Blog / Rochester Mazda Dealer

4 Standout Features of the 2023 Mazda CX-5

Mazda CX-5

As cross-over SUVs go, few can rival the looks and performance of the Mazda CX-5. What makes the vehicle so exceptional is the technology and engineering that lies behind its stunning exterior. A visit to a Mazda dealer will show that this has resulted in many standout features that set it apart from other vehicles in its class.

4 Standout Features of The 2023 Mazda CX-5 on Show at Your Mazda Dealer

All-Wheel Drive

One of the most impressive aspects of the CX-5 is the number of advanced features that come as standard across all the trim levels. The I-Activ AWD System is an excellent example.

Providing all-wheel drive technology, the system constantly judges road conditions, monitors wheel movement, and assesses the ride. It then adjusts the power supplied to each wheel to ensure a smooth journey, regardless of road conditions.

Off-Road Mode

In conjunction with the AWD system, the CX-5 has an impressive off-road capability built in. If you have to navigate muddy farm tracks or are suddenly confronted with rugged terrain, the off-road traction assist will help you cross the ground more efficiently.

The mode uses a combination of intelligent braking and traction control to stop wheel spin and improve surface grip. It moderates the torque applied to each wheel at a given moment allowing the car to cross different types of ground easily.

Radar Cruise Control

Aiding the driver is crucial for improving and enhancing the driving experience. To this end, several technological innovations are incorporated into the CX-5, with Radar Cruise Control being a great example.

The cruise control can be set to manage your speed and distance from the car in front using radar to regulate both. If you come up behind a slower-moving vehicle, the speed is reduced until the vehicle moves away or you change lanes, allowing the speed to revert to its set level automatically.

Large Cargo Volume

The CX-5 is not just about style and ride but also about practicality. An illustration of this is the up to 59 cu ft of cargo space available, with the rear seats and floorboards set in the right configuration.

You can aid access to the cargo area with the optional Rear Power Liftgate, which can be set to open at different heights. The liftgate has the added safety feature of automatically locking if you don't open it fully within a few seconds, ensuring it doesn't spring open when moving off.

The CX-5 is genuinely an impressive vehicle, and these standout features contribute immensely to an enhanced ride and driving experience. Reading about these features is one thing, but appreciating how much difference they make is another. That is why driving the 2023 CX-5 is the best way to discover how good it really is. Call in on us at Rochester Mazda and arrange a test drive today.

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Red Mazda SUV with rear hatch open and luggage loaded outside a modern home.

2026 Mazda CX-5 vs CX-50: Two Great SUVs, One Big Decision 

Both the 20 26 Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 ar e compact crossovers built on Mazda's reputation for signature design, engaging driving dynamics, and strong safety credentials. But they aren't identical, and the right choice really comes down to how you live and drive. For Rochester, Minnesota drivers with a wild-at-heart side who crave adventure, and those who want a work of art on wheels, t his side-by-side look will help you sort out which Mazda fits you. Size and Interior Space The CX-50 is the larger of the two, designed with the adventurous, active lifestyle in mind. It sits on a longer wheelbase and offers more interior room —including nearly 40” of rear legroom. The cargo area caters to drivers with lots of passions, offering up to 56.3 cu. ft. of space that’s deeper than it is wide, making it perfect for hiking gear, a cooler, and packs. The CX-5 is slightly more compact, making it a natural fit for drivers who prioritize easy handling in tighter spaces or city parking. It also offers 39.9” of rear legroom, and more cargo space than the CX-50’s maximum, at 66.5 cu. ft. Both deliver a premium feel inside, but the CX-50 gives you a bit more breathing room for larger gear and offers extras like a rooftop platform with a long list of accessories. Powertrain Options This is where the 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs CX-50 Mazda SUV comparison gets especially interesting. The CX-5 features a 2.5L SKYACTIV® 4-cylinder engine delivering 187 hp and 185 lbs.-ft. of torque. It’s paired with standard all-wheel drive, which is ideal for Minnesota driving, of course. T he capability-focused CX-50 mirrors that standard setup but goes further by offering an additional 227-hp turbo engine with 310 lbs.-ft. of torque and a 3,500-lb. towing capacity. On top of that, the CX-50 Hybrid is available, giving you up to 38 MPG combined, so you can venture further, longer. If fuel efficiency is a priority for you, the CX-50 Hybrid is worth serious consideration. The CX-5 offers a respectable 28 MPG combined, fit for commuters. Safety Ratings Both models have earned 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards, which is one of the highest safety recognitions in the industry. Mazda has earned the title of Safest New-Car Brand by Consumer Reports, and that commitment shows across the lineup. The i-Activsense ® driver-assistance technology suite equips both with features such as Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist, and Smart Brake Support. These alert you to hazards and can step in to steer or brake to help you avoid collisions. Whether you choose the CX-5 or the CX-50, you're getting a vehicle built with driver and passenger protection at the forefront. Mazda Cx-5 vs CX-50: Which One Should You Choose? Think of it this way: the CX-5 is ideal if you want a nimble, well-rounded compact SUV that's easy to drive every day. The CX-50 makes more sense if you want extra capability, extra space, an available hybrid powertrain, or a more rugged character. Both deliver the driving feel and quality that Mazda is known for. Explore Both Models in Rochester, MN Doing a 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. CX-50 Mazda SUV comparison in person is the best way to find your answer. Stop by Rochester Mazda today to see what’s available and schedule a test drive. Our team in Rochester, Minnesota is happy to help you get behind the wheel of your next dream car. The right Mazda is waiting for you.