THE second-generation Mazda CX-5 has been with us for quite a while now, with the model dating back to 2017. For the 2023 model year, the Japanese automaker from Hiroshima managed to add a dose of elegance to its bestselling crossover SUV — putting it more in line with a Lexus instead of just a Toyota. Also new for this model year is a new variant called the CX-5 AWD Turbo, and despite this generation now being five years old, meticulous refinements continue to make it the class benchmark.

For 2023, Mazda has given the CX-5 its most comprehensive facelift to date. A few minor tweaks such as new wheels and colors were added over the past few years, but those updates pale in comparison to this facelift. The more elegant five-point wing grille and the new, slimmer LED headlights and taillights all tie into the Japanese automaker's newfound premium aspirations, while the black plastic cladding has been ditched in favor of body-colored ones. Do note, however, that the facelift only applies to this new Japanese-built CX-5 AWD Turbo. The Malaysian-made lower variants are still wearing the same features and design since its last update in 2020.