In-Depth Photos of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 2.5T Signature Model

The CX-5 is everything to Mazda these days. It is very nearly outselling the rest of the automaker's entire lineup in the United States-combined-and it has become perhaps the clearest representation of the tiny Japanese company's ambition to become a premium brand.

Like many other Mazdas, the CX-5, especially since the second generation debuted for 2017, feels a class above in its execution-one reason why it's been our favorite compact SUV for some time now.

It is prettier inside and out, more refined, and more engaging to drive than crossovers such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, despite costing about the same.

A more powerful turbo engine and a swanky new trim level vault Mazda's charming compact crossover into premium territory.

Base price: $25,345

Not only is the Mazda CX-5 one of our favorite SUVs, earning our 10Best award for the compact SUV segment, it's also one of the safest. An update for 2019 made some of the previously optional safety features standard, such as the better-performing LED headlights and a few active safety systems.

A more powerful turbo engine and a swanky new trim level vault Mazda's charming compact crossover into premium territory.

This all adds up to a vehicle that can hardly even be considered in the same conversation as Toyotas and Hondas anymore.

Frankly, the CX-5 Signature is nicer-to drive, to look at, and to sit in-than some similarly sized crossovers with full-on premium badges (we're looking at you, Cadillac XT4 and Acura RDX).

Against this backdrop, our only nit to pick is with Mazda's infotainment system, which, with its small screen and somewhat dated-looking menus, no longer feels state of the art. At least it is now offered with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

The turbocharged CX-5's appeal isn't really about scorching performance, although the 250-hp engine does send it to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, nearly two seconds quicker than the base engine.

The CX-5 is satisfyingly hushed at speed, long a sore spot for Mazdas.

A general sense of refinement pervades the primary controls, from the crisp smoothness of the steering to the resolute response of the brake pedal.

The CX-5 is sporty not because it is sharp-edged or stiff-although the turbo is tuned to be slightly stiffer than the base model-or because it has lots of grip (an intrusive stability-control system hampered its performance on our skidpad), but because it exudes sophistication in the way that it moves.

We'd love to see the turbo engine available beyond the Grand Touring Reserve trim level, which starts at $35,865, and the Signature at $37,885.

To maximize acceleration, the transmission upshifts at 5300 rpm-1000 revs short of redline-because the 2.5T's output tapers off so dramatically at high rpm.

The engine doesn't sound like anything special, either, but we love the strong swell of torque low in the rpm range.

The crisp six-speed automatic always seems to be in the correct gear and executes snappy, rev-matched downshifts in Sport mode.

The extra oomph exacts a toll at the pump, as the turbo's EPA estimates are 2 to 3 mpg lower than the naturally aspirated version's.

However, we recorded a strong 30 mpg in our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test-3 mpg better than the EPA estimate-and averaged 22 mpg overall.

Our test example was nearly $40,000 with some accessories and the $300 upcharge for Machine Gray paint.

That may be approaching premium pricing, but this CX-5 feels like a premium SUV.