Mazda announced the updated 2019 Mazda CX-5 2.5-liter turbo model in Japan Thursday.
Mazda CX-5 owners – including me – have long cried out for more power. The company’s latest 2.5-liter turbocharged engine seemed like a perfect solution. However, unlike the Mazda6 and CX-9, that engine didn’t find its way into Mazda’s most popular model…until now. Car Advice recently reported the news as it was released by Mazda in Japan.
The company is rolling out a round of updates for the upcoming model year. And wouldn’t you know it, Mazda saw fit to slide their turbocharged mill under the hood of the CX-5. A few weeks ago, we found a Reddit post alluding to the change, but Mazda did not confirm it at the time. Now, the engine’s inclusion in the CX-5 is a certainty.
That’s welcome news, as it will give the car a lot more grunt. Compared to the 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque in the naturally-aspirated version, the 2.5-liter turbo packs 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Mazda CX-5 weighs a bit more than a top-spec Mazda6 Signature. On that basis, it should be pretty quick, and it will have handling chops thanks to its all-wheel drive system.
Speaking of handling, Mazda also introduced their updated G-Vectoring Control Plus feature. The company originally introduced G-Vectoring Control a couple years ago. The system is meant to improve grip around corners by reducing engine torque to each axle as needed. GVC Plus adds in braking to each wheel. It’s meant to make exiting the corner more stable, as the car applies light braking force to the outside wheels as the driver returns the steering wheel to its center position. By doing that, the driver gets more control in sudden maneuvers, like swerving to avoid an obstacle.
Exclusive Mode special edition available in Japan
Another welcome sight in the 2019 Mazda CX-5 is the “Exclusive Mode” special edition. Strange name notwithstanding, it does add materials like Nappa leather and woodgrain trim pieces into the mix. Mazda is also fitting a a surround-view camera system and a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster. Those features confirm the original speculation of the Signature trim level in the 2019 CX-5 as well.
Mazda has yet to formally announce the 2019 Mazda CX-5 2.5-liter turbo model, or the rest of the CX-5 lineup. With this Japanese model emerging however, we know the U.S. announcement will come soon.
Pricing was available in the Japanese release. The all-wheel drive 2019 Mazda CX-5 2.5-liter turbo Exclusive Mode costs ¥3,877,200 yen (or about $34,520). Interestingly, the 2.2-liter diesel model we’re also expecting over here costs ¥3,882,600 (around $34,568 at current exchange rates). What’s more, Mazda is offering the diesel with a six-speed manual transmission over there. That’s a feature we’re confident won’t make it to the U.S.-spec diesel CX-5.
Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates!
