2023 Mazda CX-5 Turbo AWD Forest and Off-Road Test

We take another look at the 2022/2023 Mazda CX-5 Turbo AWD to see how well it performs on forest roads and rough conditions.
CONTENTS
00:00 - Introduction
00:31 - Features
01:30 - Road Test and 0-60
06:29 - Forest Road
12:48 - Highway Driving Cruise Control
14:10 - Off-Road Challenge
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[@panzer_TZ]

I've owned 3 recent Mazdas, a Toyota, and a Kia. I like Mazda's infotainment the best, but I think this is a prime example of the limitations of car reviews. My previous car had a touchscreen, but I didn't like having to reach over to do everything. After a few weeks of my owning 2022 CX-5 Signature, I was able to get around the infotainment fairly quickly. Also, the knob allows to the infotainment to be accessible from a relaxed driving position. I have no complaints, even when using Apple CarPlay. When my father periodically rides in the car, he struggles with it, so I can easily see the frustration of the system if you're in and out of several different cars all the time. It works great as an owner who has time to figure out how to do things with the knob quickly.

[@sco_bro]

The MINI/BMW has a similar knob. Once you get the hang of it it becomes second nature and is so intuitive. One of the easiest things to use, honestly.

[@trhoda2001]

I fully agree. Also a CX5 owner. Very happy with the infotainment system. Those bitching about it just did not spend time with the car.

[@farcinue]

Me too. I have a Mazda3 and my wife a C300. Both have rotary dials and very easy to use while driving. More important, you don’t have to look over and touch a screen.

[@dquarks]

Yes, totally agreed ! I have over 800 mp3 songs and my city has very bumpy roads so touch screen would be stupid to use because as you bounce around you will not be able to touch the right song on the screen. Almost dangerous to take my attention away from cutting through city traffic. The wheel stays and I will buy another Mazda CUV in the future. I've own 2 CX 5 so far.

[@alexmobil7463]

Absolutely true one of the best infotainment systems.

[@legambaz]

Geez this Dude is cool even under hail storm

[@GruulFleury]

Mazda's infotainment system is second to none.

[@zaman54321]

The nature background really add to a good vibe through out the videos. The location you chooses always complement the car you are reviewing very well. It subtly brings the video alive and very calming to watch. Really enjoy your off road video, keep it up !!!

[@caecae2726]

The CX-5 isn't a full off-roader but it looks so damn good doing it.

[@rofhiwathomasnetshandama1597]

Finally, a review I've been waiting for.

[@Maximum_Swag_Engaged]

By far my favorite car channel. Going offroad with a CX-5 , who does that lol. Awesome review.

[@BigBoss-tk6lh]

I once got my 15 cx5 into a heavy snow storm through mountain roads,it never failed me and it seemed to be a little bit better than my previous outlander 2008,, My Cx5 got falken wild peak tires and are good to go....

[@drivingsports]

Tires make all the difference.

[@BigBoss-tk6lh]

@@drivingsports true

[@timberlinecline3667]

Bullshitt

[@GranTigerGaming]

Thanks for sharing, I was curious how the CX-5 would perform in a tough situation but with the right tires!

[@bachle2536]

Did your '15 has Off-road mode by any chance? or just normal and Sport?

[@deejayimm]

"It's front wheel drive, and that kind of limits the amount of fun you can have" Fiesta ST enters the chat full sideways.. The fiesta also has a torsion beam rear, so clearly if it's done properly, it can make for a fun handling car...

[@noobwow2009]

Honda Type R: 😂 hold my beer.

[@carllovullo6602]

@@noobwow2009 Fiesta ST was the best at this, hands down

[@deejayimm]

@@noobwow2009 There's a difference between fast and fun.

[@danek893]

My Crosstrek’s go sideways all the time and I thought it was bad 😢

[@deejayimm]

@@danek893 wow, you have a front wheel drive crosstrek? Awesome bro....

[@fernandovargas7562]

Thanks you so mucho for the adventure part…. The test drive is the most enticed part for me … cool and real your videos….cool dude

[@padiali69]

Growing up I've always drive a stick. I learned to start on 2nd gear in wet/slick weather and that trick helps me with my 2017 CX-5 so I don't spin the wheels going uphill on muddy roads. I use Nitto 421Q tires.

