2019 Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The new 2019 Mazda CX-5’s sporty driving dynamics and upscale cabin make it feel like a far more expensive model. Everyday practicality adds to this small crossover’s appeal. Furthermore, even the base model looks pleasing with its curvaceous body lines.

For 2019, Mazda has introduced a few more exciting features for the CX-5. Many drivers will be interested in the new turbocharged engine, which noticeably bolsters performance. Meanwhile, the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the MazdaConnect infotainment system will make smartphone users happy. There’s also a few more luxury features now offered, including ventilated seats.

Let’s compare the available trims for the 2019 Mazda CX-5.

Compare the 2019 Mazda CX-5 Sport vs Touring Trims. What is the difference?

What a starting price of $24,350, the CX-5 Sport costs the least amount of money. However, it still proves to be a very rewarding option. Because the CX-5 Sport has such an attractive appearance, most people won’t know it’s the base model. Twin exhaust outlets and a body-color roof spoiler highlight its athletic look. LED headlights come standard as well.

In terms of performance, the CX-5 Sport’s base four-cylinder engine pushes out an adequate 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is found throughout the CX-5 lineup. While a FWD system comes standard, Mazda’s optional i-Activ AWD is a must for traveling in the snow.

You may be pleasantly surprised by the CX-5 Sport’s number of standard features. Reclining rear seats help your passengers to enjoy a relaxing ride. Hands-free Bluetooth enables you to stream music and place calls. Some of the other equipment includes push-button start, dual USB ports, and a 7.0-inch touch screen. To promote a safer driving experience, Mazda also includes blind-spot detection and low-speed collision braking as standard features.

If you desire more safety tech, take advantage of the CX-5 Sport’s optional i-Activsense package. The upgraded automatic braking system comes with pedestrian detection. Some of the package’s other driving aids include lane-keep assist, intelligent cruise control, and automatic high beams.

The Touring trim is another step up the trim ladder. In terms of exterior styling, it’s not much different from the base Sport model. However, you’ll will enjoy a greater number of standard features. Mazda’s i-Activsense safety package comes standard on the CX-5 Sport. Heated leatherette seats with Lux Suede inserts replace the standard cloth seats. Unlike the base Sport trim, the Touring trim provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Some of the other upgrades include a six-speaker sound system with HD radio, dual-zone automatic climate control, and additional USB ports.

Although the optional Touring Preferred package increases the SUV’s cost by $1.375, it does bring some cool features. The 10-speaker Bose sound system promises to make you move. You will also receive a sunroof and a power tailgate.

Compare the 2019 CX-5 Touring vs Grand Touring Trims. What is the difference?

In comparison to the CX-5 Touring, the CX-5 Grand Touring looks just a bit more stylish. It comes equipped with a larger set of 19-inch alloy wheels and LED fog lights. Adaptive headlights help you to see better on winding back roads. While the heated side mirrors don’t add to the Grand Touring trim’s appearance, they do come in handy on frosty mornings.

Leather-trimmed seats are found inside the CX-5 Grand Touring. Aside from the CX-5 Touring's optional Bose sound system and sunroof, the CX-5 Grand Touring also provides an upgraded driver information display and navigation.

An optional GT Premium package transforms the CX-5 Grand Touring into a more luxurious ride. For the first time, ventilated seats are available. You’ll also like the Active Driving Display with traffic sign recognition, which projects your speed and safety alerts onto the windshield. Some of the package’s other niceties include heated rear seats, a heated steering wheels, and power-folding mirrors.

Compare the CX-5 Grand Touring vs Grand Touring Reserve Trims. What is the difference?

The Grand Touring Reserve trim is new for 2019. It comes loaded with all of the Grand Touring's optional equipment. Enhanced performance is the Grand Touring Reserve trim’s main advantage over the Grand Touring trim. It swaps out the base engine for an all-new turbocharged engine, which pours out a more entertaining 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. While all-wheel drive is optional on the CX-5 Grand Touring, it’s standard on the CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve.

