When I was choosing a car for my family and city life, I settled on the 2019 Mazda CX-5. Now, several years and tens of thousands of kilometers later, I can confidently say I made the right choice. This car has become more than just a means of transportation, but a reliable companion that brings me joy every day. In my review, I want to share not just dry numbers from a brochure, but real-life ownership experiences, highlighting its strengths and the aspects that took some getting used to.
The first thing that captivates me about the Mazda CX-5 is its exterior. The KODO design never gets old. Even with so many new models on the road, my crossover looks fresh and dynamic. I'm especially pleased with the signature Soul Red Crystal color. It truly sparkles in the sun, and after a wash, the car shines like new. But beauty isn't the most important thing. The body's practicality is excellent: the stampings are rigid, the gaps are even, and throughout the entire period of use, no squeaks or unusual sounds have appeared anywhere. In winter, after treating the roads with chemicals, I was always worried about the paintwork, but it has proven durable – there are virtually no chips or spots of corrosion.
The car's dimensions are the perfect balance for a big city. Its 4.55-meter length makes it easy to park even in tight courtyards, and its 1.84-meter width makes it easy to navigate in heavy traffic. At the same time, the interior feels very spacious. I often travel with my family, and there's always plenty of room for the backseat passengers. The 2,700-mm wheelbase provides excellent stability on the highway; the car doesn't sway on undulating asphalt or in crosswinds. The 200-mm ground clearance (slightly reduced after the facelift) still allows you to safely drive over curbs and tackle light off-road conditions at your dacha.
Live experience of using the cabin and controls
The Mazda CX-5's interior is a place where every detail has been thought through. When I first got behind the wheel, everything seemed intuitive. The buttons and controls are easy to reach, and the quality of the trim materials is pleasing to the eye and tactile. I opted for the fabric upholstery, and I haven't regretted it: it's soft to the touch, doesn't get as hot as leather in the summer, and doesn't freeze in the winter. After years of active use by children and a dog, the upholstery still looks great—wear and tear marks are almost invisible.
The driver's seat is ergonomically excellent. The seat offers good lateral support and is adjustable for height and lumbar support. Long drives are comfortable. The steering wheel is comfortable, covered in high-quality leather. I'd especially like to praise the MZD Connect control system. The dial and buttons next to the gearshift lever are a brilliant solution. You don't have to reach for the touchscreen and take your eyes off the road. All controls for the audio system, navigation, and phone are literally at your fingertips. The voice control also works well, but I rarely use it.
What's really important for a family is climate control. The dual-zone climate control allows me to drive in a comfortably cool environment while the front passenger warms up. Heated seats and steering wheel are a must-have in winter. They turn on quickly and provide effective warmth. Heated mirrors are a lifesaver in slush and winter rain. But what was a revelation for me was the quietness inside the car. Mazda engineers have done a great job with soundproofing. On the highway, even at high speeds, you can comfortably talk without raising your voice and listen to music.
- Interior build quality: all panels fit tightly, and after three years, nothing has started to creak or come loose.
- Space: There's more than enough room for front passengers, and the back row is comfortable even for adults on long trips.
- Trunk space: 442 liters is a huge amount. It fits a stroller, grocery bags, and things for the dacha. With the rear seats folded down, it's practically a van.
- Electronics: all systems operate stably, there was not a single failure or freeze of the multimedia system.
- Backlighting: pleasant white backlighting of instruments and buttons does not hurt the eyes at night.
Technical part: engines, consumption and maintenance
Under the hood of my Mazda CX-5 is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter gasoline engine. Its 190 horsepower is perfect for this crossover. Acceleration is dynamic, and overtaking on the highway is a breeze. The engine thrives on high revs and really comes into its own above 3,000 rpm. But most importantly, it's incredibly reliable. I've only changed the engine oil, filters, and spark plugs as scheduled. I've never encountered any leaks, unusual noises, or electronic issues.
I drive the car in 70% mode (city) and 30% (highway). Average fuel consumption, as shown by the trip computer, fluctuates between 9.5-10.5 liters per 100 km in the city and around 7-7.5 liters on the highway. For an engine of this size and all-wheel drive, this is excellent. SkyActiv-G technology really does improve fuel economy. The transmission is a six-speed automatic. It shifts smoothly, without jerking, and shifts in a timely manner. There is a manual mode, but I rarely use it – the automatic handles it perfectly.