[@marcmcpherson6960]

I own a Mazda and, once you get the hang of it, you really don't have to divert attention away from what you're doing. Your most frequently-used settings become muscle memory and I prefer this system over a touchscreen system.

[@sandykavor8434]

Mazda Infotainment system is actually extremely easy to use. Just like with everything you need to learn it first and once you know where you're clicking, you can do things without looking at it.

[@Dano-MX5]

We just purchased our 2nd CX-5, this exact one that he is driving. It’s a great vehicle but is appreciated more when eschewing the trips to the forest.

[@renzostar1753]

We have 2x CX5 awd, which we never took off perfectly sealed road and most likely never will, but I really enjoy watching these videos, thinking - "yeah, that's me right there, good car, gooood".

[@edhcb9359]

Nobody with at least half a brain takes their CX-5 off-roading. 😂 Edited my original post for clarity.

[@DiroPhoenixFan]

I was gonna say the same thing when he took the A6 to test off road last time 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@soulknight89]

I've actually looked at the CX-5 for light off-roading. Weekend camping trips.

[@edhcb9359]

@@soulknight89 Then you are looking at the wrong vehicle…trust me. For starters it has one of the smallest cargo volumes in the segment.

[@janoycresnova9156]

How do you know that? You have complete driving data of every CX-5 out there?

[@4x4.tests.on.rollers]

@@edhcb9359 Serious offroad - nobody. Light offroad - quite a lot.

[@fernandovargas7562]

Your test driveis the most excited part of the video dude….

[@AWDfreak]

Ryan, please never stop doing these. Good to know that the Mazda all-wheel drive system and traction-control system has these limitations. I remember for a short period of time, Mazda was claiming that their all wheel drive system was better in harsh conditions than Subaru's (and other competitors), but obviously this test easily disproves that. Although I do understand the target demographic would never do this with the vehicle, it's very informational for those who would attempt (such as people like you and me), to avoid doing it to go to the remote wilderness.

[@LionRunner]

Wow really? Mazda said their AWD on this is better than Subaru's (and other competitors) in harsh conditions? What a fail. Reminds me how Rav4 TRD Offroad AWD fail. Good thing these tests are on KZbin.

[@mrjon75]

@@LionRunner Someone on the internet said Mazda said they have the best AWD system.

[@samkimak3937]

Mazda admits that their AWD system allows for more wheel spin than most vehicles. It’s supposedly so that in driving conditions that don’t require wheel spin to be controlled it gives the driver more freedom to spin tires and keep momentum. For example, if your trying to get up a snowy hill the Mazda system allows wheels to spin rather than being hyper reactive to the much needed wheel spin and ultimately slowing the vehicle in attempt to reduce wheel spin. It’s a good AWD system just depends what you want as a driver

[@bachle2536]

@@samkimak3937 my best friend bought the lower trim that did not have the Mi-Drive w/ Off-road mode. Do you think missing it would make it harder for her to drive in snowy states, like Kansas, when she moves there later in this year?

[@know916bound]

​@@bachle2536it shouldn't. The generic version definitely has good reviews in snow areas. Also mazdas come with cheap tires from factory, so better tires would make the biggest difference.

[@blockmasterscott]

Your video editing is actually pretty good.

[@fernandovargas7562]

Cool videos … thanks dude

[@jasonrebelo181]

To be fair I think your opinion of the infotainment a little harsh but cool vid! It is your opinion. But as a CX-5 owner and Many friends have since bought all had this fear of the screen because of opinions like this... if you have the car for a.week and it's setup right it's so much better than a touch screen... No mess no prints no extended arm... It's so much better than a touch screen I hope some people see THIS OPINION. :) GG on the off hill climb that was a doozy

[@vagabond1776]

Not a word about the hail….now that’s focus.😉👍 Looks like better tires would do the trick.

[@tomtalker2000]

Probably some Michelin Cross Climate 2's or Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail would do the trick.

