2019 Mazda CX-5 - The New Performance King?
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Date: 2019-05-30
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Comments and reviews: 10
Gary Brown
Mazda really dialed in this one. The design speaks to me in every respect. That is, they didnt muck anything up. The outside and inside design is close to perfect The metal control knobs are like those on a fine stereo receiver. Not too much piano black used especially none on the steering wheel buttons. Really nicely laid out steering wheel. The seats look sporty without too much bolstering. Mazda was smart enough not to follow the panoramic sunroof trend. I really prefer the normal size sunroof with a shade that blocks the sun completely. Panoramic sunroofs often rattle and leak in many car brands. Its fast. Surely handles well. Can even use regular gas, a nice option on long highway road trips where acceleration doesnt matter much. Nicely done. Their designers were really sweating the details. I dont see a big reason to get the Signature over the Reserve except for the brown nappa leather and wood trim. Not sure its worth the difference. The one thing that worries me is that many of the journalists that went to Canada to review this SUV said that the ride is very firm. That could be a concern. It should ride at least decent if its to compete against luxury brands. The lower cargo capacity is a compromise. Also the MSRP is bumping up to the Acura RDX which starts retail at 37300 or 40, 500 with Technology package. The RDX comes with a luxury badge, more powerful engine, 10 speed automatic with paddle shifters, impressive ELX Studio stereo, and 4 year warranty. It will be interesting to see how this sells. Suggestion; Mazda USA should organize an invitation only event to test drive the Turbo AWD CX5 without subjecting buyers to the aggressive mainstream sales tactics at the dealerships. Then they possibly could pass out special 250 or 500 ambassador coupons at the event similar to what the Subaru ambassador program does. I have been to Audi events like this in the past. If buyers drive the new CX-5 turbo, they will most likely want to put one in their driveway.
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Mazda really dialed in this one. The design speaks to me in every respect. That is, they didnt muck anything up. The outside and inside design is close to perfect The metal control knobs are like those on a fine stereo receiver. Not too much piano black used especially none on the steering wheel buttons. Really nicely laid out steering wheel. The seats look sporty without too much bolstering. Mazda was smart enough not to follow the panoramic sunroof trend. I really prefer the normal size sunroof with a shade that blocks the sun completely. Panoramic sunroofs often rattle and leak in many car brands. Its fast. Surely handles well. Can even use regular gas, a nice option on long highway road trips where acceleration doesnt matter much. Nicely done. Their designers were really sweating the details. I dont see a big reason to get the Signature over the Reserve except for the brown nappa leather and wood trim. Not sure its worth the difference. The one thing that worries me is that many of the journalists that went to Canada to review this SUV said that the ride is very firm. That could be a concern. It should ride at least decent if its to compete against luxury brands. The lower cargo capacity is a compromise. Also the MSRP is bumping up to the Acura RDX which starts retail at 37300 or 40, 500 with Technology package. The RDX comes with a luxury badge, more powerful engine, 10 speed automatic with paddle shifters, impressive ELX Studio stereo, and 4 year warranty. It will be interesting to see how this sells. Suggestion; Mazda USA should organize an invitation only event to test drive the Turbo AWD CX5 without subjecting buyers to the aggressive mainstream sales tactics at the dealerships. Then they possibly could pass out special 250 or 500 ambassador coupons at the event similar to what the Subaru ambassador program does. I have been to Audi events like this in the past. If buyers drive the new CX-5 turbo, they will most likely want to put one in their driveway.
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Stephen Hendricks
Excellent review given the conditions, Alex. Comparisons to the CX-9 are inevitable but to me it seems more a Mazda6 in a crossover suit plus AWD. Furthermore, the turbo 4 seems better suited to the CX-5 than to the CX-9 where the competition is mostly naturally aspirated V6s. The smaller Mazda dealer network alone means it wont make a big dent in the sales of CR-V or the RAV4 not to mention the much smaller cargo capacity (Even a VW Golf wagon has more cargo room, substantially worse fuel economy, and lesser reputation for reliability compared to the Honda and the Toyota. But overall sales figures dont necessarily translate to appeal, especially among those looking for performance and handling on secondary roads. If those are priorities, the CX-5 is a strong contender, especially at its price point. I have a personal soft spot for Mazdas, having owned several. Earlier this year I was disappointed in the CX-9s massive size combined with its limited interior cargo and passenger space. The CX-5, at least, appears to be a better balance in those terms. And with the same engine as the CX-9 Id consider it seriously if I were in that market.
