New trim takes Mazda CX-5 up a notch
Signature elevates the already good compact crossover to luxury-level quality and dynamics
The sporting essence of the Miata is, to varying degrees, found in every vehicle Mazda builds.
This includes the automaker’s popular CX-5 compact crossover. Though not the best-selling model in the segment — the Toyota RAV4 and Honda’s CR-V are fighting over those bragging rights — the CX-5 is a top seller for the company and a noteworthy player. Its primary strengths are swoopy styling and, more to the point, a rewarding driving experience.
For the 2019 model year, the company significantly ups the CX-5’s already solid game, imbuing the crossover with a heady boost in horsepower — as long as you’re willing to pay for your pleasure.
While GX, GS and GT trims get the 187-hp, 2.5-litre four (with cylinder deactivation for the GS and GT), the new, topof-the-line CX-5 Signature is the recipient of the flagship CX-9’s brawny, turbocharged Skyactiv-2.5T engine (optional on the GT). Also found in the Mazda6 sedan, the 2.5T, still mated to a six-speed automatic, produces a muscular 310 pound-feet of torque from just 2,000 rpm, and 227 hp on regular (87-octane) gasoline. Feeling flush? Fill up with 93 octane and the turbo-four pumps up the volume to the tune of 250 hp.
How impressive is that? Among the CX-5’s primary competitors, neither the RAV4, not the CR-V — and not even the Nissan Rogue or Subaru Forester — will come near to matching the Signature’s horsepower.
The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0T and Kia Sportage SX Turbo are closer (235 and 237 hp, respectively), as is the Ford Escape Titanium (245 hp). The Chevy Equinox 2LT and Premier sneak out a slight advantage (252 hp) with their 2.0-L turbo engines, and the Jeep Cherokee has to put a 3.2-L V6 under its hood to claim 271 hp.
The $40,950 Signature, however, is not merely about more power. Pushing the CX-5 farther upscale also means improvements to the chassis and to the cabin. Starting with the former, all 2019 CX-5s get an upgraded version of Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control (GVC) system, which made steering response more precise and consistent by using small changes in engine output to shift weight to the front tires whenever the steering wheel was turned.
The updated version, called GVC Plus, now improves steering response as the driver straightens the wheel, by adding a quick hit of braking to the outside front wheel.
If you’re choking on your cornflakes over the thought of a $41K CX-5, don’t. The top trims of most of the Mazda’s aforementioned competition are also around $40K, or close enough.
The Signature trim line, which originated in the CX-9 and was also added to the Mazda6, incorporates premium materials such as Cocoa Nappa leather and Abachi wood trim. The list of features that support comfort, convenience and safety include (finally!) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a configurable seven-inch TFT gauge display, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, Bose 10-speaker premium sound system, windshield-projected head-up display, power folding outside mirrors, and a frameless rear-view mirror with auto-dimming and HomeLink wireless control system.
Substitute the Mazda nameplate with one from a German company and the crossover’s price would be in the 50s.
Operations of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto infotainment systems can be done with the crossover’s multi-function Commander knob and shortcut buttons or voice command functions.
Whistler was the starting point for a run up to the town of Pemberton before reversing course and heading to Whistler Olympic Park.
A heavy snowfall created greasy roads, and the drive became more about how good the all-wheel-drive system, traction control, snow tires and the G-Vectoring Control were. The fact there was no exploration of ditches was the result of a combination of common sense and a well-integrated drivetrain, with the safety backups ready to step in when needed without being overly intrusive.
The CX-5’s steering improvements proved most noteworthy, with excellent weight and feedback to the driver. Within the crowded and highly competitive compact crossover segment, there’s a large degree of sameness to the main players. The Signature elevates the CX-5 lineup, bringing a higher level of Mazda’s trademark sportiness — and a new premium status — to market.