Chasing Cars exclusively broke the news that the CX-5 turbo petrol was definitely happening, way back in August. Today, Tom drives it for the first time! So, is the boosted CX-5 now the pick of the segment?
Tom Baker: soft spot for resting knee. Micah (Kelley Blue Book): even arm rests. Straight Pipe boys: extendable sun shade when in side position. Combine all three: mind blowing!
Can you please start reviewing the technology in cars ie the Mazda radar cruise control, as there are complaints about this feature in forums, so it would be good that these features are reviewed too before any purchases are made. Thank you
Another great review Tom 👍 I wish that Mazda would have a panoramic sunroof and wireless charger , and while I am at it Mazda could slide the larger 8 inch MZD screen out of the CX9 in the CX5. I am heading from people that have already bought the 2.5 Turbo that is a great engine to live with and drive every day , with that torque providing tons of instant go when you hit the pedal. For me personally I would buy the CX5 ahead of all of the other direct competitors and even from cars a step above .
Thanks a lot Con, glad you enjoyed it. I'm also anecdotally hearing from quite a few people that they are now buying into the CX-5 because of the turbo engine, so that's good to hear. Yeah, some additional niceties like a pano roof and the bigger touchscreen would be ideal, but hey, I reckon I can live with it how it is.
Being in the US, it's interesting to see an Australian perspective on the CX-5. In the petrol hungry US where fuel is cheap and stuffing as much stuff as possible into our vehicles, not to mention our lives, is a priority the CX-5 is classified as a "compact" SUV, not a midsize.We don't even have the option of a diesel engine of the CX-8. And if I understood your comment correctly, the CX-5 comes nowhere close to being the most popular SUV in the States where that crown goes to the RAV4. Here, the CX-5 is a stylish alternative to the Honda CR-V and the new Toyota RAV4 especially in the top trim (known as "Signature" in the US.) But it comes up short in terms of cargo capacity and passenger room compared to those (also classified as "compact") rivals. Overall, Mazda's 2.5L turbo 4 is probably the best application of any of the vehicles in which it's available. Its massive torque figure in a vehicle smaller and lighter than the CX-9 gives it a performance advantage over its much larger sibling. And in the Mazda6 it trails its main competition, the Accord and Camry. The top trim is impressive. Since Mazda doesn't have a true "luxury" brand like Honda, Toyota, or Nissan, it doesn't have to worry about cannibalizing the sales of a true luxury offerings. But some evidence of cost cutting is still apparent, most obviously in its dated infotainment system. It will be interesting to see how sales of the CX-5 turbo compare to diesel options in markets where both are available. Unfortunately, "dieselgate" and the popularity of hybrids has probably killed diesels in the US in the foreseeable future. Furthermore, pure EV's with extended ranges from Hyundai/Kia and Nissan look to be the future here even if Tesla fails to bring a mainstream model to the party. Thanks for the excellent review. It broadens my understanding of the world market.
Thanks a lot Stephen, I'm glad you appreciated a foreign perspective on the CX-5. It's an unbelievably popular vehicle here - you can barely turn a corner without seeing one. I think that's a good thing, as the Mazda is pretty tasteful and dynamic compared to most of its rivals. Australian consumers are listening, it seems!
Now available only with black with slightly less dark (I.e. dark brown) upholstery. Now slightly different to the cheaper trims. Progress? A better change would have been introducing a panoramic sunroof. That would actually be an improvement, too.
@@chasingcars Cool thanks! I really like the new Mazda3 sedan, especially the fully loaded one will all its features. Any news on when you might get one?
Hi from Las Vegas (Sin City). I'm bought a 2019 Mazda CX 5 Grand Touring Reserve the same Soul Red color illustrated her. It's the next step down from the top end Signature with 95% to the goodies of the Signature. Below are my projected mods: ->DynaMat acoustic mat on the front wheel wells. This will lower the tire noise. ->wider 245/50/19 tires when the OEM tires are worn out for even better braking and handling. -> I already installed a K&N oiled fabric high flow engine air filter This car has everything else I want (well, except an 8 speed transmission). With "steered" adaptive headlights, heads-up holographic instrumentation, rear cross traffic alert, Alpple Car Play/Android Auto, 2.5 L. turbo and many other amenities and safety tech features this car may not be "luxury"even but it certainly is premium level. In fact the CX 5 GT Reserve and Signature levels are easily comparable to the lower levels of, say, Acura RDX, Lesus and other luxury brands.
