2019 Mazda CX-5 2.0L High SKYACTIV-G Review

In Malaysia's C-segment SUV market, practical and well-balanced models have always been the first choice for family users. The 2019 Mazda CX-5 2.0L High SKYACTIV-G has long captured attention in this segment thanks to the reliability of its Japanese brand and its comprehensive features. The core selling points of this car lie not only in its full suite of safety features but also in its balance of space and driving comfort. In this test drive, we aim to verify whether its static practicality and dynamic performance meet the daily needs of family users, providing potential buyers with a straightforward reference.

Approaching the vehicle, the CX-5 2.0L High continues Mazda's signature KODO design language, with smooth and dynamic body lines. The shield-shaped front grille with chrome accents seamlessly connects to the LED headlights on both sides, offering high recognizability. The angular design of the lower front fog light area adds a touch of toughness. The side profile features a sleek character line extending from the front fender to the rear, with a slightly upward trajectory that keeps the body from looking bulky. The 17-inch wheels are understated but proportionate to the body. At the rear, the horizontally arranged LED taillights echo the headlights when lit, and the silver skid plate on the rear bumper enhances the SUV's rugged attributes. The overall design is neither too exaggerated nor lacking in refinement, appealing to the aesthetics of most family-oriented users.

Opening the door, the interior quality exceeds expectations. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, complemented by piano black trim and silver accents, creating a minimalist yet premium ambiance. The center console features a 7-inch touchscreen with a clear interface and smooth operation, supporting the Sound Plus function. The six-speaker system provides audio quality that stands out in its class. The instrument cluster includes a 4.6-inch TFT LCD display, which shows essential information such as fuel consumption and speed in real-time, offering great practicality. The seats stand out: the driver’s seat supports 10-way electric adjustment, while the passenger seat offers 6-way electric adjustment, making it accommodating for different body types. The rear seats come with a 40/20/40 split-folding design and three headrests, making it suitable for multiple passengers or flexible storage configurations. In terms of space, the car measures 4550mm in length, 1840mm in width, and 1675mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2700mm. The headroom and legroom in the front row are ample, and a passenger measuring 175cm in height still has two fists' worth of legroom and one fist's worth of headroom in the rear row, fully meeting the requirements for daily family travel. For storage, the trunk offers a standard capacity of 442L, which can be further expanded by folding down the rear seats. The central front armrest storage box and door panel storage spaces are also sufficient for daily items. Additionally, the dual-zone automatic air conditioning with rear air vents and the 220V/230V power outlet provide extra convenience for rear-seat passengers using electronic devices.

Starting the car, the operation of the 2.0L naturally aspirated engine feels very smooth. It delivers a maximum power of 162PS/6000rpm and a maximum torque at 4000rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the throttle response is linear, with a nimble initial acceleration and smooth power delivery. Even under full load, mid-to-low-speed overtaking instills sufficient confidence. The transmission shifts gears with clear logic and reasonable timing, with virtually no perceptible jolts during gear changes. Steering feels stable and slightly weighted, with minimal play, providing precise turning control and sufficient confidence to the driver. The suspension system consists of a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned towards comfort without compromising firmness. It effectively absorbs most vibrations when passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, and the body shows no noticeable rebound. High-speed cornering keeps the body roll within a reasonable range, offering good stability. Fuel consumption meets expectations; the official combined consumption is 6.9L/100km, while actual urban driving results in about 8.2L/100km, and highway driving decreases it to around 6.5L/100km. Considering the car's weight of 1.575 tons, these figures are relatively economical. In terms of safety features, the car comes standard with six airbags, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, a 360-degree panoramic view camera, and more, covering almost all the active and passive safety functions needed for daily driving, providing ample peace of mind for drivers.

In terms of ride comfort, the performance of the CX-5 is commendable. The cabin's sound insulation is good, and wind and road noise at high speeds are kept within an acceptable range, which does not affect conversations inside the car. The seat padding strikes a good balance between softness and firmness, providing strong support and ensuring comfort even on long rides. Features such as electric parking brake, rain-sensing wipers, and keyless entry enhance everyday convenience, showing thoughtful attention to detail.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 2.0L High SKYACTIV-G lie in its comprehensive safety features, flexible space layout, and balanced driving quality. Compared to competing models in the same segment, such as the Honda CR-V 2.0L or Toyota RAV4 2.0L, the CX-5 offers superior interior craftsmanship and seat configurations, along with more robust safety features, while maintaining a reasonable price point, making it highly cost-effective. This vehicle is perfect for families that prioritize safety, space, and driving comfort, and it can effortlessly handle both daily commutes and weekend road trips. If you are looking for a mid-size SUV with no significant weaknesses, the CX-5 2.0L High is definitely worth adding to your shortlist.