[@whoawoahh]

You wouldn’t be worried about hail either if it wasn’t your car 😂

[@julioangel1839]

I own a 2021 mazda and the infotainment system sucks when you are not familiar with it but after a year of ownership it has become second nature and I prefer it now to the others

[@rsmnh7892]

People replace their cars in a year these days, mate 🙃

[@julioangel1839]

@@rsmnh7892 I tend to keep mines for 3 to 4yrs or after it hits the 100k mark

[@rsmnh7892]

@@julioangel1839 I am the one who buys them after warranty expires 🥴🙃. Better deal and loved car. Win win.

[@pizzasaurolophus]

The lane keep assist will actually steer you back on to the road, it just not lane centering so that you can drive with no hands like Kia or Honda's system.

[@julioangel1839]

Mazda are not good for off-road use but are great in snowy conditions

[@denault3985]

Snow on the mountains and fall conditions below has the season changed in Washington. Here in California, it's still summer.

[@drivingsports]

This was filmed 5 months ago. It’s been sitting in the can. :)

[@cheapercharlieiii]

Some beautiful views in the NW. I will still keep my Outback

[@ckm-mkc]

Used to have a Volvo XC70 and it can easily keep up with the Subaru off-road (BTDT). Plus its more reliable and has a much better interior. Also cheaper used than the Outback.....

[@pingpongballz5998]

Until your CVT gives out

[@cheapercharlieiii]

@@pingpongballz5998 it's an older 5 speed

[@pingpongballz5998]

@@cheapercharlieiii oh good!

[@ontarioman6301]

LOL, my cx 50 has never left me stranded in the worst snow. No one takes their cx 50 off roasting. These are designed for snow . I would get a 4 runner or a jeep if I want to do off roading

[@moloono1]

I’ve been waiting for this review! I watched savagegeese review, but come here for the off-road goodness.

[@4x4.tests.on.rollers]

Mazda looks scared of serious using of that JTEKT ITCC clutch-pack. Good for long term driving, not too good for extreme situations when you really need it.

[@ALMX5DP]

Will the majority of CX-5s ever see extreme situations though?

[@4x4.tests.on.rollers]

@@ALMX5DP I would say that not a single one.

[@blueridge8992]

Is the CX-50 using the same hardware ?

[@4x4.tests.on.rollers]

@@blueridge8992 Yes. CX-60 is rwd based.

[@84utubeuser]

Speaking of light cross overs ,I would love to see how a Mitsubushi Outlander does perform in these tests.

[@ericsensible2351]

Tires are everything. Eric

[@79MBort]

Thanks for the great videos, hopefully you can test drive the new Mitsubishi Outlander phev soon!

[@theoaerts5500]

Zo`n prachtige cap wil ik ook wel !!

[@sergeyvdovenko1983]

Hi there. Great vid in Mazda. Love these cars, got one 2015 and absolutely love it. 100K miles and 0 issues. Where are you driving in WA? Want to try that backroad sometime with my F150. Thanks

[@jayemark708]

Ok. I basically bought mine for mostly paved roads and I’ll stay there. Thanks for the review. No doubt it saves me a tow out of the woods.🤔😏

[@know916bound]

Tires help alot. Watch other reviewers. He's driving this with Toyo A36 tires and they're horrible in most situations.

[@nirvfan81]

I'm a total Mazda fan but also in the PNW. I have a 3 HB manual which was a weird decision for the area, but I went for the better mileage at the time. I want an SUV again, after watching this though I think I'll get something with a more capable AWD system. Thanks for this great review!

[@know916bound]

Tires make the biggest difference. All mazdas come with crappy geolander factory tires. Like the ones used here.

[@nirvfan81]

@@know916bound Agreed. I put on new Michelin CrossClimate2 tires on the 3HB and it’s like a whole new car. Drives way better, soft and sticky. Best tires ever.

[@hoser7706]

That is a LOT of white paint visible. Black cladding may actually look better. 😂

[@ckm-mkc]

I just bought a Jaguar F-Pace for the exact reason you state @5:40 - great on road and very good off-road as well. You should test one if you haven't. Shame they no longer offer the diesel, mine gets 38 mpg at 90mph.... Just did a trip that was 600 miles on-road and 100 miles off-road on AT tires.

