The 2019 Mazda CX-5 Diesel Is Too Little, Too Late
Verdict
I appreciate that the CX-5 diesel exists. Variety is nice, and this is a nice idea. Agreeable as a daily driver, it has an impressively quality interior, too. Also, props to Mazda for building a diesel car that, you know, doesn’t cheat. (We think.)
But I also can’t shake the feeling this car sort of missed the boat. Had it come out 10ish years ago like it was supposed to, it probably would have had a fighting chance, since hybrids weren’t as prevalent and diesel’s reputation hadn’t been messed up beyond repair yet.
Look, I know there are people out there who don’t care about anemic engines. They prioritize efficiency over acceleration and silly stuff like that, so they wouldn’t have the same gripes about the CX-5 diesel’s performance as I did. But what reason would those people have to buy the Mazda when plenty of better hybrid cars are readily available for less money?
Mazda is also planning a Mazda6 diesel for a little later on. I’ll wait and see the EPA mileage estimates when they’re made public, but I won’t hold my breath. The diesel 6 will go up against some tough competition.
And as for this CX-5 diesel? Good car, but maybe it should have been a hybrid.
We’ve been hearing about the Mazda Skyactiv-D diesel engine for about 10 years. Now it’s finally, here in the 2019 Mazda CX-5 diesel. It’s a nice idea and the car itself is not bad to drive. I just don’t see many people buying it.
jalopnik.com



