Mazda CX-5 2019 Review

The C-segment SUV market has always been a popular choice among family users in Malaysia, catering to both the economic demands of daily commuting and the practicality for weekend outings. The 2019 Mazda CX-5 2.0L High SKYACTIV-G, as a mid-high trim level in its lineup, attracts consumers with its comprehensive safety features, flexible interior space, and balanced performance. In this test drive, we aim to evaluate its real-world performance in urban and suburban highway conditions and see whether its features truly align with the positioning of the "High" trim.

Approaching the vehicle, the exterior of the CX-5 2.0L High continues Mazda's signature KODO design, featuring smooth and dynamic lines. The front shield-shaped grille, paired with chrome trim and connected to the LED headlights on both sides, enhances its visual width. The bottom front bumper's simple contours and the lines around the fog light area give it a slight sporty touch. On the sides, the 17-inch wheels paired with 225/65 R17 tires are well-proportioned, while the chrome trim at the lower door enhances its premium feel. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a smoked finish, echoing the design of the front end, and the silver skid plate on the rear bumper reinforces the vehicle's SUV attributes. The overall design is highly recognizable, striking a balance between understated elegance and a sense of fashion.

Opening the door, the interior layout is driver-focused, with the center console tilted towards the driver for easier operation. Regarding materials, soft-touch materials wrap the top of the center console and the inner sides of the door panels, providing a pleasant tactile experience. The 7-inch touchscreen on the center console is clear and supports touch operation; however, during daily driving, the physical buttons on the steering wheel are used more often. In terms of features, the 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and 6-way power-adjustable passenger seat are highlights of the "High" version, significantly improving convenience compared to the manually adjustable seats in the Mid version. The dual-zone automatic air conditioning supports independent vents for the rear seats, catering to the comfort of rear passengers. The 360-degree panoramic camera is very practical when parking, and when combined with front and rear parking sensors, even novice drivers can park with ease.

In terms of space, the vehicle's dimensions are 4550mm in length, 1840mm in width, and 1675mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2700mm, which represents the mainstream level for C-segment SUVs. After the front seats are adjusted to a comfortable driving position, there is still about two fist widths of legroom left for rear passengers, and the headroom is also quite sufficient, ensuring that passengers as tall as 180cm won’t feel cramped. The rear seats support a 40/20/40 split folding design, expanding the cargo space from 442L to a larger capacity when folded down, making it suitable for stowing baby strollers or camping gear. In terms of storage, the door panel compartments, center armrest box, and front cup holders are all quite practical, meeting everyday storage needs.

Starting the vehicle, the 2.0L naturally aspirated engine has a maximum power of 162PS and a maximum torque of 200N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The power delivery is linear; there’s no sudden surge at startup, making it suitable for urban commuting. When accelerating at mid to high speeds, stepping harder on the accelerator prompts the transmission to downshift actively, making overtaking relatively smooth. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 10.4 seconds is more than adequate for daily use. There are two driving modes to choose from: Normal and Sport. In Sport mode, throttle response is slightly more sensitive, though the difference is not particularly significant.

In terms of handling, the CX-5 has a precise steering wheel with minimal play. The chassis uses a front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent suspension system, which is tuned for comfort while maintaining a certain level of support. When driving on bumpy urban roads, the suspension filters out most small vibrations, ensuring that rear passengers do not feel significant discomfort. Cornering stability is well-controlled, providing sufficient confidence. At high speeds, the vehicle remains stable without a floating sensation.

The fuel consumption performance meets expectations. We drove about 50km each on congested urban roads and suburban highways, resulting in an average fuel consumption of around 7.2L/100km, which is close to the official figure of 6.9L/100km. For an SUV weighing about 1.5 tons, this result is quite ideal. In terms of noise control, wind and tire noise are present while driving at high speeds, but it remains within an acceptable range and does not affect normal conversation among passengers inside the car.

Overall, the key advantage of the 2019 CX-5 2.0L High lies in its balanced performance: rich safety features (6 airbags, active braking, lane-keeping assist, etc.), flexible space layout, practical electrically adjustable seats, and 360-degree panoramic view system. These features make it more competitive compared to rivals in the same price range. Compared to the Mid version from its own lineup, the upgrade to the electrically adjustable seats and 360-degree panoramic camera significantly enhances everyday convenience. Compared to the higher-end 2.5L GLS version, while the power is slightly weaker, the price is about 13,000 MYR cheaper and the fuel consumption is lower, which makes it a better value for money.

This car is very suitable for families who prioritize practicality and safety. It is economical and fuel-efficient for daily commutes, and offers enough space for family outings on weekends. At the same time, its handling performance can satisfy young individuals seeking a quality driving experience. If you are looking for a well-equipped, worry-free, and durable mid-size SUV, the CX-5 2.0L High is worth considering.