[@9Xavier1]

Overall I like the CX-5. It’s elegantly designed inside and out. However, after test driving one, they need a different transmission than the 6-speed. It wasn’t well-tuned and was clunky in mixed driving. If they gave it an 8-speed, it would probably feel so much better.

[@YODA0786]

Mazda has an 8 speed transmission developed now. It’ll probably make its way into all their cars overtime.

[@edhcb9359]

I’ve driven my son’s 2021 several times and it never “clunked” once.

[@janoycresnova9156]

Yeah the old transmission is really holding it back. Give it a good modern transmission and this would be a low 5 seconds CUV.

[@user-tn6zb3pq5l]

I will by the cx 5 , I really like this car

[@user-st2qt6vc2x]

Subaru is the off road Beast in it's segment

[@keshav4778]

Please please try the cx60 for offroading...

[@dquarks]

Let just say not many people have over 800 mp3 songs on a USB stick. Without the wheel to scroll through alphabetically it would be crazy to use the touch screen on our bumpy roads in the city. Almost dangerous so the control wheel would be a major plus for me.

[@nestorrodriguez916]

When you gonna do Mitsubishi Outlander 2022 review ? 👏🏻

[@LordBass]

Plus: Excellent B-roll footage in this video! Minus: This video is another reminder about how much I hate these dumb "modes*, and miss manual Subarus. I'm getting old.

[@bubbaj6929]

I’d buy this for my wife in Florida. I’d never take it off road because I know that’s not it’s purpose. On I95 in the rain with a good set of all weather tires. Pretty sure I’ll be comfortable with the awd system. I dislike touchscreens because you have to sit up and take your eyes off the road. So this Crossover, for the money. Might be in my garage.

[@danielt167]

My 95 Jeep Grand Cherokee never had this problem in 4WD part time with the axles locked. Too bad I don’t have that anymore.

[@AngeloC]

“I don’t YEET into a rock…” 😂

[@bachle2536]

I don't know if I miss it in your video or not. But CX-5, at least Preferred trim and up have Hill Launch Assist. I don't know if that will allow for more powertrain load?

[@captaingoody]

Great car

[@kyguy105]

Maybe I missed it but did he engage the Off-Road Traction Assist?

[@johnsguitarmusicanddemos]

I’ve missed the day when new SUCs came with a V6. Turbo usually means the engine won’t last long. If anyone has experience otherwise, I’d love to know since the turbo appeals to me with this model.

[@squirreltakular9049]

I'm about to hit 150k on my 2014 Subaru Forester XT. The transmission is garbage but the engine is delightful. I hate Subaru for removing the turbo from the Forester. Zero engine issues besides having to swap the spark plugs around 140k.

[@ryansmithza]

Well that answers that question! This is basically and exclusively on road vehicle.

[@gs98999]

Haha, pretty much.

[@claygaudet5724]

This guy just can't drive in the dirt lik

[@kneel7250]

Need to do a porshe cayenne off road test and forest road

[@MatthewAtkinson]

I'm so confused. Why do you think breaking traction around a turn is a good thing, because it's definitely not the fastest way around a corner.

[@Doc1855]

So the CX-5 is out for those of us in the PNW that goes off road. Subaru is still on top.

[@ckm-mkc]

I used to have a Volvo XC70 and it can easily keep up, with more reliability and a much, much better interior. Also way cheaper used for some odd reason.

[@lawrencefriedman2122]

Mazdas do have lane centering up to ~40mph; they call it Traffic Jam assist.

[@RangerRickTV]

Fun fact,The 2014 cx5 has 8.5 inches of ground clearance. The 2023 has 7.5 inch. Why Mazda? Why?

[@adrianhrusca4067]

For better road dynamics, wherr it matters most. I use an a3 quattro with steel plate under the engine for forest roads in the winter...so this shouldbe fine...

[@Guaporean]

The infotainment system is not that complicated at all 😊

[@ruzzelladrian907]

Stability Program keeps correcting the slide. Less fun. But is very safe.

