Mazda CX-5

CX-5 is one of the most popular compact crossovers from the Japanese carmaker Mazda but at least on paper, the 2019 SUV doesn't stand out from rest of the competition. As far as the design is concerned it is subjective to one’s perception and has a love or hate vibe to it. An area where the CX-5 wins back some points is its wide range of engine options, which allows the buyers to pick between a frugal 4-cylinder unit which comes with an automatic transmission and front-wheel drive as standard and a more powerful turbocharged unit. Mazda CX-5 is also available in a diesel variant which is only available in the top-of-the-line trim.

Frugality is definitely a key feature and a prominent selling point for the CX-5. Even Mazda actively advertisers CX-5 by using its impressive fuel economy, even going as far as to call it the “fuel-efficient SUV”. Other than frugality the 2019 CX-5 gets two new trims namely ‘Grand Touring Reserve’ and ‘Signature’. Both variants get the same 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with some additional features added on exclusively for the top-of-the-range variant. The signature model features creature comforts like ambient interior lighting, chrome accents inside the cabin, wood finish, brown leather upholstery, 7-inch touch screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a 360 camera system with front and rear parking sensors.

There is a possibility that one might feel frustrated driving the 187 BHP base model of Mazda CX 5 as the non-turbocharged unit feels underpowered while merging onto freeways and trying to overtake other cars. This powertrain is shared by the ‘Sport Touring’ and ‘Grand Touring’ variants of the CX-5. The top two trims i.e ‘Grand Touring Reserve’ and ‘Signature’ get a turbocharged 2.5-liter DOHC unit capable of producing 250 BHP at 5000 rpm while running on the 93 octane premium unleaded fuel. Running on the same fuel type, this powerplant churns out 310 lb-ft of torque at 2000 RPM. With the turbocharged unit, the CX-5 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just under 60 seconds and accelerates from 50 to 70 mph in 4.6 seconds. All variants feature the same SkyActiv 6-speed automatic transmission but the ‘Grand Touring Reserve’ and ‘Signature’ trim also get all-wheel-drive setup whereas the lower trims are front-wheel-drive only.

Prices for the 2019 Mazda CX-5 start from $25750 for the base model and go all the way up to $36,890 for the top-of-the-range model. The CX-5 ‘Touring’ variant gets a $28,015 price tag and the ‘Grand Touring’ and ‘Grand Touring Reserve’ models are priced at $31,445 and $34,870, respectively.

For the first time, there is a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine option available for the all-new CX-5. The diesel unit offers 160 BHP of power and 290 lb-ft of torque but this unit is only offered in the top-of-the-line ‘Signature’ variant.

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 was voted a top safety pick plus by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the crossover also managed to earn itself a five-star crash test safety rating by the National Highway Transport Administration (NHTA). Some key safety features offered in the 2019 CX-5 include six airbags 360-view monitor, hill launch assist, blind-spot monitoring, Mazda radar cruise control with stop and go, advance smart city brake support with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and standard low speed automated emergency braking, amongst others.