26,391 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.9/10 | $25,491 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.8/10 | $24,591 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.7/10 | $23,692 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.6/10 | $22,792 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.6/10 | $21,892 | Read review → |
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Mazda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
