Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2019 Mazda CX-5 Touring, a vehicle that perfectly blends style, comfort, and practicality. If you're in the market for a compact SUV that offers a premium feel without breaking the bank, the CX-5 Touring is definitely worth considering. Let’s explore what makes this trim level stand out, covering everything from its performance and interior features to its safety technology and overall value.

Performance and Handling

Let's kick things off with the heart of the CX-5 Touring: its performance. The 2019 model comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that churns out a respectable 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. While it might not sound like a powerhouse on paper, this engine provides ample pep for daily driving. Whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the CX-5 Touring feels responsive and eager to please. The engine is paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission, which further enhances the driving experience.

One of the standout features of the CX-5 is its handling. Mazda has a knack for making even their SUVs feel sporty, and the CX-5 is no exception. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing excellent feedback and making it easy to place the car exactly where you want it on the road. The suspension strikes a great balance between comfort and control, soaking up bumps and imperfections while still keeping the car composed in corners. It's this dynamic driving experience that sets the CX-5 apart from many of its competitors, making it a joy to drive every day.

For those who live in areas with inclement weather, the CX-5 Touring is available with all-wheel drive (AWD). The AWD system provides added traction and stability, giving you extra confidence when driving in rain, snow, or ice. It’s a worthwhile upgrade for anyone who wants the added peace of mind that comes with all-weather capability. Fuel economy is also a strong point, with the CX-5 Touring achieving an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. Even with AWD, the fuel economy remains respectable, making it an efficient choice for daily commutes and long road trips. Overall, the performance and handling of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 Touring make it a standout in its class, offering a driving experience that is both engaging and refined.

Interior Features and Comfort

Moving inside, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 Touring impresses with its well-appointed and comfortable interior. The cabin is designed with high-quality materials and a keen attention to detail, creating a premium feel that punches above its price point. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making them ideal for long drives. The Touring trim comes standard with leatherette upholstery with cloth inserts, which adds a touch of sophistication without the high cost of full leather seats. The driver's seat offers multiple adjustments, ensuring that you can find the perfect driving position.

The rear seats are also spacious enough to comfortably accommodate adult passengers, with ample legroom and headroom. The rear seats can also recline, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy the ride. The CX-5 Touring also offers a generous amount of cargo space, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This is plenty of room for groceries, luggage, or sporting equipment. The rear seats also feature a 40/20/40 split-folding design, which allows you to configure the cargo area to suit your needs.

In terms of technology, the CX-5 Touring comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen display, which is mounted atop the dashboard. The infotainment system is easy to use, with intuitive menus and responsive controls. It also includes features like Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car. Other standard features include a six-speaker audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a rearview camera. The overall interior design of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 Touring is both stylish and functional, making it a comfortable and enjoyable place to spend time. The attention to detail and use of high-quality materials create a premium feel that sets it apart from many of its competitors.

Safety and Driver Assistance

When it comes to safety, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 Touring doesn't skimp on features. Mazda has equipped this SUV with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies, designed to protect you and your passengers in the event of a collision. The CX-5 has earned excellent crash-test scores from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), further solidifying its reputation as a safe and reliable vehicle.

Standard safety features on the CX-5 Touring include antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. In addition to these standard features, the CX-5 Touring also comes with several advanced driver-assistance systems. These include features like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, which helps you stay aware of your surroundings and avoid potential accidents. The blind-spot monitoring system alerts you when a vehicle is in your blind spot, while the rear cross-traffic alert system warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing out of a parking space.

Other available safety features on the CX-5 Touring include adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, while lane-departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane. Lane-keep assist can even gently steer the car back into the lane if you don't respond to the warning. These advanced safety features can help reduce driver fatigue and prevent accidents, making the CX-5 Touring an even safer vehicle. Overall, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 Touring offers a comprehensive suite of safety features that provide peace of mind and help keep you and your passengers safe on the road.

Technology and Connectivity

In today's world, staying connected on the go is more important than ever. The 2019 Mazda CX-5 Touring delivers a solid array of technology and connectivity features to keep you entertained, informed, and in touch with the outside world. The centerpiece of the infotainment system is a 7-inch touchscreen display, which is mounted atop the dashboard for easy visibility. The touchscreen is responsive and easy to use, with intuitive menus and clear graphics.

The infotainment system includes features like Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to wirelessly stream music and make hands-free phone calls. It also comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which allows you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can access your favorite apps, navigation, and contacts directly from the car's touchscreen display. This makes it easy to stay connected and entertained while on the road. The CX-5 Touring also includes a six-speaker audio system, which delivers decent sound quality for most listeners. However, audiophiles may want to consider upgrading to the Bose audio system that is available on higher trim levels.

Other technology features on the CX-5 Touring include dual-zone automatic climate control, which allows you and your passengers to set your preferred temperatures independently. It also comes with a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of what's behind the car when you're backing up. The rearview camera can be a lifesaver in tight parking situations. Overall, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 Touring offers a good balance of technology and connectivity features, making it a great choice for those who want to stay connected on the go. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some of its competitors, it offers a solid set of features at an affordable price.

Value and Conclusion

Alright, let's wrap things up by talking about the value proposition of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 Touring. This trim level strikes an excellent balance between features and price, making it a compelling choice for those who want a premium SUV experience without breaking the bank. The CX-5 Touring offers a generous array of standard features, including a powerful engine, comfortable interior, advanced safety technology, and user-friendly infotainment system. It also boasts Mazda's signature sporty handling, making it a joy to drive.

Compared to its competitors, the CX-5 Touring offers exceptional value for money. It undercuts many of its rivals in terms of price, while still offering a similar level of features and performance. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who don't want to compromise on quality. Of course, there are some areas where the CX-5 Touring could be improved. The 7-inch touchscreen display is smaller than some of its competitors, and the base audio system is not the most impressive. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise excellent package.

In conclusion, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 Touring is a fantastic compact SUV that offers a winning combination of style, comfort, performance, and value. Whether you're looking for a daily commuter, a family vehicle, or a weekend adventure machine, the CX-5 Touring is well worth considering. Its sporty handling, comfortable interior, and advanced safety features make it a standout in its class. So, if you're in the market for a new SUV, be sure to check out the 2019 Mazda CX-5 Touring. You might just be surprised at how much you get for your money!