It's been less than two years since the second-generation CX-5 went into production and Mazda is already rolling out an update. While it's not exactly a facelift design-wise, the upgrade adds a more powerful turbo engine and two new trims with more premium features. And higher prices obviously.

What's New Under the Hood?

The CX-5 already offered solid variation with a choice of three engines, including a diesel, but you now have access to significantly more oomph. While power was capped at the 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet delivered by the old 2.5-liter mill, a new, turbocharged engine with the same displacement cranks out 250 horses and 310 pound-feet of torque. That's more twist than the 2.2-liter diesel too, rated at 290 pound-feet.

There is a catch though. You can only have this engine with one of the two new trim levels added for the 2019 model year: Grand Touring Reserve or Signature. Both come with notably more premium features that the previous trims, but they also cost more. For instance, the Signature model will set you back a whopping $37,885. The Grand Touring Reserve comes in at $34,870. Both add notable premiums to the Grand Touring model, priced from $30,045.

Better Handling, Smoother Ride

Drivetrain upgrades don't stop at the new engine. Mazda also introduced a new version of its G-Vectoring Control handling system. This upgrade enhances steering precision and makes the CX-5 more agile when cornering. Mazda also says the CX-5 has a smoother and better rides thanks to some suspension refinements, while the updated steering geometry gives the SUV a more natural feeling handling.

New Premium Features

The new trim levels come with more premium features than the Grand Touring model. The Signature, which is the most expensive of them, adds brown leather seats, real wood trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with a unique stitching pattern. It also adds tech like frameless auto-dimming mirror, 360-degree view camera, LED interior lighting, and a set of dark silver 19-inch wheels on the outside. The Grand Touring Reserve boasts goodies like heated and cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, and power folding mirrors. Of course, these are standard on the Signature trim too.

How Much Does it Cost?

The CX-5 is now a bit more expensive than before. The base Sport model comes in at $24,350, while the Touring trim starts from $26,615. The Grand Touring version will set you back $30,045, while the Grand Touring Reserve fetches $34,870. Finally, you'll need to pay $36,890 before options for the range-topping Signature trim.

Further Reading

Read our full review of the Mazda CX-5.