2019 Mazda CX-5 Diesel Interior & Cargo Space Review

Mazda cars are often regarded as good-looking cars that invoke a premium feel, especially in its newer breed of vehicles like the 2019 CX-5. The compact crossover is a standout in terms of driving dynamics, fuel efficiency, and its slew of tech features that make each drive convenient and safe. But what about its cabin? Does it match the P2,230,000 price tag?

Here’s a closer look at the CX-5’s interior and cargo space, as seen in the range-topping diesel variant.

What you will like: Top-notch material quality, logical button placements, tactile feel on each button/switches

What you won’t like: Extensive use of piano black plastics

Mazda use of sultry lines in the exterior is replicated in the cabin, with curve lines flanking the dashboard from A-pillar to A-pillar. What made the CX-5 special is the logical grouping of the car’s controls, which makes operating the car a lot easier even at first seating. Even better, the buttons, switches, knobs, and toggle sticks have a tactile feel to them, which is something that subtly elevates the whole driving experience.

As an icing to the cake, the materials used in the cabin are of very high quality, which can be regarded at one glance. The leather, satin chrome, faux-wood, and soft plastics exude a premium feel. A quick haptic inspection would give you a deeper sense of what I’m talking about, much so after spending quite some time behind the steering wheel. One gripe, however, would be the extensive use of piano black plastics by the door controls and around the gear lever. This material is a scratch magnet and doesn’t age well.

The CX-5 is among the most spacious crossovers in the country. Those who stand at 5’8” and below with medium built will be cozy even at the rear seats. A third passenger is, of course, welcome, but it would be a compromise since the CX-5 has a tall transmission tunnel. Cubbyholes and cupholders aren’t short, as well, plus the door pockets for the driver and front passenger are so huge, they could fit a 1L bottle of water.

Cargo volume with seats up: 471 Liters

Cargo volume with seats folded: Not indicated

The Mazda CX-5’s 471L cargo space means that it can carry a standard-sized child stroller and boat-loads of groceries with the tonneau cover rolled up. The wheel wells aren’t intrusive and so is the flat lip entry.

One of the niftiest features of the CX-5 is how the rear backrests fold. This can be done via two levers found on either side. Doing so decreases the number of steps needed to load cargo inside the car, which is really helpful if you’re doing the cargo-loading alone. And of course, power tailgate.