Mazda might not be the number one name in Japanese cars here in the US, and in fairness, it’s probably not number two or three either. But that doesn’t mean you should write-off any Mazda lease deals you see any time soon. There are a few good reasons to get excited about what Mazda has cooked up for 2019 and they’re called the Mazda CX-9, Mazda CX-3, and the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
I don’t expect you to throw down your phone or leap away from your computer and rush to your local Mazda dealership right this very moment. But you would be doing yourself a disservice by not taking a look at what Mazda has going on in 2019 and see if something catches your eye. There are a lot of options out there and trying to look at them all can quickly become overwhelming, but that’s why I’ve narrowed the goods down to just a few offerings that stand above the rest.
The 2019 Mazda CX-9
I don’t believe in saving the best for last, so let’s start with the CX-9. It’s a three-row crossover SUV that looks absolutely gorgeous and provides excellent handling. The CX-9 is sleek, loaded with options, and is a great reason to sit up and take notice of what Mazda is doing.
Performance
Let’s start with performance, so feel free to skip ahead if you’re not interested in engine power and handling, it won’t hurt my feelings. The 2019 Mazda CX-9 has a 2.5L Turbo 4-cylinder engine that provides up to 250-HP and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. It comes with front-wheel drive standard, but has all-wheel drive available, and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The CX-9 has a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. Keep in mind, however, that these numbers are only when using 93 octane premium unleaded, while regular will reduce its horsepower and performance.
Interior
The inside of the 2019 Mazda CX-9 is loaded with great features for comfort and functionality. A remote keyless illuminated entry system makes it easy to get into the CX-9, even in a dark parking lot. The interior has three-zone climate control so that everyone inside can be comfortable and a couple 12V power outlets for charging mobile phones or other devices.
There’s seating for up to seven passengers and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The seating is cloth-trimmed, with 60/40 split fold-down and reclining in the second row of seats. The third row features 50/50 split fold-down seating for extra space, though the CX-9 isn’t quite as roomy in the back as some other crossovers.
Technology and Safety
The CX-9 has a seven-inch full-color display for audio and entertainment information that includes Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio streaming. The Mazda Connect Infotainment system is comparable to other competitor systems and includes text message audio delivery and reply. There are six speakers along with an auxiliary audio input, USB port, and steering wheel-mounted audio and phone controls.
In terms of safety technology, there are multiple front and side-impact airbags along with rollover protection. There is a rearview camera for increased rear visibility and blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert. While none of this necessarily goes beyond what similar vehicles have, all of this comes together in a nice package that is ideal for 2019 driving.
The 2019 Mazda CX-3
If you’re interested in a crossover SUV, but the CX-9 is much bigger than what you might need, then the CX-3 is an ideal choice. Its smaller size means it lacks some of the heft of the larger and more powerful CX-9, but the sleek design also makes it easier to maneuver down busy or narrow streets.
Performance
The technical specs on the CX-3 are quite impressive for its smaller size, but nothing particularly record-breaking. It starts with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that provides 148-HP and 146 lb.-ft. of torque. Unlike the CX-9, this SUV doesn’t offer better power and performance with premium gasoline, and we’ll leave that to you to decide if that’s a drawback or an advantage. The standard build of the CX-3 is a front-wheel drive with 6-speed automatic transmission, but it is also available as an all-wheel drive for more control on rough terrain.
Interior
Interior room is a bit more limited in the CX-3, and even though it still comfortably fits five passengers, there is only a single row of backseats. These rear seats have a 60/40 split fold-down design that allows for more cargo room for storage with only the driver and a single passenger, but it definitely lacks the more ample space of the CX-9. It’s also worth noting that the passenger seat is not as adjustable as the driver’s seat. Though it has cloth-trimmed seats, it lacks the nicety of the leather-wrapped steering wheel found in the CX-9.
Technology and Safety
In terms of technology, it has many of the same features as the CX-9 with only a few notable exceptions. The CX-3 includes the same 7-inch full-color display and Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming and phone use. It also has six speakers and the same Mazda Connect Infotainment System found in the CX-9. There is an auxiliary audio input jack and USB port, but it lacks the 12V chargers found in the larger model, though the steering wheel still has controls for audio and phone.
The CX-3 has front and side-impact airbags along with a rearview camera and blind spot monitoring that includes rear cross traffic alerts. Overall, in terms of safety, the CX-3 is comparable to the CX-9, though its smaller size might make it easier to control and avoid collisions with. While the CX-9 is more than 16-feet long and over six feet in width, the CX-3 is only about 14-feet long and less than six feet in width.
The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata
At last we come to the 2019 incarnation of the Mazda Miata, a long-running champion in the field of affordable 2-door sports cars. Starting at a reasonable price point and designed with elegant and stunning curves, the 2019 Mazda Miata looks like it will continue to reign among the most popular sports cars on the road.
Performance
Sports cars are all about performance and power; otherwise you might as well just drive a sedan. The 2019 Mazda Miata opens up with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that generates 181 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque. It redlines at 7,500 rpm and it has a 6-speed manual transmission, with an optional 6-speed automatic for drivers who want an automatic in a sports car (for some reason). Altogether, it makes for a powerful and fast little 2-door.
Interior
The standard interior of the 2019 Miata doesn’t blow me away, but it is sufficient and there are great features available. There are no electronic safety features like blind spot monitoring in the baseline model, but they are available in the mid-range Club trim. The seats are comfortable and well made, with a weight distribution that hits 50-50 once a driver is sitting comfortably and ready to go.
Technology
While Mazda’s SUVs like the CX-9 and CX-3 have been fitted out with the latest technology options in 2019, the Miata sadly falls behind. There is also the Miata RF which includes a retractable roof that tucks away neatly behind the seats in about 13 seconds. It’s still a great choice for a sports car, but when you compare it to what other manufacturers are doing, it’s clear that Mazda needs to step up its tech game in the coming years.
Your Local Mazda Dealership
While your local dealerships may have different Mazda lease deals, any of these vehicles will make for an exciting 2019 and guarantee that you’ll be riding in style.