Agreed. And the finish is up there and so is the speed. The CX5 turbo is more powerful, and just as fast as a base Macan. But half the price and maintainence costs. No brainer IMO
Tom is one of my favorite and unbiased reviewers. I’m looking at a mid sized SUV and tossing up between the Tucson highlander and the Akera. The VW is ugly imo. The problem is both cars are missing some things that the other has. Heads up display, panoramic roof, big touchscreen just to name a few. Get on to them Tom! 😁
Thanks for that, I really appreciate it! Agreed - there is some low hanging fruit here. I think that the CX-5 is a slightly more complete package with its windscreen-projected HUD and you know, I think I could live with the porthole sunroof given how hot it gets here in Australia: those full-length panoramic roofs let in a lot of heat! The touchscreen is way too small though, I get that.
Chasing Cars Yeah it’s a lot tougher for me as the small sunroof is now considered ‘old school’. Luckily the Tucson also has cooled seats to keep the heat at bay, a great thing for OZ. The CX feels a little more refined and finished than the Tucson but I do like the new cream seats in the Hyundai. Looks wise again the CX looks refined front and rear but the Tucson looks more masculine from all sides especially from the side where the CX looks a little ‘soccer mum’. I know everyone seems to go on about the VW but The shape looks like it’s been left back in the 00’s. The SUV is now appealing to more buyers than ever especially since local manufacturing has ceased, I used to buy a new HSV every few years and now I’m looking for something totally different so looks do play a major roll in decision making. A cross between a Tucson and CX-5 would be the go lol 🤦🏽♂️
Hey Tom after reviewing the updated twin turbo diesel and now turbo petrol what would your preferred choice be if you had to choose between the 2 as a daily driver to commute around the suburbs and occasionally head out of town
Good question Matt, as long as you occasionally head out of town (to clear the DPF), I'd go the diesel. It feels even stronger torque-wise, it's almost as fast and it uses a lot less fuel in the real world.
Yeah sorry about that Daniel. Just the lens we were using. There’s quite a few other CX-5 reviews on this channel you can have a look at showing legroom, which hasn’t changed on this update!
Thanks! My only issue is long term relationship with that infotainment system. I have got to know that system takes ages to boot up and it just might starting showing its age a bit too fast within a couple of years of ownership. Otherwise CX-5 is my choice of cross over as well. Any thoughts on this?
Having lived with various current generation Mazdas now, I don’t think it’s a major issue. It doesn’t take too long to boot up (in my experience at least), but I do think that the upgrading the system to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (for $495) is a good idea.
Lots. In town, it'll use around 13L/100km. On the highway we managed around 7L/100km. If you're looking for a more frugal option, the diesel is where it is at.
Good question! For me - Deep Crystal Blue, Machine Grey, and the rarely seen Titanium Flash. Don’t get me wrong: I love Soul Red, but you see it everywhere!
@@sdhami9641 My father just bought a new 2019 CX-5 Akera Turbo in Snowflake White Pearl. Looks fantastic, especially in the sun. We test drove a lot of current SUV's and the Mazda was easily the pick of the bunch.
Snowflake White Pearl is also a great colour - but both white and black cars are very hard to keep clean, so I personally avoid them. I live in a suburb with a lot of trees that drop a lot of crap on cars.
He’s right about it being a nice cruiser but if u to want to have a bit of fun on some back roads is where I’m not a fan the car try’s to keep u in the lane by putting a little bit of resistant’s in the steering wheel witch I didn’t like
I test drove both the CX 5 Akera, and the VW Tiguan on the weekend. The Tiguan is better quality and much more luxurious , however is also fair bit more expensive.
I ended up buying the CX5 due to better price and more interesting looks. The Tiguan just doesn't do anything for me unless it's in the R-Line trim which you won't get for under $55k which is $15k more than I paid for my Diesel Akera. I do think the Tiguan has an edge in some areas but I'd probably always end up with the CX5 for looks.
@@guysolomon8926 I can't see that VW is better quality....as in, better build and more durable over the long term. All the German brands are a shadow of their former quality.
Mazda isn't the only car company that uses different trim level names in different countries. As an example, the current Camry's trim levels in Australia are Ascent, Ascent Sport, SX and SL, different from America 's trim levels of L, LE, XLE, SE and XSE.
Chasing Cars exclusively broke the news that the CX-5 turbo petrol was definitely happening, way back in August. Today, Tom drives it for the first time! So, is the boosted CX-5 now the pick of the segment?
Tom, just wondering why you don't review the Kia Sportage updated 2019? Cheers
GVC PLUS????????
