The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is one of the most desirable, fun-to-drive compact crossovers you can buy. With elegant styling, a stunning interior and nice array of features and pricing, the CX-5 truly sets itself apart from a crowded field. A new turbocharged engine option this year puts the CX-5 at the top of the horsepower charts, and while Mazda continues to promise a diesel engine option is on its way, we’ve given up hope of that ever happening. With its new turbocharged engine, the 2019 CX-5 offers hope to those mourning the loss of the turbocharged Subaru Forester XT, and finally fills in the tech gap by offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite a taut suspension and responsive handling, the CX-5’s ride isn’t harsh or jarring, giving it a leg up overt competitors like the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. However, unlike the Subaru Forester, the Toyota RAV4 and the Jeep Cherokee, the CX-5 isn’t designed for off-road adventure, meaning this urban SUV is pretty much confined to tackling dry pavement, snow covered roads and modest dirt paths.
Autotrader's Advice: We think the best value is the Touring trim with the optional Preferred Equipment package. This version gives you everything you’ll need for both comfort and safety. We also feel the CX-5’s ride is much better with the 17-in wheels.
What We Like: Beautiful interior; smooth ride; quiet cabin; excellent handling; sophisticated AWD setup; good fuel economy; turbocharged engine; reasonably priced
What We Don’t: Dash-mounted touchscreen only operates when the car is stopped; antiquated navigation; 19-in wheels create a firm ride; heated mirrors only offered on most expensive trims.
Original MSRP: $26,725-$38,500 (when new)
MPG: For front-wheel-drive models, the EPA gives the CX-5 a rating of 25 miles per gallon in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Models equipped with all-wheel drive earn a slightly lower 24 mpg city/30 mpg hwy.
CX-5 Features and Options: Mazda’s CX-5 for 2019 is offered in five trims: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve and Signature. AWD is an option for the first three trims and standard on the last two.
The
Sport ($25,395 FWD; $26,795 AWD, when new) includes power windows, power locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry with push-button start, 17-in alloy wheels, cloth seating, cruise control, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescopic steering column, manual air conditioning, variable wipers, LED headlights, Smart City Brake Support, G-Vectoring Control, a 6-way manual driver’s seat, an electronic parking brake, a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat, a 7-in color touchscreen with 4-speaker audio, Mazda Connect with voice activation, a rear backup camera, Bluetooth hands-free cell phone connectivity and two front USB ports. Standard safety features include blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional on the Sport is the i-ACTIVSENSE package, which includes auto high-beam control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and Smart Brake Support emergency braking.
The
Touring ($27,660 FWD; $29,060 AWD, when new) adds a 6-way power driver’s seat, leatherette seating with suede inserts, automatic on/off headlights, heated front seats, rear privacy glass, auto-leveling headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, an additional two speakers for the audio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Mazda Advanced Key proximity keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, rear-seat vents, a rear-seat center armrest, reclining rear seats and rear-seat USB ports. The i-ACTIVSENSE suite is also standard. Optional on the Touring is the Preferred Equipment package, which includes a 10-speaker Bose CenterPoint 2 audio system, a power moonroof, a power lift gate, navigation and an auto-dimming mirror with Homelink.
The
Grand Touring ($31,090 FWD; $32,490 AWD, when new) adds the Touring’s optional packages plus leather seating surfaces, 19-in alloy wheels, an 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, a 6-way power passenger seat, rain-sensing wipers, heated exterior mirrors, adaptive headlights and LED fog lights and taillights. The optional Grand Touring Premium Package adds a head-up display with traffic-sign recognition, driver’s-seat memory, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel and a windshield-wiper de-icer.
The
Grand Touring Reserve ($35,915, when new) adds the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, AWD, power folding side mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats and Active Driving Display with traffic sign recognition.
The
Signature ($37,935, when new) adds unique 19-in wheels, front and rear footwell illumination, Caturra Brown Nappa leather seating, real wood trim, LED interior lighting, 360-degree monitor plus front and rear parking sensors.
Safety: The 2019 CX-5 comes with the standard complement of safety features, including anti-lock brakes, electronic traction and stability control and six airbags, including front-seat side-impact and front and rear side-curtain airbags. Standard Smart City Brake Support can sense an impending collision (at speeds of up to 19 mph) and prepare the brakes for faster activation. The system emits an audible alert and will even apply the brakes if the driver fails to take action. A number of active safety features are offered, including autonomous emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert and blind spot monitoring. In crash tests, both the government and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety give the CX-5 excellent scores, with a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS.
Behind the Wheel: We always enter a Mazda vehicle expecting a superior driving experience, and the CX-5 does not disappoint. The moderate engine output feels balanced with the crossover’s intended use. It’s not a rocket ship off the line, but the CX-5 is sprightly and eager to romp. The traditional 6-speed automatic transmission keeps the engine in the power band without droning (as we sometimes complain about with continuously variable automatic transmissions), and the CX-5 cruises comfortably at freeway speeds. If you want greater speed, spring for the 2.5-liter turbocharged models, which deliver excellent performance with minimal damage to fuel economy figures. The CX-5 has always been one of the best-handling crossovers in its class, and the 2019 model offers subtle improvement. The front suspension is handled by independent MacPherson struts, while the rear suspension is an independent multi-link setup. Stabilizer bars are fitted to both the front and rear assemblies. AWD vehicles benefit from Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control, a sophisticated system that sends power to the outside rear wheel during cornering, which has the effect of sharpening response. The well-tuned electric power steering has good feel, pleasantly heavy at speed and light in parking lots. Mazda claims chassis rigidity has been improved by 15% over the first-generation car, which translates to a quieter ride and less body roll. The CX-5’s low stance and taut suspension show their stuff when the road twists, and it’s a pleasure to drive around town. Great outward visibility in all directions and a higher-than-sedan driving position validate the crossover choice.
Learn more
