The 2019 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring represents a significant moment for the compact luxury SUV segment, marrying engaging dynamics with a premium interior. This specific trim level sits near the top of the range, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and technology that aims to satisfy drivers who prioritize both driving pleasure and daily practicality. It is a vehicle built for the modern motorist who refuses to compromise on either fun or refinement.
Design and Exterior Presence
Mazda’s design language in 2019, often referred to as "KODO – Soul of Motion," is fully realized in the CX-5 Grand Touring. The front fascia features a bold, aggressive stance with a prominent grille and signature LED lighting that cuts through the darkness with exceptional clarity. The sculpted hood and defined wheel arches create a muscular contour that suggests power and agility, even when standing still. Upgrading to the Grand Touring trim typically adds 19-inch alloy wheels, which fill the wheel wells nicely and provide a more substantial visual anchor than the lower trims.
Interior Craftsmanship and Comfort
Step inside the 2019 Grand Touring, and the difference in material quality is immediately apparent. This trim level moves beyond synthetic plastics, embracing genuine leather for the seats, steering wheel, and shift knob. The seats themselves are a highlight, offering ample support for long highway drives and aggressive cornering without feeling too firm. The panoramic moonroof adds a sense of openness, flooding the cabin with natural light and elevating the overall ambiance to one of true luxury.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Under the hood, the Grand Touring comes standard with a 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G inline-four engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is mated to a responsive six-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly under normal driving conditions while allowing the driver to hold gears through corners for maximum control. The chassis tuning for this trim level strikes an ideal balance; it is firm enough to provide sharp handling and body control, yet compliant enough to absorb road imperfections without transmitting harshness into the cabin.
Technology and Infotainment Features
Mazda equipped the 2019 Grand Touring with a premium suite of technology that was competitive for its time. The centerpiece is a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that, while not the largest on the market, is intuitive and quick to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard, allowing seamless connectivity to smartphones. The audio experience is elevated with a Bose sound system, transforming the cabin into a concert hall for music lovers and providing clear, high-definition navigation cues.
Safety and Practicality
Safety is a cornerstone of the CX-5 Grand Touring’s value proposition, and Mazda’s i-Activsense suite is comprehensive. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, all working together to provide a confident driving experience. The rear seating area offers respectable legroom for adults on shorter trips, and the rearview camera provides a clear view behind the vehicle, making tight parking maneuvers significantly less stressful.