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Excellent review given the conditions, Alex. Comparisons to the CX-9 are inevitable but to me it seems more a Mazda6 in a crossover suit plus AWD. Furthermore, the turbo 4 seems better suited to the CX-5 than to the CX-9 where the competition is mostly naturally aspirated V6s. The smaller Mazda dealer network alone means it wont make a big dent in the sales of CR-V or the RAV4 not to mention the much smaller cargo capacity (Even a VW Golf wagon has more cargo room, substantially worse fuel economy, and lesser reputation for reliability compared to the Honda and the Toyota. But overall sales figures dont necessarily translate to appeal, especially among those looking for performance and handling on secondary roads. If those are priorities, the CX-5 is a strong contender, especially at its price point. I have a personal soft spot for Mazdas, having owned several. Earlier this year I was disappointed in the CX-9s massive size combined with its limited interior cargo and passenger space. The CX-5, at least, appears to be a better balance in those terms. And with the same engine as the CX-9 Id consider it seriously if I were in that market.
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Dennis S
I dont want a turbo even though it may be fun to drive because it isnt fun to pay for the extra repair bills. Google LSPI (low speed pre-ignition) as it is a major issue for turbo/gas direct injection engines & the need for GF-6 oils because of it Im talking about worn out timing chains and broken pistons caused by LSPI in these engines that the auto manufacturers are spending millions on just to try to understand let alone eliminate. Dont get too caught up in the hype folks. The car companies havent said a whole lot about these problems have they now? I wonder why that is? . and then there is the issue of the oil lines for the turbo coking up and destroying the turbo I almost forgot to say that the GF-6 oils that are necessary have not been invented yet. Im reading that they wont be ready until at least 2020. I submit that there is a reason why Toyota has not put a turbo on their RAV-4 engine. its because of the above issues. They want to maintain their reputation for reliability rather than take advantage of a nave but trusting public in order to meet the CAFE regs. damn
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I dont want a turbo even though it may be fun to drive because it isnt fun to pay for the extra repair bills. Google LSPI (low speed pre-ignition) as it is a major issue for turbo/gas direct injection engines & the need for GF-6 oils because of it Im talking about worn out timing chains and broken pistons caused by LSPI in these engines that the auto manufacturers are spending millions on just to try to understand let alone eliminate. Dont get too caught up in the hype folks. The car companies havent said a whole lot about these problems have they now? I wonder why that is? . and then there is the issue of the oil lines for the turbo coking up and destroying the turbo I almost forgot to say that the GF-6 oils that are necessary have not been invented yet. Im reading that they wont be ready until at least 2020. I submit that there is a reason why Toyota has not put a turbo on their RAV-4 engine. its because of the above issues. They want to maintain their reputation for reliability rather than take advantage of a nave but trusting public in order to meet the CAFE regs. damn
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zoltangz1
I am so pissed that Mazda hasnt wised up with their memory seat settings for two drivers, by NOT including the automatic settings of the two side mirrors That is such minor thing to do electronically since both mirrors are electronically adjustable and yet since my 2016 Mazda CX-5 they ignored that extremely useful feature of not having each driver have to fiddle with the side-mirror settings every time they get in the carI had this feature on my 2012 Chrysler 300AWD with the added feature that the memory setting also moved the telescopic/tilt-able steering wheel AND the gas and brake pedal height adjustments along with the drivers seat and side mirrorsMAZDA TAKE NOTE PLEEEEEEEZE
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I am so pissed that Mazda hasnt wised up with their memory seat settings for two drivers, by NOT including the automatic settings of the two side mirrors That is such minor thing to do electronically since both mirrors are electronically adjustable and yet since my 2016 Mazda CX-5 they ignored that extremely useful feature of not having each driver have to fiddle with the side-mirror settings every time they get in the carI had this feature on my 2012 Chrysler 300AWD with the added feature that the memory setting also moved the telescopic/tilt-able steering wheel AND the gas and brake pedal height adjustments along with the drivers seat and side mirrorsMAZDA TAKE NOTE PLEEEEEEEZE
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bigbangnone
Youtube videos have clearly demonstrated that the manufacturer of the transmission has allot to do with how long the car will last, servicing. reliability. I think that you should start talking about these critical subsystems, as they are just as important as the engine, and are critical in evaluating the value of the vehicle Toyota has he vest value cars because tToyota does not skimp in transmissions. CVT are for retired Grey-Heads who simply need to get to the store to buy food and the hospital to treat their failing body because they refuse to stop eating and drinking sheit for most of their self pleasuring life.
