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Check out our comparison of a lightly used 2019 Mazda CX-5 against a brand new model to get an idea of which one is best for you.
New vs. Used: Mazda CX-5
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Not so long ago, if you were comparing a new and used Mazda CX-5, you had a good idea of what to expect when looking at an older car with higher mileage as we discuss in detail here. However, today this purchase process has been flipped on its head thanks to supply chain snarls, microchip shortages and the catch-all pandemic. You can check out our article on how to navigate the current car buying market for more on this and read below for a comparison of a lightly used 2019 Mazda CX-5 versus a shiny new 2022 model.
New vs Used Mazda CX-5 Specs
Initially for sale with only a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, the second generation Mazda CX-5 offered a 250-horse turbocharged option for the first time in 2019. It requires 93 octane to achieve that power rating, which drops to 227 horsepower on regular fuel.
For 2022, this boosted four-pot makes six more horsepower with the same output differential based on grade of fuel used. You can get a deeper technical dive on powertrain variations with our engines explained article. This turbocharged motor pairs with a 6-speed automatic and standard AWD.
The rest of the CX-5 lineup, used or new, features a 187 hp inline-four that also pairs with a 6-speed automatic that drives the front wheels with AWD available for around $1400. Fuel economy figures have not changed during the past three model years with the FWD CX-5 rated for 24 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway.
The turbocharged setup with AWD drops to 22 and 27 mpg, in city and highway driving. Also common between the 2019 and 2022 CX-5 are the dimensions. This mid-size SUV has not changed its five-seat layout and maximum cargo capacity of 59 cubic feet since gen-two arrived in 2017.
Driving Performance
Whether you go the new or used route on Mazda’s CX-5, you’ll enjoy plenty of pep with the turbocharged 2.5L sipping on premium. A torque figure of up to 320 lb-ft is impressive, enough to execute highway passing maneuvers with ease. The naturally aspirated variant is not exactly wheezing but lead foots should look for the boosted models.
Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus, which is different from typical torque vectoring, is a vehicle dynamics system that adjusts engine torque and wheel braking based on steering input to make the handling feel more natural. This unique approach to how the CX-5 drives is one of the reasons it is included on this list of best driving SUVs. It builds on Mazda’s signature style of planted driving feel and is standard across all trim levels from 2019 to today.
On the driver-assistance front, you’ll find a similar level of available active safety systems on a new and used Mazda CX-5, though the 2022 model does edge out the 2019 version by offering three additional aids. In 2019, Automated Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) were standard. Automatic High Beams, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) with Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) were included on the Touring model and above.
For the 2022 CX-5, a detailed review of which you can read here, all of those driver aids are lineup standard. In both 2019 and 2022, a 360° view monitor, heads-up display with traffic sign recognition and parking sensors front and rear are available higher up the trim hierarchy but only the new CX-5 offers a driver attention alert and reverse automatic emergency braking.
Comfort & Interior
Cross shopping a new CX-5 versus a 2019 model is easy from an interior perspective as not a whole lot has changed. Both offer 40 inches of rear legroom with a reclining second row that can be folded flat in a 40/20/40 configuration for maximum storage flexibility. In both cases, you will find cloth fabric on base models and handsome brown Nappa leather on top-spec models. Heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control are standard fare on every model except base for both a 2019 and 2022 CX-5.
As you move through the trim ladder, the best creature comforts are reserved for higher spec models but there is nothing available on a new CX-5 that you cannot find in a used model. That includes a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats and a moonroof. The true luxury touches like genuine wood trim with metal accents and LED ambient lighting are only found on the top-spec CX-5, regardless of what model year you’re considering.
Trims & Features
Mazda expanded the CX-5 lineup to eight trim levels in 2022, from the five available in 2019. Though this approach segments the layers of features more finely, you’ll find a similar level of amenities between the base and top-spec models from one year to the next.
For 2019, a base Sport CX-5 came with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and BSM with RCTA. A 7-inch infotainment display managed by the Multi-Function Commander Control was included however; Apple CarPlay and Android were not. The base 2022 2.5 S CX-5 sports the same exterior treatment as in 2019, but the cabin features a 10-inch screen with Apple and Android smartphone mirroring baked in. It also boasts remote access via Mazda Connected Services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, ACC and LDW with LKA.
A top-spec 2019 Signature CX-5 is loaded with a 10-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, HUD with TSR and dual USB ports for front and rear passengers. It also features 19-inch wheels, adaptive front headlights and 360° View Monitor. A new, top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Signature CX-5 is tricked out almost identically. The DAA system, Reverse AEB and Traffic Jam Assist are the only systems from a new CX-5 you will not see on a used 2019 model.
The Verdict
mazdausa.com | Shop Mazda CX-5 on Carsforsale.com
If you’re shopping for a base Mazda CX-5 with FWD and the smaller motor, the used marketplace does not offer much of a discount for what amounts to virtually the same vehicle. Brand-new 2022 models start at about $27,000, while you can find a 2019 version with between 35,000 and 50,000 miles for around $26,000. In this scenario, you might be better suited buying new to take advantage of the full warranty.
At the other end of the trim ladder, a turbocharged CX-5 with AWD, shopping the used market offers a solid value. You can find a 2019 CX-5 Signature model in the same mileage band as above for between $31,000 and $34,000. A new 2.5 Turbo Signature starts just shy of $40,000 but you’re getting the same powertrain and nearly same level of features, tech and amenities. For that kind of a price swing, you are certainly better suited searching the used marketplace.
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Thanks for your expertise. It’s hard sometimes to decide to buy new or used. New, like you said comes with a full warranty. Also, a new vehicle has a lower interest rate for the loan, which is something to consider. I’m bascially cheap, but I believe you made good points to buy new.