I'm about to get either a GT Reserve or Signature.
CHANGES I'D MAKE:
1. 245 width tires
2. 8 speed transmission (lower 1st gear and higher "overdrive" in 8th gear)
3. faster boot up on the infotainment system
4. optional setting for later stability control intervention (integral with the "Sport" setting)
5. forward sliding console arm rest (PLEASE!)
6. more power higher in the rev band (for turbo engines) (C'mon, its got 1/2 liter more than most 4 cylinder turbo engines. USE IT!)
7.real wood in GT Reserve
8. COOLER AIR CONDITIONING! (I live in Las Vegas)

Maybe some of these changes will appear in the 2020 models but I'm getting mine now for styling and price reasons.

Eric B.

That's

 

I wouldn't count on any meaningful changes, was just refreshed for 2017 model year. Already has Carplay.

On tires, the most interesting point, 245 may not even fit the CX-5. I will look at 235 for sure though when replacing tires. 235/65/17 (standard is 225/65/17) is an interesting upsize option on the stock 17" wheels.


https://tiresize.com/comparison/


One nice, small perk of these upsized tires is you will log about 2% less miles on the odometer.

 

Chocolate,
A Discount Tire specialist said the 17" wheel with the recommended sidewall height would be the proper overall height. I did a very similar thing with my 2007 RAV 4.
But I'm not in a hurry to do this.

Eric B.

 

I read your post twice, sounds like he said the OEM size will fit?

 

Chocolate,
No, in the OEM 19" size there are no All Terrain tires that will fit the CX 5 so I have to go to a 17" wheel with a high sidewall to match the OEM tire height. Then he quoted me the All Terrain tire size which I promptly forgot. But it was a tiny bit bigger than OEM.

Eric B.

 

I like your suggestions.

Faster boot up on the software, real wood and some other easy to fix items may happen in a year or two. I would not bet on the transmission changes. I am happy that Mazda has kept the 6 speed. While I agree that moving to an 8 speed would be an improvement, my fear is that if they made any change, they could go to a CVT.

The higher revving may also be possible if they are able to apply the lessons learned in the 2019 Miata to the rest of the line.

 

CPA,

I initially wanted a Toyota RAV 4 Hybrid for its AWD and more power than the non-hybrid versions.

But then one boring day I happened by the Mazda dealership (across the street from my Toyota dealership) so I drove my slug of a Prius v wagon into the dealership and took a test drive in a 2019 CX 5 GT Reserve, Red Crystal Soul, natch.

That was it. I was absolutely hooked and have been ever since.

Now I'm detailing my Prius v for sale and I think I can get $13,000. for it with a spare set of ENKIE forged wheels and Yokohama tires. That Mazda rock bottom interest rate is also enticing.

The 2019 CX 5 GT Reserve and Signature SUVs are, IMHO, every bit as good as an Infinity QX50 and not quite s good as the 2019 Acura RDX but close enough considering the money difference.

Notice that on Youtube there are a few comparisons of the CX 5 AWD Turbo models to more upscale compact SUVs. Interesting. You do not see RAV 4s and CRVs compared like that.

Eric B.