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2019 Mazda CX-5 Diesel: Why???

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Why on earth would Mazda still bother with selling a diesel version of the CX-5 in the US??

They have been mentioning selling diesel engines here for many years. (So did Nissan for a while. Even mentioning a diesel Maxima)
Now the market is completely turned around as far as diesel is concerned . Even in Europe!

I guess this is a case of being too far along to cancel it? Or “GM is doing it so why not?”

Yes, the CX-5 Diesel will be competing here with the Chevrolet Equinox Diesel.

On the Equinox, it costs about $1500 to get the diesel over the standard 1.5 Liter Turbo.
On top of getting more torque, you do get better mileage.
28/39 MPG Vs. 26/32 for the standard engine.

But the Mazda CX-5 diesel will be rated at only 28/31 MPG.
While the regular 2.5 Liter version already gets 25/31 MPG.

Not sure how much the Diesel option will be, but no matter what, it will be too much.
Getting 26 MPG city Vs. 25 is never worth a price premium.

And in a few years, you would be “stuck with a diesel”. If they are unpopular now, imagine how things will be in 3 or 5 years…

Conversation 5 comments

  1. Don't forget diesel gas is more expensive in most areas especially CA.
    I think SUV hybrids like RAV4 (34/30 mpg) will make more sense especially with many areas suffering traffic jams and city driving.

  3. Who needs that much torque in these??? It's mostly for young families and moms taking kids to school. Never saw anyone towing anything with a CX-5…

    And yes, Hybrids make much more sense for most people. But Mazda seems to have made quite a mistake in investing in Diesels instead of hybrids or EVs.

  4. Torque is very important for all-day driving. It makes things much more easier. We drive the CX-5 Diesel in Thailand. The Diesel is far more responsive than the 2.5 l Gasoline engine. The Diesel allows a smoother riding.

    I like that Mazda has gone its own way. They show that their technological approach works in real live driving. Modern Diesel engines are efficient and less complicated than a hybrid.

    But I assume, that the new Skyactiv-X technology will replace the Diesel at Mazda within the next years.

  5. Diesel vehicles are more difficult to find maintenance and repair too! Glow plugs and stuff are not common item you find at local Autozone stores. In addition, a cabin more decibels and the smell of oil coming out of your exhaust might turn offbuyers too! Mazda should of offered the 2.5T gasoline in 2011 for CX-5!

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