The car is front wheel drive or all wheel drive? Please ask my question...
I like the cup holders on the top of the engine.
😂
Tom Baker: soft spot for resting knee.
Micah (Kelley Blue Book): even arm rests.
Straight Pipe boys: extendable sun shade when in side position.
Combine all three: mind blowing!
Between us, I think we are covering the field of useless trivia!
@@chasingcars actually while they are small things, they really make a big difference while driving.
Honestly u should have more subs mate...u review like carwow.
Thanks mate, I appreciate that!
Can you please start reviewing the technology in cars ie the Mazda radar cruise control, as there are complaints about this feature in forums, so it would be good that these features are reviewed too before any purchases are made. Thank you
I kinda wish Mazda add panoramic sunroof on all Mazda SUV
That’d be nice.
Panoramic Sunroof + 8 inch touchscreen = 10/10
@@JimboJones99 and it's basically Japanese BMW X1
The GT and Akira model have it as standard
All we need now is an updated comparison review with.. Forester, Tucson, CRV, Rav4, Sportage, Escape n etc.. flagship models only please !
Excellent idea. I’ll see what I can do.
I'm no fan if CUV/SUVs but I like the one It has an upscale interior, good looking exterior & & ample power for daily fun drive
Another great review Tom 👍 I wish that Mazda would have a panoramic sunroof and wireless charger , and while I am at it Mazda could slide the larger 8 inch MZD screen out of the CX9 in the CX5.
I am heading from people that have already bought the 2.5 Turbo that is a great engine to live with and drive every day , with that torque providing tons of instant go when you hit the pedal.
For me personally I would buy the CX5 ahead of all of the other direct competitors and even from cars a step above .
Thanks a lot Con, glad you enjoyed it. I'm also anecdotally hearing from quite a few people that they are now buying into the CX-5 because of the turbo engine, so that's good to hear. Yeah, some additional niceties like a pano roof and the bigger touchscreen would be ideal, but hey, I reckon I can live with it how it is.
Being in the US, it's interesting to see an Australian perspective on the CX-5. In the petrol hungry US where fuel is cheap and stuffing as much stuff as possible into our vehicles, not to mention our lives, is a priority the CX-5 is classified as a "compact" SUV, not a midsize.We don't even have the option of a diesel engine of the CX-8. And if I understood your comment correctly, the CX-5 comes nowhere close to being the most popular SUV in the States where that crown goes to the RAV4. Here, the CX-5 is a stylish alternative to the Honda CR-V and the new Toyota RAV4 especially in the top trim (known as "Signature" in the US.) But it comes up short in terms of cargo capacity and passenger room compared to those (also classified as "compact") rivals.
Overall, Mazda's 2.5L turbo 4 is probably the best application of any of the vehicles in which it's available. Its massive torque figure in a vehicle smaller and lighter than the CX-9 gives it a performance advantage over its much larger sibling. And in the Mazda6 it trails its main competition, the Accord and Camry. The top trim is impressive. Since Mazda doesn't have a true "luxury" brand like Honda, Toyota, or Nissan, it doesn't have to worry about cannibalizing the sales of a true luxury offerings. But some evidence of cost cutting is still apparent, most obviously in its dated infotainment system.
It will be interesting to see how sales of the CX-5 turbo compare to diesel options in markets where both are available. Unfortunately, "dieselgate" and the popularity of hybrids has probably killed diesels in the US in the foreseeable future. Furthermore, pure EV's with extended ranges from Hyundai/Kia and Nissan look to be the future here even if Tesla fails to bring a mainstream model to the party.
Thanks for the excellent review. It broadens my understanding of the world market.
Local Mazda dealer tries to steer people away from the diesel to avoid service issues if the car is not used on long trips.
Thanks a lot Stephen, I'm glad you appreciated a foreign perspective on the CX-5. It's an unbelievably popular vehicle here - you can barely turn a corner without seeing one. I think that's a good thing, as the Mazda is pretty tasteful and dynamic compared to most of its rivals. Australian consumers are listening, it seems!
Now available only with black with slightly less dark (I.e. dark brown) upholstery. Now slightly different to the cheaper trims. Progress? A better change would have been introducing a panoramic sunroof. That would actually be an improvement, too.
7.7 seconds?
Not 6.2?
Man, I need to double check it myself.
Go for it, Leo. If you can get 6.2 we are definitely doing something wrong here!
Yes the official spec is under 6.5. After break in at 40 or 50k miles you will be even faster
Does the adaptive cruise control in Mazdas in general have a stop and go / trafic jam assist feature?
