Mazda CX-5 2019 pricing and specs revealed

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 range has seen the addition of a new turbocharged petrol engine in the top two model grades, as well as enhanced standard equipment across the entire model range.

Australia’s top-selling SUV now boasts class-leading standard safety equipment across the entire model range, with every model now fitted with high-speed auto emergency braking (up to 145km/h), radar cruise control, driver fatigue detection, auto high-beam headlights, lane departure warning and lane-keeping assistance. 

That’s in addition to city speed AEB which works whether you’re going forward (4-80km/h) or reversing (2-8km/h), blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, LED headlights, tyre pressure monitoring, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child-seat anchor points and three top-tether restraints, and six airbags. 

Every 2019 model CX-5 - on sale from late November 2018 - will come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring technology, which is designed to complement the brand’s MZD Connect system (including integrated sat nav from Maxx Sport grade upwards).

Every 2019 model CX-5 will come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Inside the cabin there is a revised air-conditioning control panel with new switchgear for “a more pleasing operating feel”, and the changes have gone even further on the flagship Akera.

In that grade, there’s new 'Dark Russet Nappa' leather trim, real wood trim inserts for the dashboard and doors, cooled front seats in addition to heating for the front and rear outboard seats (which is also new for 2019), a heated steering wheel, and new frameless rear-view mirror. There is new ambient LED lighting in the cabin plus full LED illumination for the convenience lights (glovebox, footwells, map lights).

The Akera also gets new 19-inch wheels in a dark finish, while Maxx Sport and Touring versions both get new 17-inch wheels in a grey metallic finish. All models get LED numberplate lighting, too. 

The driving dynamics are said to have been improved, too, with revised suspension dampers for a smoother ride, and a revised torque-vectoring system that offers the driver “an enhanced feeling of unity with the car”. 

The new 2.5-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine is the same powertrain fitted to the Mazda6 sedan and wagon, as well as the Mazda CX-9 large SUV. And just like the latter, the SkyActiv-G 2.5T is only available with all-wheel drive in the CX-5, and only comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. It attracts a price premium - see the table below.

Power outputs for the new engine are pegged at 170kW/420Nm, which puts it at the top end of the segment for petrol power specs, and claimed fuel consumption is a little thirsty at 8.2L/100km. The new engine is only available in the GT and Akera models, but Mazda proudly states that this move broadens the brand’s second-most popular model’s range to 14 variants.

The new 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine produces 170kW/420Nm.

The other drivetrains remain the same, with the entry-level Maxx model still available with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine (115kW/200Nm) in front-wheel drive (2WD) and the choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. That same drivetrain is also offered in the Maxx Sport, but only as an auto. Claimed fuel use is 6.9L/100km. 

The 2.5-litre non-turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 140kW/252Nm remains available, too. It is only available with a six-speed automatic transmission and in all-wheel drive. That powertrain is available on the Maxx, Maxx Sport and mid-range Touring model. Claimed fuel use is 7.4L/100km.

And Mazda’s 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine with 140kW/450Nm is still broadly available, and it comes with a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. It remains available across Maxx Sport, Touring, GT and Akera models. Fuel consumption is claimed at 5.7L/100km.

2019 Mazda CX-5 list pricing (plus on-road costs):

Petrol, turbocharged petrol or turbo-diesel - which would you choose? Tell us in the comments below.