Two Important Changes To The 2019 Mazda CX-5 Shoppers Should Look For

Mazda's top-selling vehicle should be getting two big changes for 2019. Here's what to watch for, and why it matters.

We are big fans of the Mazda CX-5 here at Torque News. As our regular readers may already know, one of our guest writers is a new owner of a 2018 CX-5 Grand Touring with every available option. We are continuing to track its progress since its February delivery as a long-term test vehicle. So far, it has been flawless and the dealer support excellent.

Earlier this year we penned a story titled "Mazda Is One Step Away From Perfecting The CX-5 Crossover." In the story, we explained that the CX-5 was nearly ideal, but that it could be made even better if it were offered with the new 2.5-liter turbocharged engine Mazda puts in the CX-9 and most recently, in the U.S.- spec Mazda6. That engine would bring the CX-5 up to be a valid competitor to the Lexus NX 300 and Acura RDX (which we just tested back to back BTW).

The first thing to watch for will be a new top-trim CX-5 that will have the more capable engine. Our colleague, Vince Burlapp, has found evidence that the American version of the CX-5 may have this option for 2019. We sure hope he's right. He usually is.

The second thing to look for will be Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Mazda promised owners of the 2018 CX-5 that it would update their infotainment systems to include this important technology, but has yet to do so. We are still waiting for a call from Mazda to have our now 9-month old CX-5 updated. Mazda6 owners have started to be called in, so our trust in Mazda is still strong. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are great for using Waze and Google Maps, as well as for integrating your messages and music directly to the vehicle's screen and controls. There is also a safety angle. AAA did a study recently and found that these integration apps are less distracting to use than the native systems in vehicles.

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