2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV segment. It was stylish, built with high-quality materials, and felt more like a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the model boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. However, Mazda had plans to phase out the CX-5 in favor of the redesigned and renamed CX-50, a strategy aimed at easing the transition for loyal customers.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling changes, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design. It had new wheel designs and colors, and the rear VW logo now lit up. While it was easily distinguishable as an EV, the ID.4 lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. However, it was based on VW’s MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, and offered a minimalist interior with a feeling of quality.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, achieving an EPA rating of 26 mpg combined. The 2.5 Turbo variant, with its turbocharged engine, delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined. The turbo engine provided a thrilling driving experience, especially on twisty roads, thanks to Mazda’s updates to structural rigidity, suspension, and transmission.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came with two battery pack options: a new 62-kWh pack for the base Standard and S models, and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus models. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque, while the dual-motor AWD models offered 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, improving acceleration and handling. However, the ID.4’s handling was not as sharp as some hot hatchbacks, though it was comfortable and refined for long drives.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured improved front seats for better comfort and support, with height-adjustable seats for both the driver and front passenger in most trims. Higher trims offered power adjustments, heated and ventilated seats, and dual-zone climate control. However, the CX-5’s interior space was limited, with 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The infotainment system was a source of frustration due to its non-touchscreen design and awkward physical controls.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more interior space than other affordable EVs, with ample legroom and headroom. It offered 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The ID.4 also had a towing capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. VW made small changes to the interior for 2023, including a conventional lid for the center console and a better phone storage spot. Three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats was also available.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5’s Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was frustrating to use due to its non-touchscreen design and awkward physical controls. The system lacked a helpful voice recognition system, making it distracting to operate while driving. However, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services. Upper trims included a 10-speaker Bose audio system and a surround-view camera system.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness and included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The ID.4’s user interface featured sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting to use. The ID.Light system provided visual cues for navigation and drive modes, adding a unique touch to the driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with most driver assistance technologies offered as standard under the i-Activsense banner. Exclusive features for the 2.5 Turbo Signature included a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, rear low-speed automatic emergency braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with top marks in the latest crash tests.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 also performed well in safety tests, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2022 model. It came with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.