2019 Mazda CX-5 - Changes explained

If you have been eyeing a 2019 Mazda CX-5 in hopes of purchasing one, here’s some good news for you. The Japanese carmaker has officially started accepting bookings for the crossover, so you can now waltz into a Mazda dealership and finally sign on the dotted line. However, do keep in mind that the company hasn’t publically announced the prices of the new CX-5 variants yet -- though it could be argued that as a prospective customer, the good folks at the showroom might give you something useful to work with.

Thankfully, Mazda has been more forthcoming when it comes to the exact details and number of variants that will be offered with the 2019 CX-5. The second generation of the CX-5 first made its way to Malaysia back in late 2017, which was then given an extra feature or two sometime later - though nothing too radical.

However, for the 2019MY, Mazda has introduced a few additions to the CX-5’s equipment list, but don’t walk into the showroom expecting to see a thorough change in the exterior/interior design and you should be happy. Speaking of which, what exactly has changed with the latest Mazda CX-5? Let’s go through every major aspect of this popular crossover SUV and find out what's new, shall we?

A familiar yet affable shape

With the second-gen CX-5 being launched just two years ago, Mazda hasn’t put much of any effort into making this 2019 model stand out. Overall, it looks exactly the same as before - meaning it’s still quite a handsome car with plenty of cool touches dotted about the place. Obviously, the marque’s touted and well-renowned KODO design philosophy really brings out the best out of any Mazda vehicle, and the 2019 CX-5 is no exception.

Beginning up front, the snout of the CX-5 is dominated by an intricately-designed grille with chrome ‘wings’ extending right into the slim all-LED headlights that gets its own wing-shaped LED DRLs. The front also plays host to a well-moulded bumper that adds some masala (read sportiness) with its very distinct lower apron design.

The side profile of the 2019 CX-5 looks ditto like the model from last year (or like the one a year before that). But nevertheless, the CX-5 sure looks good viewed side-on as well -- with its long, sloping bonnet, peculiar character lines, enlarged wheel arches, smart-looking alloy wheels, sloping roofline that connects with the raked C-pillars. All in all, a decent side profile. The situation out back is similar, too - with no real changes to be found over the outgoing model. Despite its familiarity, the 2019 Mazda CX-5’s exterior styling endears the crossover with a pleasing and chic personality.

Similar interior design

The interior of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 as a whole hasn’t been changed to a great extent, remaining mostly similar to the outgoing avatar. However, that’s not really a sore point here since this is easily one of the best interiors in the segment. It’s well-built, ergonomically sound, boasts great fit & finish, feels quite comfortable even with all seats occupied, and it never gets too noisy even when you’re travelling at higher speeds. The materials used here are really quite nice, with cheaper plastics mostly relegated to the lower sections of the cabin.

Matters of power

With the 2019 Mazda CX-5, the carmaker is offering four different powerplant choices, of which, three are petrol and one’s a diesel. First of these is a 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G naturally-aspirated four-banger that powers the 2.0 GL (2WD) and 2.0 GLS (2WD) variants - producing a total of 162 hp and 210 Nm of torque. Second in line comes the larger-capacity 2.5-litre four-cylinder which churns out 192 hp and 257 Nm of twist. While most of the engines were available before as well, this next one signifies the most welcome change (for power-hungry drivers) under the hood of the 2019 CX-5.

It comes in the form of an all-new and even punchier 2.5-litre turbocharger four-popper that puts out a healthy 228 hp and 420 Nm of torque, which is then split between all four wheels depending on the traction available. With this turbo-four under the bonnet, the CX-5 can zoom past the tonne-mark in around 7.5 seconds. Finally, there’s the tried & tested SkyActiv-D 2.2-litre oil-burner that makes 188 hp and 450 Nm of maximum poke. However, if you really need all-wheel drive, the 2.5 Turbo AWD variant is the only one that offers it on the 2019 CX-5.

Conveniences and features

For the most part, the 2019 Mazda CX-5’s features list is similar to that of its predecessor. However, if you start poking around, you will be able to spot some of the newer additions that have been introduced in this year’s model. To start with, Mazda has changed the standard analogue gauge cluster and replaced it with a 7-inch LCD panel in some of the higher trims.

Meanwhile, even the lower variants get at least a 4.6-inch LCD display on the right-hand side of the primary gauges. Next up (and one of the final most noticeable changes), the new CX-5 features a redesigned and slightly more user-friendly climate control panel with a new display and button layout. The only other real change/addition can be found on the highest trim levels in the form of a head-up display that projects all relevant information straight onto the windshield. The 2019 Mazda CX-5 now also gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Apart from the newer kit, you still get niceties such as 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic & adaptive LED headlights, front LED fog lights, automatic rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry with push-button start, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, electronic parking brake with auto-hold, 7-inch touchscreen head unit with Mazda Connect infotainment system and voice command, auto engine stop/start, front & rear parking sensors with reversing camera, power tailgate and power-adjustable front seats.

The whole 2019 line-up

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 comes in five variants - starting with the entry-level 2.0 GL (2WD), followed by the 2.0 GLS (2WD), 2.5 GLS (2WD), 2.5 Turbo (AWD) and finally, the 2.2D GLS (2WD). Among these, the base 2.0 GL (2WD) trim gets only 17-inch wheels, lacks keyless entry, making do with regular bulb-type daytime-running lights and there’s no power tailgate, either. But it does get a push-button start, multi-function steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, LED headlights and Mazda’s infotainment system among other nice goodies found on other variants.

Preliminary verdict

While Mazda hasn’t announced any prices as yet, the numbers shouldn’t be too varied down below. Finally, if performance is what you crave from the CX-5, then it’d be a good idea to save up for the peppy Turbo variant.

Also Read:- Mazda to reveal its all-new EV at next month’s Tokyo show