/ Featured Article

Which 2019 Mazda CX-5 to buy? - Variant Comparison Guide

Its a battle between drivetrains and fuel types

Autodeal
Mazda CX-5 which variant

The Mazda CX-5 first made its debut in the Philippine market back in 2013. Since then the crossover has been a popular mainstay in the Mazda lineup. It offers buyers a mix of premium looks at a relatively affordable price. It initially launched with the Japanese brand’s 2.0-liter SkyActiv engine. Soon after a new, larger, and more powerful 2.5-liter would be added into the crossover’s lineup. Mazda didn’t stop there, however, and during a mid-model change, the Japanese brand added a diesel into the mix with all-wheel-drive.

Entering its second generation the new Japanese brought with it a sleeker design than its predecessor. Bringing in the same powerplants and the addition of G-Vectoring Control Plus. This gave the already potent CX-5 better-handling characteristics setting it apart from the rest of its competitors in the market. 

Here’s a quick guide to go over to help you determine which CX-5 variant could be for you. 

Mazda CX-5 FWD Sport

The FWD Pro is the entry-level of the CX-5. It brings with it the 2.0-liter SkyActiv G engine paired to a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission. Power is sent exclusively to the front wheels for this variant. Even as the entry-level variant the Japanese crossover comes equipped with G-Vectoring Control Plus as standard. To help you save fuel the Mazda even added an i-STOP system into the vehicle helping you get more out of your fuel. Priced at P1,730,000 you still get a lot of features and space for what it costs.

2020 Mazda CX-5 refresh

A step above the FWD Pro variant is the FWD Sport. Coming in at P160,000 more it does get a couple of goodies to justify the price. Just like the entry-level variant, it receives the same standard features. Setting it apart from the Pro variant is a set of adaptive front LED lighting system with auto-leveling, a 7-inch digital meter set, and a 10-speaker BOSE sound system. For added safety and convenience FWD Sport variant comes with a 360-degree camera and a blind-spot monitoring system with Rear-Cross Traffic Alert. The i-STOP idling stop system is also carried over from the lower variant.

Mazda CX-5 AWD Sport press photo

Priced at P1,990,000 is the all-wheel-drive Sport variant. Separating it from the front-wheel-drive variant is the addition of the I-ACTIV all-wheel-drive, a bigger 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G engine, and a new set of 19-inch wheels. It carries over the same features from the front-wheel-drive Sport variant. This variant is ideal for those who want a little bit more grip over various terrains. 

Mazda CX-5 awd signature diesel press photo

Topping off the CX-5 model range is the Signature AWD Diesel coming in at P2,350,000. Unlike its SkyActiv-G counterparts, it comes with a 2.2-liter diesel twin-turbo  SkyActiv-D engine. Like the AWD Sport variant, it gets the I-ACTIV all-wheel-drive system. Giving it some distinction from the rest of the lineup is a set of 19-inch wheels that closely resemble those of its bigger brother the CX-8. It comes with Nappa leather material for its seats further differentiating it from the other variants. It also carries over the 10-speaker BOSE sound system as well as the 360-degree view camera with Dynamic guidelines. I-ACTIVSENSE is also available on the Japanese crossover coming with Lane Departure warning paired with lane keep assist, driver attention alert, smart city brake support, and rounding it out a blind-spot monitoring system with rear-cross traffic alert. 

Mazda CX-5 signature diesel awd rear

All the models in the CX-5 lineup are pretty similar, with a few key features separating each variant in the model lineup. It all boils down to two things, whether you want an all-wheel-drive platform or if you want a gasoline or diesel powerplant. Having these preferences in mind before you buy a CX-5 will help you determine which variant is for you. It is clear that as you go up the variant list the more features you will get, but not all variants will have good value for money for everyone. 

Even at its most affordable variant, the CX-5 looks promising as the FWD Pro variant already offers you a lot of car for its price point, but it lacks features that make the vehicle a worthwhile purchase. Moving up to the ladder to the Signature AWD diesel variant you get all the trimmings but coming in at over P2 million pesos it can be a bit of a hard pill to swallow especially for those who are working with a budget.

The value winner is the Sport trim-level. It gives you access to features of the Signature variant, at the same time it gives you the option going for an all-wheel-drive train. You get the right balance between, speed, power, and traction with the Sport trim-level along with the tech. The chassis matches the chassis well giving you great handling at the same time. All of these make for a very compelling package. 

If, however, you want to get an all-wheel-drive diesel powerplant, then the Signature AWD diesel variant is for you. This is the true winner as it gives you all the bells and whistles, a frugal diesel engine, and more torque to boot.

Get the best deal - Choose multiple dealerships to compare offers!

  • Select up to 5 dealerships and compare their offers
  • Over 70% of dealers reply within 1 hour
  • 100% hassle-free with no obligation to purchase

Latest Features

View More Articles

Popular Articles