Distinctive styling and fascinating driving dynamics separate the 2019 Mazda CX-5 from the competitors. The marvelous Mazda seems dearer than it is—which provides to the charm. A gasoline-environment friendly 4-cylinder engine with an automated transmission and entrance-wheel drive is commonplace; all-wheel drive and either a powerful turbocharged or diesel-powered engine are non-obligatory. Its wealthy-looking interior puts it in a class above its worth-point peers, and ample driver-help features can be found. Based strictly on the numbers, the 2019 CX-5 is not the very best at something. But it is the perfect-trying and best-driving compact crossover. That makes it a winner in our guide and earned it one other spot on our 10Best Trucks and SUVs checklist. What's New for 2019? The 2019 CX-5 receives meaningful updates that embrace newly out there options, a new high-of-the-line model, and its first-ever turbocharged engine. The latter announcement is the biggest information as we've previously lamented the Mazda's restricted powertrain selections.
The CX-5 now has an optional 250-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that pairs solely with all-wheel drive and may solely be had on the top two fashions. The Touring model represents the best value, since it has more standard features than the bottom model and prices several thousand dollars less than the highest model. 1400. Every 2019 CX-5 Touring has luxuries resembling heated front seats and a leather-based-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; adaptive cruise management and automated high-beams are other standard highlights. We'd additionally add the popular Equipment package that includes a Bose audio system, energy-operated liftgate, and sunroof. Likes: Superb journey and dealing with, responsive at low speeds, fast-to-shift automatic transmission. Dislikes: Turbocharged engine reserved for top trims, diesel engine lacks advantages, can solely tow a maximum of 1500 pounds. The CX-5's normal 187-hp 4-cylinder engine has nice throttle response when pulling away from stoplights or hustling round city, so it feels quicker than it truly is. It's at larger speeds, equivalent to when trying to move or merging onto the freeway, that the non-turbocharged engine feels underpowered.
The 250-hp turbocharged version we tested offered much quicker acceleration, taking pictures from zero to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and accelerating from 50 to 70 mph in 4.6 seconds. While the turbo engine also pairs with a snappy six-velocity automated transmission, it will probably solely be had with all-wheel drive. Likewise, the new-for-2019 diesel 2.2-liter 4-cylinder (known as Skyactiv-D) completely pairs with all-wheel drive and can only be had on probably the most expensive Signature mannequin. The diesel develops 168 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque, which is lower than the gasoline-fed turbocharged engine. You needn't drive the CX-5 hard to take pleasure in it or to understand its excellence. Sure, its precise steering and composed cornering make for one helluva Sunday cruise. But it additionally soaks up rough roads with out commotion and has the trip high quality of crossovers that value twice as much. This harmonious interplay of dynamics is unrivaled by its opponents. Pavement imperfections are remoted, highway noise is minimal, and the damping is neither stiff nor floaty.
At the same time, the Mazda comes alive on curvy roads. The electrically assisted steering offers satisfying responses and successfully connects the driver and the front wheels. The Signature model we examined had a reassuring brake-pedal feel that operated with out delay and without being too touchy when you apply the brakes. The CX-5 has common EPA estimates compared with rivals that have related power. However, in our testing, the Mazda was the only one to exceed its EPA highway score. The all-wheel-drive, non-turbocharged model earned 32 mpg, which matched the Honda CR-V we tested. The entrance-drive, non-turbo CX-5 improved on that performance by 1 mpg. We additionally examined a CX-5 with the extra highly effective turbocharged four-cylinder and commonplace all-wheel drive; it earned 30 mpg on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy route, which was three mpg greater than its EPA ranking. While we haven't examined the diesel model, the EPA estimates it will earn 27 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
Likes: Upscale cabin design and supplies, exceptionally quiet inside, user-pleasant infotainment. Dislikes: Slow touchscreen responses, restricted cargo capability. Wake up inside the highest-tier CX-5 models, and also you may think you've got been abducted by kidnappers who personal an Audi or a Mercedes. First-fee materials and a fabulous layout make it really feel especially upscale. Every CX-5 sports a beautiful 7.0-inch touchscreen that sits atop the dash like a floating pill. It satisfies with an intuitive rotary management mounted between the front seats and a easy interface. Too unhealthy the screen's comparatively small size and aging menu design are worse than contemporary rivals. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be found, however not on entry-degree models. Sacrifices come in small packages: in this case, the CX-5 held just 9 carry-on suitcases behind its rear seats. Its cargo volume actually decreased with the 2017 redesign; a 2016 CX-5 we examined held one more carry-on with the rear seats up and three extra with the rear seats folded down. The new model's rear storage space is more purposeful, however, with a completely flat load ground. It also has a number of nooks and crannies within the cabin for smartphones and different unfastened gadgets. The center console has a deep tray at the entrance and a useful bin with a removable shelf. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It's also available with comprehensive driver-help tools.