Yes it does, you just tap the accelerator to resume again
@@chasingcars Cool thanks! I really like the new Mazda3 sedan, especially the fully loaded one will all its features. Any news on when you might get one?
Hey Vlad, will have a Mazda 3 review closer to mid 2019 when it arrives here in Australia. We have quite a wait!
@@chasingcars Ok thanks! Yes that's quite the wait. Curiously, it's already available in Mexico but not yet in its home market (Japan)...
Looks really good. How did it go for fuel consumption?
Not great. About 10L/100km urban, and about 7.5L/100km highway. The diesel seems to use about 40% less fuel in most settings.
Hi from Las Vegas (Sin City). I'm bought a 2019 Mazda CX 5 Grand Touring Reserve the same Soul Red color illustrated her. It's the next step down from the top end Signature with 95% to the goodies of the Signature. Below are my projected mods:
->DynaMat acoustic mat on the front wheel wells. This will lower the tire noise.
->wider 245/50/19 tires when the OEM tires are worn out for even better braking and handling.
-> I already installed a K&N oiled fabric high flow engine air filter
This car has everything else I want (well, except an 8 speed transmission).
With "steered" adaptive headlights, heads-up holographic instrumentation, rear cross traffic alert, Alpple Car Play/Android Auto, 2.5 L. turbo and many other amenities and safety tech features this car may not be "luxury"even but it certainly is premium level.
In fact the CX 5 GT Reserve and Signature levels are easily comparable to the lower levels of, say, Acura RDX, Lesus and other luxury brands.
Agreed. And the finish is up there and so is the speed. The CX5 turbo is more powerful, and just as fast as a base Macan. But half the price and maintainence costs. No brainer IMO
Does anyone know, why these SUVs don't have the rear tinted windows they have in most markets?
Good question Andres, I'll endeavour to find out when I next catch up with the Mazda Australia product team
Hi Tom, do you expect to see the CX-5 get a facelift and interior upgrade to match the New Mazda 3 and CX-30?
Youre supposed to be rocking socks with flip flops with that outfit!
Prefer V6 3.0 litre rather than a turbo engine...
CX7 and 9 were V6 and thry drank like there was no tomorrow. This is the best modern and efficient power/economy combination
Tom is one of my favorite and unbiased reviewers. I’m looking at a mid sized SUV and tossing up between the Tucson highlander and the Akera. The VW is ugly imo. The problem is both cars are missing some things that the other has. Heads up display, panoramic roof, big touchscreen just to name a few. Get on to them Tom! 😁
Thanks for that, I really appreciate it! Agreed - there is some low hanging fruit here. I think that the CX-5 is a slightly more complete package with its windscreen-projected HUD and you know, I think I could live with the porthole sunroof given how hot it gets here in Australia: those full-length panoramic roofs let in a lot of heat! The touchscreen is way too small though, I get that.
Chasing Cars Yeah it’s a lot tougher for me as the small sunroof is now considered ‘old school’. Luckily the Tucson also has cooled seats to keep the heat at bay, a great thing for OZ. The CX feels a little more refined and finished than the Tucson but I do like the new cream seats in the Hyundai.
Looks wise again the CX looks refined front and rear but the Tucson looks more masculine from all sides especially from the side where the CX looks a little ‘soccer mum’.
I know everyone seems to go on about the VW but The shape looks like it’s been left back in the 00’s. The SUV is now appealing to more buyers than ever especially since local manufacturing has ceased, I used to buy a new HSV every few years and now I’m looking for something totally different so looks do play a major roll in decision making. A cross between a Tucson and CX-5 would be the go lol 🤦🏽♂️
Hey Tom after reviewing the updated twin turbo diesel and now turbo petrol what would your preferred choice be if you had to choose between the 2 as a daily driver to commute around the suburbs and occasionally head out of town
Good question Matt, as long as you occasionally head out of town (to clear the DPF), I'd go the diesel. It feels even stronger torque-wise, it's almost as fast and it uses a lot less fuel in the real world.
Other measurements indicate 6.3 acceleration 0 to 100
Those measurements don’t seem correct. Mazda Australia claim 7.7, and we got precisely that on a flat surface.
Chasing Cars Motor Trend said 6.4 sec
Well, that wasn’t able to be recreated here - can try again in future, but it certainly in the vicinity we’ve mentioned here.
Could it be u need to use premium fuel to get 6secs?
turn of the traction control to get faster acceleration times.@@chasingcars
Good work man
Thanks dude!
