In a segment packed with heavy hitters, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 has quite a lot to offer finicky car buyers; it is practical, very easy on the eye and frankly, is one of the best picks on the market in its category. If you prefer vehicles that are fun to drive then the add the CX-5 to your list.
The compact crossover has a distinctive exterior styling that will draw you right in at first peep. Classy, upmarket exterior design with a smidge of badassness, the CX-5 looks way better than its boxy four-wheeled haters. Inside, the CX-5 has a premium looking cabin with ambient lighting, soft-touch surfaces, well-appointed accents and all without you having to dig deep into your pockets. The crossover offers seating that is road trip comfy and very supportive. The rear seats were designed with a two-stage reclining mechanism in order to increase the comfort factor. In terms of visibility, the CX-5 has clear sightlines, and its design allows the driver to have an expansive view of the road.
There is adequate legroom and headroom in the CX-5 for up to five passengers. Taller passengers won’t feel a pinch in the front. In the rear seating, two talls can travel without a squawk; however, three average-sized adults might find the space a little challenging. For those who have leg issues, the CX-5 has a high threshold so getting in and out may require more of an effort on your part. There is 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space when the CX-5’s rear seats are up and 59.6 cubic feet of space when they are folded. The cargo space in the CX-5 falls short of key competitors; however, average shoppers won’t complain.
The driver-centric dash and infotainment system provides an intuitive and agita-free experience. And you’ll have zero complaints regarding the graphics on the 7-inch full-color touch screen display. Even though most of the touch functions are locked out as soon as you give the CX-5 gas, you can operate the Mazda Connect interface through the center console’s rotary dial. And here’s some long-awaited news, the bellyacher’s complaints have finally been heard, the vehicle’s infotainment system now supports the available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. YAY!
Mazda makes safety a priority so you can also equip the CX-5 with the i-ACTIVSENSE suite of safety features such as adaptive front lighting system, blind spot monitoring, Smart City brake support and lane departure warning with lane-keep assist. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for this current model year, the CX-5 is a Top Safety Pick+.
If you want to have fun behind the wheel, then the CX-5 is it. Off the mark, the crossover is energetic and eager to please. The steering is tight, the ride is smooth, braking is on-point, and cornering is first-rate. At highway speeds, the compact is a comfy cruiser. The 2019 Mazda CX-5 crossover is offered in five trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve and Signature.
The Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trims are powered by a SKYACTIVE-G2 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that kicks out 187 hp, 186 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims are turbocharged and offered with the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T 4-cylinder engine that produces 250 hp with 310 lb-ft of torque and comes with standard all-wheel drive. At the pumps, you can expect to get from the CX-5, 25 mpg city/31 mpg highway with the base four-cylinder engine and 22 mpg city/27 mpg highway with the available turbo-four.
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is quite the looker in and out, impressively quick, offers great handling and makes driving a fun experience. And if you’re looking for value, the Mazda is a definite sweet spot for those who are cost-conscious.
Prices start at $32,280. Need more info? www.MazdaUSA.com