[@NooDLES411911]

I never pictured me taking my CX5 into an off road trail like the end of this video lol. Thats what my jeep was for, but i didnt do it enough so thats why i switched to the pavement pounder CX5. 99% of my driving is urban.

[@Indianajamesvr]

Can you do a offload test on Mercedes E220 All Terrain???

[@KnowTheNewOfficial]

Is this car has diesel varient available?

[@reinhardspeckhardt]

Is this a 2023 or a 2022 model year that you are testing? You keep referring to a "2022" during the test, but the title says 2023 model year. I realize there isn't any material difference except for an added paint color. Thanks!

[@venkatnbt]

Why don’t you get all crossovers at one place and compare in this trial

[@kdomster9141]

Knob controller is awesome after some every day usage it is by far best , and more logical than similar Audi or BMW system . This signature trims tires and wheels are NOT set for AWD off road priority so this kind of test is silly. Even base model on 17 inch rims and more off road balanced tires would do a lot better.

[@peterburian8374]

Yes, it can run on regular gas, but gets more horsepower and torque with 93 octane gas

[@richm1981]

This is why I think I’ll get a 2014 model….it still has a handbrake ….for rally turns 😁. Great review thankyou

[@benk3654]

Seeing as how the CX-50 performed MUCH better with TCS off, I would be curious to see how this CX-5 does offroad with the TCS off.

[@robertoavalosjr.2529]

Mazda getting to BMW levels

[@bryanclark7608]

The Crosstrek is an old architecture too, and it at least has Eyesight lane keeping, which is... ehhhhhhh

[@lgsprings5623]

I bought a 2021 Mazda CX-5 Turbo. From day one it was burning oil. I took it in and it was documented. Then a service bulletin for this very problem was put out. I took it in and they said I needed to have the check engine line to come on before they would do anything. According to how much oil it's burning between oil changes, by the time the lights come it will be out of warranty. I wouldn't by any Mazda since this is a real sleazy policy to save them money and screw the rest of us.

[@tallll70]

don't worry, it's just a little hail storm

[@plohish1337]

well, after watching this video and seeing cx-5 fail, I also watched other videos on the channel with exactly the same obstacle, and most of other cars has also failed it (including RAV4 TRD with off-road package and off-road tires), so it is expected. the only road-suv that hasn't failed was Subaru, but subaru has fundamentally different AWD system with less front-bias

[@jdizzle312]

Cx5 turbo or keep the gti?

[@FoYo1005]

It seems like if they traded the 20 inch wheels from the signature trim for a more modest size with more sidewall and added better tires, this crossover would totally make it. The stock tires are probably the geolanders oem model which are not very good.

[@eleanormassaro5195]

I thought they were 19’s

[@FoYo1005]

@@eleanormassaro5195 you're right. They are 19". My 2019 cx-9 GT has 20's and I assumed they were the same.

[@eleanormassaro5195]

@@FoYo1005 really? when you bought the vehicle it had those 20's on it really? when you bought the vehicle it had those 20's on it? Interesting! The CX-5 has always had either the 17's or the 19's for stock wheel size depending on trim level

[@FoYo1005]

@@eleanormassaro5195 yes. I mentioned mine is a cx-9. It's a great crossover but wish the bumper had cutouts for better approach angles and wish the wheels were a little smaller for tires with more sidewall. It's great on road, for sure.

[@eleanormassaro5195]

Oh, sorry about that! I didn't realize you said the CX9! Yes, if you have a Grand Touring and up, you get the 20's! Love the CX5 and the CX9! I got to rent a CX9 two years ago to go on vacay to the mountains. I really enjoyed driving it!

[@bonvaicu]

I have 2019 cx5 diesel.... its great but not very popular here in USA

[@aahmed29]

CX5 isn't made for off roading. It's just a family compact SUV.

[@DavidB_AudioTech]

CX5 VS CX-50 in the same situation with same tire ?

