Mazda Tweaks 2020 CX-5 Crossover - Here's What Changed ...

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Mazda's CX-5 has proven a favorite of reviewers. Its features, content, and performance elevate this crossover above the mainstream class. For 2019, Mazda added the new 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with class-leading torque (320 ft-lbs!). Mazda also added Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. For 2020 Mazda is again making updates to keep customers interested.

2020 Mazda CX-5 Changes Mazda has boosted the torque of its outstanding 2.5-liter turbocharged engine for 2020. Mazda also rates its CX-5 on two gasoline octanes. When used optionally with premium (93 octane) fuel the CX-5 delivers an impressive 250 horsepower and a robust 320 lb-ft of torque. That's up 10 lb-ft of torque over the outgoing model year. When filled with regular (87 octane) fuel the 2020 CX-5 with the turbocharged Skyactiv-G 2.5T engine generates 227 horsepower and 310 lb ft of torque, providing an exhilarating driving experience. By comparison, the Acura RDX offers 260 lb-ft of torque.

Further refinements to the CX-5 include a new Engine Harmonics Enhancer that enhances the CX-5 with a refined and powerful sound. Mazda also reports that the the CX-5s emission regulation has been improved to ULEV70. The 2020 CX-5 will also feature off-road traction assist. This replaces the traction control button and can potentially help the driver when adventuring on uneven terrain. Mazda says that when the diagonal wheels lose traction, off-road traction assist will stop reducing the engine torque and increase the brake force on the wheels without traction. This system transfers power to the wheels still on the ground to help allow the vehicle to regain traction and continue the drive.

2020 Mazda CX-5 Pricing Mazda provided the following chart overviewing the prices for the 2020 CX-5 line. Please be sure to add in $1,045 for destination charges to each trim, and remember, Mazda dealers can mark these prices up or down at will and most charge an added documentation fee:

In addition to covering green vehicle topics, John Goreham covers safety, technology, and new vehicle news at Torque News. You can follow John on Twitter at @johngoreham.

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Pretty minimal changes here

Digitaldoc (not verified) November 14, 2019 - 10:27PM

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Pretty minimal changes here for the 2020 model. If anything, the power needed to be added to the base engine of the CX-5, and it would be nice to see if get to 200 hp to better match the RAV4 base engine. Would also be nice to see the 6 spd tranny get more gears as most of the new SUV have 8 to 10 gears these days. The 2.5T needs more power as there are plenty of 2.0T engines that match or have more power, although the 2.5T does have more torque than most, but the 0-60 is quick, but not exceptional as the new Ford Escape is faster with a smaller engine, for example. I would also hope to see the 2.5T start at the Grand Touring to make it more competitive.

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Good observations. Having

John Goreham November 15, 2019 - 10:24PM

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In reply to Pretty minimal changes here by Digitaldoc (not verified)

Good observations. Having driven the 2.5T-equipped CX-5 for a week in testing, I don't think it can handle any more power and it definitely cannot handle any more torque. It was able to spin the wheels on dry pavement from a start in more or less normal driving. With AWD. The torque is the real story for non-sports cars. I hope Mazda refines the AWD system balance. It seemed too front-biased to my taste. I bet Mazda sorts it out for 2020 or 2021.

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I think the mazda needs a

Digitaldoc (not verified) November 16, 2019 - 8:10PM

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I think the mazda needs a better engine, and I drive a cx5 daily. I would really like a smaller turbo as the 2.5na needs a better torque curve as it needs to be revved to make any power. On paper, the 2.5t has less power than other 2.0t so would better to max it out for efficiency, but i get about the wheelspin as even mine can torque steer at full throttle. I dont think the FWD bias is going to change anytime soon, and is a weakness of a lot of these vehicles, compared to BMW and Audi that bias for RWD and folks tend to prefer.

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I’m currently leasing a

Larry (not verified) November 26, 2019 - 11:12PM

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I’m currently leasing a different vehicle. However, I am very interested in the Cx-5 when my lease is up. With that being said, What would entice me to lease this car next? I would like to see a panoramic sunroof and an updated navigation system and screen? I’d also like to see 2 USB ports in the rear seat under the air vents. I have no clue why Mazda put them in the rear arm rest. Other than these issues, this is a very nice looking compact SUV. Just my 2 cents.

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Mazda CX-5 owner here. There

digitaldoc (not verified) November 27, 2019 - 11:08AM

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In reply to I’m currently leasing a by Larry (not verified)

Mazda CX-5 owner here. There are also USB ports in the center console, and you can connect a wire to the one in the back armrest, and lower it so no big deal. The reasons to buy a CX-5 are that it handles very well and is the driver's SUV, it has top reliability from Consumer Reports, and the interior rivals many luxury offerings. Oh, and the fuel economy is excellent, and it gets top safety ratings. The reasons to skip it are the base engine is merely adequate with a higher torque curve so the power down low is weak at times, the cargo area is smaller than some other compact CUV's, and the transmission, which is otherwise excellent, is only a 6 speed and down some gears from the competition. In the end, I like this SUV very much, but can certainly see that it is not for everyone.

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No vehicle is for everyone.

Dja (not verified) December 29, 2019 - 1:30PM

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In reply to Mazda CX-5 owner here. There by digitaldoc (not verified)

No vehicle is for everyone.

The CX-5 focuses on driver involvement more than other brands. It's a tremendous value when looking at similarly equipped vehicles, while having an excellent reliability history. If you want driver focus, good value for money, unique styling, quality build and reliability, and don't need maximum storage, this is tough to beat.

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