The CX-5 has selectable all-wheel drive. Under normal conditions, 100% of torque is sent to the front wheels, helping to save fuel. If slippage occurs, the system quickly engages the rear axle. In winter, on snowy roads and in light mud, the car feels confident. This isn't an SUV for serious off-roading, but for our winter conditions and rough country roads, it's more than adequate. The suspension is tuned comfortably, but not overly soft. It soaks up bumps well, while body roll is minimal in turns, and the steering is responsive.
What you need to know about maintenance
The Mazda CX-5 is a car with predictable and affordable maintenance costs. I follow the maintenance schedule and get it serviced at an authorized dealer. Scheduled maintenance costs an average of 15,000-25,000 rubles, depending on the scope of work. Parts are readily available, and I've never had any issues with their delivery. Consumables (brake pads, rotors) last a long time. I've only changed the brakes once, after 60,000 km. The service life of the original spark plugs is about 30,000 km. I change the original engine oil every 10,000 km, although the official interval may be longer – for me, it's a matter of peace of mind.
- Oil: I recommend using only Mazda-approved oils. Non-original oils may cause the engine to run louder.
- Filters: It is better to change the air and cabin filters every second maintenance, especially if you drive a lot in the city or on dusty roads.
- Brake fluid: the regulations require replacement every two years, but don’t neglect this – it’s a safety issue.
- Automatic transmission: the box is maintenance-free, but the fluid condition should be checked at every major maintenance.
- Tires: I've switched to all-season tires from a good brand. They're sufficient for moderate climates with mild winters, but for real winter, it's better to have a separate set.
Electronic assistants and security systems
My car comes with a whole arsenal of electronic driver assistance systems, and over time, I realized their true value. The blind spot monitoring system is indispensable when changing lanes in heavy traffic. The audible and visual warnings on the mirrors work flawlessly. The cruise control with distance control is a lifesaver on long highway drives. It not only maintains speed but also automatically brakes if the car in front slows down, and then accelerates again. It can also work in traffic jams, stopping completely and then restarting.
The all-round camera is a very useful feature. Parking in tight spaces has become much easier. The forward collision warning system worked a couple of times when a pedestrian unexpectedly stepped out into the road. It didn't just beep; it actually started braking the car, giving me time to react. After that, I began to regard these systems not as a marketing gimmick, but as a real assistant. The LED headlights are a special delight. The light is powerful and even, illuminates the shoulder well, and doesn't blind oncoming drivers. The high beams automatically switch when you pass someone.
Among the small but pleasant touches, I'd like to mention the electric trunk with soft-close function. It opens and closes with a button from the key fob or from the driver's seat—convenient when your hands are full of bags. The keyless entry system and push-button start are instantly familiar. The key is always in your pocket, and you never have to hunt for it again. The 10-speaker Bose audio system delivers clear, deep, and detailed sound. For music lovers on the go, this is a great option.
Results and impressions after several years
In summary, I can say that the 2019 Mazda CX-5 is one of the most well-rounded crossovers on the market. It combines striking design, a high-quality and well-thought-out interior, reliable technology, and a reasonable cost of ownership. This is a car that never disappoints. It doesn't try to be a sports car or a rugged all-terrain vehicle, but in its niche—a comfortable, fuel-efficient, safe, and stylish family crossover—it's simply perfect.
I haven't had a single serious breakdown in all my time driving it. The car always starts up in a flash, regardless of the weather. It handles predictably on the road, making it a pleasure to drive. Sure, it doesn't have the super-soft, sofa-like suspension of some competitors, but it doesn't bob on bumps and the steering is precise. Sure, the interior isn't trimmed in expensive leather and aluminum, but all the materials are pleasant, durable, and well-assembled. To me, that's a sign of a product's maturity.
If you're looking for a car that won't let you down, will delight you every day, and won't break the bank on maintenance, the Mazda CX-5 is an excellent choice. It's perfect for a young family or a single person who appreciates style and drive. It's a car you'll look back at when you leave the parking lot, and one you'll always want to get back into. My ownership experience has been nothing but positive, and I can confidently recommend this model to anyone looking for a reliable and smart car for city living and beyond.