New 2019 Mazda
CX-5 Signature AWD Sport Utility
When an SUV looks this good and drives this good, you know it's a winner, and
that's what the 2020 Mazda CX-5 is: A winner. Its class-above cabin could easily
be confused for an Audi Q5's and its trio of four-cylinder engines means there's
an option for every buyer. A quick test drive will undoubtedly have you singing
the CX-5's praises as loudly as we have over the years. Its crisp steering,
eager driving dynamics, and confidence-inspiring controls are dreamy and best
when matched with the gutsy turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder in the Grand
Touring Reserve and Signature models. If you can't afford one of those high-end
trims, don't worry—the CX-5 is set to satisfy no matter which version you
choose. What's New for 2020? Mazda is making only minor changes to the CX-5 for
2020. The company's i-Activsense suite of driver-assistance features is now
standard across the lineup and includes automated emergency braking, pedestrian
detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam
headlamps, and more. All models receive a new key fob we expect to match that of
the new Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback, as well as Mazda's newly updated fonts on
interior switches and exterior badging. Grand Touring Reserve and Signature
models receive a new 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen display. Pricing and
Which One to Buy • Sport: $26,135 • Touring: $27,775 • Grand Touring: $31,255 •
Grand Touring Reserve: $36,080 • Signature: $38,100 When shopping for a CX-5,
it's hard to make a bad choice on a trim level. The Sport comes well equipped
and carries a value-oriented price tag and the Signature model, while expensive,
offers class-above luxury that's hard to fault. For us, the sweet spot is the
Touring model, which comes with faux-leather upholstery and heated front seats,
six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control,
rear USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and passive keyless
entry. All-wheel drive, if you need it, adds $1400 to all versions except for
the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature, where all-wheel drive is standard.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance The CX-5's standard 187-hp four-cylinder
engine has great throttle response when pulling away from stoplights or hustling
around town, so it feels quicker than it actually is. It's at higher speeds,
such as when trying to pass or merge onto the freeway, that it feels
underpowered. The 250-hp turbocharged version we tested provided much quicker
acceleration, shooting from zero to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. While the turbo
engine also pairs with a snappy six-speed automatic transmission, it can only be
had with all-wheel drive. Likewise, a diesel 2.2-liter four-cylinder (called
Skyactiv-D) exclusively pairs with all-wheel drive and can only be had on the
most expensive Signature model. You don't need to drive the CX-5 hard to enjoy
it or to appreciate its excellence. Sure, its precise steering and composed
cornering make for one helluva Sunday cruise. But it also soaks up rough roads
without commotion and has the ride quality of crossovers that cost twice as
much. This harmonious interplay of dynamics is unrivaled by its competitors.
Pavement imperfections are isolated, road noise is minimal, and the damping is
neither stiff nor floaty. At the same time, the Mazda comes alive on curvy
roads. The electrically assisted steering provides satisfying responses. The
Signature model we tested had a reassuring brake-pedal feel that operated
without delay and without being too touchy when you apply the brakes. Fuel
Economy and Real-World MPG The CX-5 has average EPA estimates compared with
rivals that have similar power. However, in our testing, the Mazda was the only
one to exceed its EPA highway rating. The all-wheel-drive, non-turbocharged
version earned 32 mpg, which matched the Honda CR-V we tested. The front-drive,
non-turbo CX-5 improved on that performance by 1 mpg. We also tested a CX-5 with
the more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder and standard all-wheel drive; it
earned 30 mpg on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy route, which was 3 mpg higher
than its EPA rating. While we haven't tested the diesel version, the EPA
estimates it will earn 27 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Interior, Comfort, and
Cargo Wake up inside the top-tier CX-5 models and you might think you've been
abducted by kidnappers driving an Audi or a Mercedes. First-rate materials and a
fabulous layout make it feel especially upscale. The floor-hinged accelerator
pedal feels better than the more common version that is suspended above the
floor, the well-crafted steering wheel is directly in front of the driver and
not offset at a slight angle, and all of the front-seat armrests are at the same
height for optimal comfort. Sacrifices come in small packages: in this case, the
CX-5 held just nine carry-on suitcases behind its rear seats in our testing. Its
cargo volume actually decreased with the 2017 redesign; a 2016 CX-5 we tested
held one more carry-on with the rear seats up and three more with the rear seats
folded. The new model's rear storage space is more functional, however, with a
completely flat load floor. It also has several nooks and crannies in the cabin
for smartphones and other loose items. The center console has a deep tray at the
front and a useful bin with a removable shelf. Infotainment and Connectivity
Every CX-5 sports an attractive 7.0-inch touchscreen that sits atop the dash
like a floating tablet. It satisfies with an intuitive rotary control mounted
between the front seats and a straightforward interface. Too bad the screen's
relatively small size and aging menu design are worse than contemporary rivals.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are available, but not on entry-level
models. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features The CX-5 earned a five-star
crash-test rating from the National Highway Transportation Administration
(NHTSA), and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a Top
Safety Pick+. It also comes standard with a comprehensive suite of
driver-assistance features. Key safety features include: • Standard automated
emergency braking with pedestrian detection • Standard lane-departure warning
and lane-keeping assist • Standard adaptive cruise control Warranty and
Maintenance Coverage The Kia Sportage and the Chevrolet Equinox both offer
better warranty coverage, but otherwise the CX-5 is in line with its rivals. •
Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles • Powertrain warranty covers 5
years or 60,000 miles • No complimentary scheduled maintenance