Mazda CX-5: New engine ups its appeal

Responsive and Smooth Ride

Roseville, CA- Mazda understands the CX-5 is the clear MVP in its lineup of cars. Last year CX-5 sales in the U.S. were 150,622, which represents 17 percent of Mazda’s overall sales. The Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-3, CX-9 and Miata sportscar had combined sales of only 149,703.

The CX-5 receives high marks for its driving impressions because it handles like a well-behaved sedan. It features responsive steering, a smooth ride, and superb handling on challenging roads. It’s also quiet, with wind and tire noise only heard at highway speeds.

It’s no surprise that Mazda has decided to keep the CX-5 focused on drivability. That’s what the Japanese automaker was aiming for when the CX-5 was introduced in 2013, then reaffirmed with a redesign two years ago.

So, we’ve established that the Mazda CX-5 provides a good ride. What Mazda smartly did this year was beef up the performance in the optional engine. It’s an impressive turbocharged 2.5-liter, four-cylinder that generates 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It’s very quick, going 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds and also gets solid gas mileage (24-30 mpg). Highway passing capability and climbing steep hills are no longer an issue.

2019 Mazda CX-5

• Performance: 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, 187 horsepower; turbocharged 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, 250 horsepower;
• Mileage estimate: 25-31 mpg; 24-30 mpg
• Price estimate: $24,350 to $36,890
• Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; drivetrain 5 years/60,000 miles; roadside assistance 3 years/36,000; corrosion 5 years/unlimited
  

Say hello to the 2019 Mazda CX-5, a small crossover SUV that delivers the ride quality that can match any of its competitors.

Performance

The standard engine remains the unimpressive 2.5-liter, four-cylinder that produces 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. It’s subpar performance (0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds) is the primary reason that previous CX-5 models would scare away a few potential car-shoppers who wanted more giddy-up.

In the Mazda SUV lineup, the CX-5 slots between the subcompact CX-3 and the CX-9, the manufacture’s large model that offers three rows of seating. Competition for the CX-5 remains pretty formidable in the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Subaru Forester, and Kia Sportage.

Besides the upgraded engine, not too much has changed with the CX-5 over the past two years. It comes in five trim levels (Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve and Signature), so there’s lots of variety.

Interior

The CX-5 interior gets mostly good marks. The cockpit is both appealing and functional. It has the desired soft-touch surfaces and provides comfort and room for all five occupants. The cargo area is a bit undersized for the brand, but 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space nearly doubles when the second row of seats is folded down. Another plus for this SUV is its excellent safety ratings.

Infotainment

On a down note, the CX-5 infotainment is dated and needs an upgrade. We personally like the standard 7-inch touchscreen because of its intuitive user interface, yet other folks enjoy more techie features. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are new additions for 2019, but not standard.

Final Thoughts

We like the 2019 Mazda CX-5 for a variety of reasons. Among its strengths is being a fun-driving SUV that features a nice interior. It’s not easy to be a standout in this crowded field of fine compact SUVs, but the CX-5 has become a notable entry despite its lack of performance.