Compare the CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve vs Signature Trims. What is the difference?

Resting atop the CX-5 lineup is the Signature trim, which comes standard with the new turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. While it may not look any different from the outside, it does welcome you to a more upscale cabin. It comes adorned with Caturra Brown Nappa leather upholstery and genuine wood interior accents. A black cloth headliner also helps give the CX-5 Signature a more premium feel. Ambient lighting is another one of the Signature trim’s exclusive features.

Like the CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve, the CX-5 Signature comes loaded with all of the available safety technologies. However, it also adds a surround-view parking camera and parking sensors.

Final Thoughts

The base Mazda CX-5 Sport will meet the needs of most buyers. Its smooth styling and poised handling promise to leave you impressed. Although the standard infotainment system may not provide Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, your phone can be connected via Bluetooth. Mazda’s Smart City Brake Support system is another highlight. If you can afford it, get the optional Sport i-Activsense package. The extra advanced safety innovations will put your mind at ease.

Some people consider the CX-5 Touring to be an even better buy. This trim provides the optional i-Activsense safety package plus smartphone integration and upgraded upholstery. While the available Bose sound system may be tempting, it is a pricey upgrade.

With a starting price in excess of $30,000, the CX-5 Grand Touring may be more expensive than some buyers would prefer. Nevertheless, it does provide a few appearance upgrades and leather upholstery. Premium features, such as the Active Driving Display and ventilated front seats, are found in the optional GT Premium package.

If you yearn for a more powerful performance, choose either the CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve or the CX-5 Signature. These models come standard with the new turbocharged engine. You’ll definitely appreciate the SUV’s stronger acceleration. Unfortunately, these upper trims will put a bigger dent in your bank account. In fact, the CX-5 Signature is roughly $12,500 more expensive than the base Sport trim.

2019 Mazda CX-5 Key Features

The MazdaConnect infotainment system has some nice qualities. Because its touch-screen display is positioned atop the dash, all of the information will be in your direct line of sight. While the touch screen can’t be operated while driving, a rotary knob along the console enables you to sort through the apps. Apple Carplay and Android Auto are finally offered. On the downside, some people have expressed the desire for MazdaConnect to provide more physical buttons.

Regardless of which CX-5 trim you choose, look forward to experiencing precise handling. All versions of the CX-5 come standard with G-Vectoring Control Plus. By adjusting the SUV’s power delivery through corners, this technology is able to give the SUV an especially secure feel.

If you don’t regularly experience wintry weather, you’ll be just fine with the CX-5’s front-wheel-drive system. On the other hand, Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system does give you more confidence when facing poor driving conditions. It manages to effectively improve traction without having a seriously negative impact of fuel economy. However, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 isn’t designed for off-road exploration.

Most CX-5 buyers are expected to stick with the base four-cylinder engine. While models equipped with the base engine aren’t quick, a responsive automatic transmission helps ensure decent acceleration. Fuel economy stands at a combined 28 mpg. Although the available turbocharged engine lowers fuel economy to a combined 25 mpg, the elevated performance is worth it. In order to get the maximum output, you will need to use premium unleaded gas.

Safety has become a strong point for the Mazda CX-5. Even the base Sport trim includes Smart City Brake Support, which provides braking assistance at low speeds. Available in the i-Activsense package, adaptive cruise control does a good job of keeping you moving with the flow of traffic. Although the Active Driving Display is only available on the upper trims, it will make your commute safer. Unfortunately, some reviewers have found the standard blind-spot monitor to be overly sensitive.

You won’t get great sound quality from the standard four-speaker stereo system. While the Touring trim’s two additional speakers promote a more enjoyable music-listening experience, the 10-speaker Bose audio system is clearly a better choice. It produces deep bass and clearer overall sound. The system has a built-in amplifier, so you won’t have to worry about the speakers being under-powered.