Why is he wearing a life jacket? :-)
Can't you see the boats behind me!? ;)
@@chasingcars Oh........didn't notice them. Now it all makes sense. 😁 Nice review. Might be my next vehicle.
@@chasingcars Does this explain the shoes without sock as well? :) LOVE your work, so easily digestible.
Why were you guys blocking the display of leg room in the back seats with the door?. Innocent mistake?
Yeah sorry about that Daniel. Just the lens we were using. There’s quite a few other CX-5 reviews on this channel you can have a look at showing legroom, which hasn’t changed on this update!
@@chasingcars OK. Will you review the new Triton?
I wish they made the screen bigger! Especially considering that they have a larger screen in the CX-9
Same. Even the ageing Mazda 6 got upgraded to the 8 inch screen recently.
2020 model have 8 inch screen
I am the first one !😁😁
So quick!
Love the looks
I'm loving the new wheels. Way better than the old 19s.
Looks nice as
I am torn between diesel CX-5 Akera and Tucson Highlander! 😕😕. Recommendations please?
Be torn no more. Out of those two, the CX-5 Akera diesel is the better of the pair. Not by a huge margin, but by a clear one.
Thanks! My only issue is long term relationship with that infotainment system. I have got to know that system takes ages to boot up and it just might starting showing its age a bit too fast within a couple of years of ownership. Otherwise CX-5 is my choice of cross over as well. Any thoughts on this?
Having lived with various current generation Mazdas now, I don’t think it’s a major issue. It doesn’t take too long to boot up (in my experience at least), but I do think that the upgrading the system to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (for $495) is a good idea.
Chasing Cars thanks for your advise. This helps :-)
Abhimanyu Khunger personally I like the Tucson.
2nd!!!!
👏🏽
Great informative review. Thanks
No problem, Kerry!
This or the Diesel ?
Still the diesel for me Kailem, as the petrol doesn't deliver enough of an additional forward punch to justify 40-50% more fuel use
No mention about fuel usage ??
Lots. In town, it'll use around 13L/100km. On the highway we managed around 7L/100km. If you're looking for a more frugal option, the diesel is where it is at.
@@chasingcars Thank you for the heads up.
0-100kmh ??
7.7 seconds in our testing.
What are the top 3 best exterior colour options for the CX-5, in your opinion?
Good question! For me - Deep Crystal Blue, Machine Grey, and the rarely seen Titanium Flash. Don’t get me wrong: I love Soul Red, but you see it everywhere!
Chasing Cars I'm torn between the machine grey and white/black!
@@sdhami9641 My father just bought a new 2019 CX-5 Akera Turbo in Snowflake White Pearl. Looks fantastic, especially in the sun. We test drove a lot of current SUV's and the Mazda was easily the pick of the bunch.
Snowflake White Pearl is also a great colour - but both white and black cars are very hard to keep clean, so I personally avoid them. I live in a suburb with a lot of trees that drop a lot of crap on cars.
@@chasingcars Soul Red Crystal is an awesome colour (on a 3 or MX-5) but reflex blue would be more appropriate for the sensible CX-5.
Great review. The brown leather seems to clash with the black / grey interior. Is it better in person?
Not too bad in person Mark but you could pop into a dealer to have a look for yourself if you wanted.
He’s right about it being a nice cruiser but if u to want to have a bit of fun on some back roads is where I’m not a fan the car try’s to keep u in the lane by putting a little bit of resistant’s in the steering wheel witch I didn’t like
I test drove both the CX 5 Akera, and the VW Tiguan on the weekend. The Tiguan is better quality and much more luxurious , however is also fair bit more expensive.
I ended up buying the CX5 due to better price and more interesting looks.
The Tiguan just doesn't do anything for me unless it's in the R-Line trim which you won't get for under $55k which is $15k more than I paid for my Diesel Akera.
I do think the Tiguan has an edge in some areas but I'd probably always end up with the CX5 for looks.
@@guysolomon8926 I can't see that VW is better quality....as in, better build and more durable over the long term. All the German brands are a shadow of their former quality.
why is it called Akera instead of Signature?
Different branding for different markets. All of the Mazda flagship grades have a Japanese name here in Australia.
Mazda isn't the only car company that uses different trim level names in different countries. As an example, the current Camry's trim levels in Australia are Ascent, Ascent Sport, SX and SL, different from America 's trim levels of L, LE, XLE, SE and XSE.
Please chane the criminal world of war. It’s the same as Nazi flag!! if you don’t have Nazism. Thank you