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Youtube videos have clearly demonstrated that the manufacturer of the transmission has allot to do with how long the car will last, servicing. reliability. I think that you should start talking about these critical subsystems, as they are just as important as the engine, and are critical in evaluating the value of the vehicle Toyota has he vest value cars because tToyota does not skimp in transmissions. CVT are for retired Grey-Heads who simply need to get to the store to buy food and the hospital to treat their failing body because they refuse to stop eating and drinking sheit for most of their self pleasuring life.
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edawg5726666
The closest competitor to the CX-5 Signature is the Acura RDX. You should consider including the RDX in the legroom and size conparison chart and ideally go back and add the CX-5 Signature in the RDX videos as a competitor. Yes, RDX is more expensive, but its in the same ballpark. Features, performance, capability, and interior space are comparable - not so much in terms of features per dollar, but in terms of availability (HUD, ventilated front seats, lots of torque, good handling and steering, luxury seems to be a class above the CRV and RAV4. Main gap relative to RDX is the pano sunroof.
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The closest competitor to the CX-5 Signature is the Acura RDX. You should consider including the RDX in the legroom and size conparison chart and ideally go back and add the CX-5 Signature in the RDX videos as a competitor. Yes, RDX is more expensive, but its in the same ballpark. Features, performance, capability, and interior space are comparable - not so much in terms of features per dollar, but in terms of availability (HUD, ventilated front seats, lots of torque, good handling and steering, luxury seems to be a class above the CRV and RAV4. Main gap relative to RDX is the pano sunroof.
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CurbsideUnderwood
Outstanding review However I think they are going backwards in visual quality, the CX -3 has a much better interior (for 2018 at least) and had a lower price point when maxed out. If you are going for sport as part of your DNA, drop the wood trim. It looks awful. Kinda how the new Mazda 3 looks great on the outside, but worse on the inside. I think they are going through an identity crisis lol. Great company though. I would go with infinity, Cadillac, or Acura, instead of this for its price point, but thats just me. Have a great day: )
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Outstanding review However I think they are going backwards in visual quality, the CX -3 has a much better interior (for 2018 at least) and had a lower price point when maxed out. If you are going for sport as part of your DNA, drop the wood trim. It looks awful. Kinda how the new Mazda 3 looks great on the outside, but worse on the inside. I think they are going through an identity crisis lol. Great company though. I would go with infinity, Cadillac, or Acura, instead of this for its price point, but thats just me. Have a great day: )
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Jack Fewx
Great review as always. You put up my dilemma and Id love to see you do a head to head of it, Mazda CX-5 Signature vs Acura RDX Advance. About 10, 000 difference, but is it worth it? Mazda has pushed their premium game to the point they are gunning straight for the luxury category, so is the jump to the newest (and value play) in the Luxury segment worth the extra cash. Ill be making that choice second quarter next year, so Id love to see your take on it.
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Great review as always. You put up my dilemma and Id love to see you do a head to head of it, Mazda CX-5 Signature vs Acura RDX Advance. About 10, 000 difference, but is it worth it? Mazda has pushed their premium game to the point they are gunning straight for the luxury category, so is the jump to the newest (and value play) in the Luxury segment worth the extra cash. Ill be making that choice second quarter next year, so Id love to see your take on it.
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marketing major
I dont need the extra horsepower of the turbo version. I do need more cabin space. Mazda had done a good job with styling, both interior and exterior (although not to everyones taste) but I think the trade-off of sacrificing cabin space so that you can have a longer hood is NOT a good sacrifice. I honestly dont give a hoot about how long the hood is, Id much rather have a shorter hood area in favor of more rear passenger space and rear cargo space.
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I dont need the extra horsepower of the turbo version. I do need more cabin space. Mazda had done a good job with styling, both interior and exterior (although not to everyones taste) but I think the trade-off of sacrificing cabin space so that you can have a longer hood is NOT a good sacrifice. I honestly dont give a hoot about how long the hood is, Id much rather have a shorter hood area in favor of more rear passenger space and rear cargo space.
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franz wetrfres
I feel like Mazda is starting to parts-share its models too much. Practically the same grille as the 6, the new 3, the same 2. 5t engine, almost the exact same wheels as the 6 signature; this isnt a bad thing, stylistically and performance-wise. HOWEVER, a brand can quickly become stale (like a lot of last-gen BMWS) if you pledge too strongly to a corporate grille, or the like. Consummately, a brand can eventually doom themselves if they do so.
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I feel like Mazda is starting to parts-share its models too much. Practically the same grille as the 6, the new 3, the same 2. 5t engine, almost the exact same wheels as the 6 signature; this isnt a bad thing, stylistically and performance-wise. HOWEVER, a brand can quickly become stale (like a lot of last-gen BMWS) if you pledge too strongly to a corporate grille, or the like. Consummately, a brand can eventually doom themselves if they do so.
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