CX-5

Make
Mazda
Segment
SUV

For several years, the Mazda CX-5 has been one of our favorite SUVs to recommend. It looks attractive, drives well, and is very reliable. There's just one problem, with the most powerful engine only offering 187 horsepower, it always felt a bit slow. We've been begging Mazda to give the CX-5 a turbocharged engine and now Mazda has finally listened.

For the 2019 model year, the Mazda CX-5 will now be available with the company's 2.5-liter turbocharged SkyActiv four-cylinder - the same engine found in the Mazda6 and CX-9.

As with the Mazda6 and the CX-9, the CX-5's turbocharged engine produces 250 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque going out to all-wheel-drive through a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine is tuned to run on 93-octane gasoline, but can still produce 227 hp on 87-octane gas. Mazda will offer the turbocharged engine on the top two trim levels, while the lower three trims levels will still rely on a normally aspirated four-cylinder.

Aside from the changes under the hood, Mazda has focused on making the CX-5 even more luxurious, as evidenced by a new Signature trim level. New luxury features include Nappa leather seats with heating and ventilation, power-folding mirrors, wood trim, and a 360-degree camera system. 2019 CX-5 models will now include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Mazda is also touting its new G-Vectoring Control Plus, which is now standard across all trim levels. G-Vectoring Control uses small changes in engine output to shift weight to the front tires when the driver turns the wheel. This new Plus version will also improve steering response when the driver straightens the wheel by adding a hint of braking to the outside front wheel.

Pricing for the 2019 Mazda CX-5 starts at $24,350 for the base Sport trim, $26,615 for the Touring trim, and $30,045 for the Grand Touring trim, which are all available with front- or all-wheel-drive. The turbocharged Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trim start at $34,870 and $36,890 respectively. Expect the updated CX-5 to go on sale late in Fall 2018.