[@bsrao1239]

I own a 2022 Mazda CX-5 and its a really nice looking car which has its own problems and they annoy you sometimes. And, interestingly no reviewer highlights them. For example: 1. Doors doesn't close with enough push, they need to be slammed 2. Acceleration is bit jerky may be because its not CVT, so you miss that smooth shift of gears 3. Center arm rest is way too behind that smaller drivers can't rest their hands adequately and also using cup holders uncomfortable while driving because of their positioning. Mazda should re-organize the ergonomics like what they did in CX-50, its much better 4. City mileage is not that really great, at best you get 20/21 5. Rear leg space and cargo space could have been little better comparing to competition, not sure why Mazda is not coming up with new body design and its been so long 6. Menu wheel is ok and it takes time to get used to it, but I am fine with it 7. Lane center/Lane follow is too basic, competition is offering wonderful lane centering and lane follow assist and its very useful especially for long drives 8. Driver seat comfort is ok but not deep enough to have good thigh support 9. You can literally feel the bad roads so suspension is bit stiff Apart from these annoyances, the things I like most is: overall ride quality, audio system, adaptive lighting system, safety features, quality of interiors, highway mileage, mazda link and service, excellent insulation for quite ride and great value for money.

[@Rockybalboa541]

Hold the home button for apple car play and to switch back

[@davidleung1119]

best mode for in the snow driving?

[@drivingsports]

Normal should be fine. If you get stuck or if the snow is thick and you need to maintain momentum switch to off-road.

[@jpnorth3557]

I saw a video on the CX-50 showing how wimpy the rear differential is. Not what one would expect out of a more “off-road” oriented version of this. I’m curious if it’s the same system as the CX-5.

[@rotaxrider]

Link?

[@jpnorth3557]

@@rotaxrider Car Care Nut at 11:00 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIfVqmx8YtiXgck

[@MrJab1995]

Needs a driver mod 😂.

[@regwilson7652]

Great test and you said 2022 and it says 2023 test

[@stevey500]

Vehicle drive modes are ridiculous. If the computer can obviously detect that 2 wheels are spinning and 2 other wheels are at a stand-still, it should immediately clamp down on those spinning wheels and bump the vehicle forward without having to play with stupid buttons. Drive modes are an awful gimmick on most models.

[@callumstandish4782]

"no one takes a cx-5 off-road" The whole point of an suv is that you get _some_ off-road ability, so to be completely inept makes the compromise worthless

[@adrianhrusca4067]

But most do not leave the asphalt ever...like 99% of them...Also, you do not need and suv for most forest roads. You need good tyres and traction on 4.wheels.

[@richards.3404]

A more realistic road test. 👍🏻

[@knightrider316]

What forest roads are you driving?

[@drivingsports]

Near Monroe, Wa

[@knightrider316]

@@drivingsports thanks. Looks like fun roads to drive on. I’ll have to try & check them out. Keep up with the great content.

[@theale1]

This awd system is OK for average people in snow. If you want to have fun get something else.. and yes i did remove the abs fuse and still was crap !

[@ploughable]

TCS off here

[@paulinaquezada5089]

hasta cuando va a seguir la mazda ofreciendo ese vegestorio y diciendo que es ultimo modelo, los cambios en su diseño son casi impreseptibles

[@ahmedmorgan1138]

Which is better the mazda cx-5 or subaru crosstrek?

[@drivingsports]

Crosstrek is smaller, but I prefer it for most driving.

[@ahmedmorgan1138]

@@drivingsports thank u so much ☺️

[@benh5774]

The name of this channel should be changed to “will it off road”? Next episode Honda civic

[@keepingup2952]

What you have to do is ram it forward and not worry about if your oil pan gets punctured. You'll be ok, bears don't like the smell of used oil.

[@rustlesee]

Jeeez, how long ago did you film this? Last winter? 😂

[@drivingsports]

Last spring!

[@kjdaleo731]

It’s not having an issue. The driver is the issue!

[@marieblack3145]

I live in a rural area and my Mazda CX-5 trim and plastic isn’t keeping up. And honestly the small gas tank. Loved my Mazda at first sadly don’t think it will hold up.

[@tammy9162]

Great Video but disappointing the traction sucked, discouraging.