2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature Debuts in Seattle

We’ve always been impressed by the Mazda CX-5 in terms of driving dynamics, functionality, features, and safety. For 2019, Mazda is rounding out the midsize crossover in the form of a CX-5 Signature trim.

Beauty is in its simplicity and a single look is enough to sense the updated CX-5’s sophistication, prevision and superior craftsmanship.

With the success of the Signature trim level in the CX-9 and the Mazda6, it was only appropriate to follow suit in the ever-popular CX-5. The new 2019 CX-5 Signature composes elegant features such as Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats, genuine layered wood trim that gives a feeling of warmth and modernity and satin chrome accents to tie the whole look together.

The leather-wrapped steering wheel features unique stitching, while ambient interior LED lighting, a black headliner and a frameless rearview mirror all play their part in creating a refined interior atmosphere.

The updated design features of the CX-5 Signature is only part of what make it an appealing SUV. The feeling of being in the CX-5 has also received changes that go beyond the sensations at the fingertips. Complementing the interior is a premium driving experience by way of the turbocharged SKYACTIV-2.5T engine, refined suspension system and latest in G-Vectoring Control technologies. All refinements operating in a way to help the vehicle feel like an extension of the driver.

Additionally, a 360°View Monitor with front and rear parking sensors in the CX-5 Signature builds upon a host of new technology features.

The 2019 CX-5 hosts many new technological features that help improve on the vehicle’s comfort, convenience and safety. The aforementioned 360° View Monitor is a great aide when maneuvering into a parking spot. The 7-inch, full-color touchscreen display, holds another new feature for the 2019 CX-5: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, finally!

Other new technologies include a reconfigurable 7.0-inch TFT gauge display, ventilated front seats, power-folding mirrors, and SiriusXM 3 Year Traffic and Travel Link subscription.

Mazda has expanded the engine lineup of the CX-5 to meet more customer needs with two engine options. Ideal for brisk city driving, the familiar, fuel-efficient SKYACTIV-G 2.5 naturally aspired engine is a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine found in the previous model year that continues to exemplify Mazda’s efforts of continuous improvements and cylinder-deactivation technology.

First available in the current-generation Mazda CX-9 midsize crossover SUV and most recently adopted in the 2018 Mazda6 sedan, the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T is a technological tour de force that produces 310 lb-ft of torque from just 2,000 RPM and 250 horsepower on 93-octane fuel (227 horsepower with 87-octane gasoline).

Mazda’s Dynamic Pressure Turbo builds boost at low RPM by using a small inlet port to accelerate the exhaust gasses hitting the turbine, akin to how water velocity increases when one holds his or her thumb over a hose. From there, a secondary valve can open up at higher RPM for increased airflow and maximum horsepower. A pulse-scavenging 4-3-1 manifold that prevents exhaust from restricting airflow through the engine and helps the engine breathe freely.

Cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is used to reduce combustion temperatures, preventing knocking and therefore reducing the need for fuel-enrichment (when extra fuel is dumped into the cylinders as a means to cool the engine). Many times, when turbocharged engines fail to achieve EPA-estimated fuel-efficiency numbers in the real world, it is because laboratory tests don’t replicate the higher-load driving styles that necessitate fuel-enrichment.

Mazda’s six-speed automatic transmission, paired as standard to the 2.5T engine, keeps its torque converter locked through most of its operation, giving a more connected sense of controllability than many other automatic transmissions.

To complement the more powerful engine, new G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) is standard across all trim levels of the 2019 CX-5. The original G-Vectoring Control is a Mazda-exclusive technology that makes steering response more precise and consistent by using small changes in engine output to shift weight to the front tires whenever the driver turns the wheel. In this updated version, GVC Plus also improves steering response as the driver straightens the wheel, by adding a hit of braking to the outside front wheel.

The more precise response of GVC Plus helps prevent the driver from accidentally over-driving the car in high-speed and emergency maneuvers, resulting in better stability for the vehicle, and more confidence for the driver.

GVC Plus can help make any driver better by helping CX-5 go where the driver expects it, which can result in increased driver confidence and enhanced peace of mind. Purely a software control system, GVC Plus adds no weight, simply coordinating the existing electronic control systems as never before, allowing the engine and brake system to respond to the steering wheel for a seamless, coordinated response.

CX-5 also receives the latest in refinements to the suspension system to offer a smoother, more linear ride quality that all occupants can enjoy. The suspension was re-tuned to reduce friction, allowing the wheels to easily glide over bumps while maintaining confident control of body motions. Steering geometry was also improved to help the CX-5 carve through corners more naturally.

The 2019 CX-5 will be arriving at dealers nationwide this month.