2021 Mazda CX 5 Review: Price, Specs, and More

Pros
  • Keen handling and steering make the CX-5 enjoyable to drive
  • Attractive and upscale cabin for a premium ownership experience
  • Optional turbocharged engine provides plenty of power
  • Quiet at highway speeds
Cons
  • Base engine’s lackluster acceleration
  • The ride is a little firm for the class
  • Less rear legroom and cargo room than most competitors

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 wins the SUV equivalent of Best-in-Show because it’s so compact in comparison to other crossovers.

The interior of the car is just as interesting to look at as the exterior. It has beautifully sculpted bodywork.

With careful ergonomics and engaging driving dynamics, Mazda has shown us that its concern for detail is more than skin-deep.

The Mazda CX-5 is delightfully athletic and refined in comparison to its mostly dull competitors.

Both pair with a highly competent automatic transmission and are more fuel efficient than their EPA ratings suggest, while the standard four-cylinder engine lacks the punch of the optional turbo-four.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 outshines its rivals and even more expensive alternatives despite having a smaller cargo area than its key competitors.

What’s New for Mazda CX-5 2021?

New Mazda CX 5 2021
New Mazda CX 5 2021

For 2021, the Mazda CX-5 gets a few significant upgrades. Mazda’s newest infotainment interface is installed on the central display screen, which is bigger than last year’s.

The increased width makes the layout look less cluttered than before, despite the lack of touchscreen functionality.

A new Carbon Edition variant with or without the turbocharged engine is also available. The Carbon Edition is the least expensive way to get the upgraded engine, but it lacks some of the luxury features that are available in pricier trims.

So, which is the finest small SUV for you? To read more of our in-depth review of this year’s CX-5, check out our Expert Rating.

Read also: Mazda CX Models Comparison

Pricing

How much does a Mazda CX-5 cost? The Mazda CX-5’s starting price of $25,370 is above the class average of $25,270.

Front-wheel drive is standard on all higher trims, and all-wheel drive is available for an extra $1,400.

Prices range from about $30,500 to $30,500. With a price of $37,505, the range-topping CX-5 Signature is one of the most expensive in its class.

Mazda CX 5 2021: Price based on trim levels:

2021 Mazda CX 5 ModelsMSRP
Sport:$26,595
Touring:$28,335
Signature:$38,730
Grand Touring:$31,785
Grand Touring Reserve:$36,610
Carbon Edition:$30,180
Carbon Edition Turbo:$31,985

Engine Performance

When pulling away from stoplights or rushing around town, the Mazda CX-5’s standard 187-hp four-cylinder engine responds quickly, giving it the appearance of being quicker than it is.

It feels underpowered at faster speeds, such as when attempting to pass or merge onto the highway.

The 250-horsepower turbocharged version we tested offered significantly quicker acceleration. Both engines come with a responsive six-speed automatic gearbox and front- or all-wheel drive.

To enjoy or appreciate the CX-5, you don’t have to drive it hard. Of course, it’s a beautiful Sunday drive with its exact steering and refined cornering.

It’s good on rough roads and drives like crossovers cost twice as much. This delicate balance of dynamics cannot be matched by its competitors.

There is little road noise, and the damping is neither stiff nor floaty. The pavement flaws are isolated.

At the same time, on twisty roads, the Mazda comes alive. The steering is satisfactorily powered by electrical assistance.

The brake pedal feel on the Signature model we tested was secure and immediately responded to our inputs, without being overly sensitive.

Fuel Economy

In comparison to competitors with comparable power, the Mazda CX-5 gets mediocre EPA ratings of 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for front-wheel drive, non-turbo variants.

The Mazda, on the other hand, was the only one of the three to surpass its EPA highway rating in our testing. The Honda CR-V we tested got 32 mpg in the all-wheel-drive, non-turbocharged variant.

The non-turbo CX-5 had a 1 mpg advantage over the front-wheel drive CX-5. On our 200-mile highway fuel economy route, which was 3 mpg higher than its EPA rating.

We also tested a Mazda CX-5 with the more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder and standard all-wheel drive; it got 30 mpg.

Interior, and Comfort

2021 Mazda CX 5 Interior
2021 Mazda CX 5 Interior

The cabin is driver-oriented since all controls are within easy reach of the driver. The CX-5 has a tremendous front seat and adequate headroom for tall individuals.

Rear passengers may be uncomfortable since the sculpted-outboard seats in the back make it difficult for an adult to sit in the center. The backseat of the car is rather small.

This is a simple car to see out of because of its high driving position, tall windows, and tiny pillars. The rear windows are a little smaller than those of rivals, but they offer a decent view to help with blind spots.

The exception is the look over your shoulder, the side windows are a bit smaller. The picture quality of the backup camera is excellent.

How comfortable is the CX-5? The seats in the front are comfortable and provide adequate support.

Because the rear bench seat is flat on the bottom, long-distance driving might be uncomfortable for back passengers. The rear seatback, on the other hand, may recline for added convenience.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

2021 Mazda CX-5 Infotainment System
2021 Mazda CX-5 Infotainment System

Mazda’s most popular model, the Mazda CX-5, gets a technology update for 2021 that is desperately needed.

All vehicles now come equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as a 10.25-inch touch-screen infotainment system.

There were two 7-inch and one 8-inch touch display available previously, each with smartphone integration.

The existing system’s outdated graphics and sluggish response times should now be improved with the new configuration.

You may regulate the system with a circular knob on the center console in addition to the touchscreen.

  • Standard infotainment features: a 10.25-inch touch-screen display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay features Mazda Connected Services, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and HD Radio
  • Available infotainment features: the back of the vehicle comes equipped with a six-speaker stereo, a Bose sound system with 10 speakers, satellite radio, and mapping
  • Other available features: among the extras available on this automobile are a moonroof, a universal garage door opener, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster display, and ambient interior lighting

Safety Features

The Mazda CX-5 received a five-star crash test rating from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It is a Top Safety Pick+. The automobile comes standard with a full set of driver-assistance features.

Warranty

The Mazda CX-5 has the same warranty coverage as its competitors, with the exception of the Kia Sportage and Chevrolet Equinox.

  • The limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
  • No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How reliable is a 2021 Mazda CX5?

Among 26 midsize SUVs, the Mazda CX-5 received a 4.5 out of 5.0 rating for reliability. It has excellent ownership costs because its average annual repair cost is $447.

How long will my Mazda CX-5 last?

According to Mazda, the CX-5 has only been on the market for about ten years. According to genuine owner reviews, reliable auto websites, and Mazda enthusiast groups, the average CX-5 will last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles. Driving that many miles will take the typical driver more than 18 years, according to government statistics.

Is Mazda CX-5 fuel efficient?

The CX-5 gets 24 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway. It has a total fuel economy of 27 miles per gallon. The popular Toyota RAV4 gets 27 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway. The total amount of gas saved was 31 mpg, which is a lot.

Is Mazda CX-5 worth the money?

One of the greatest small SUVs available is the Mazda CX-5. It has a nice interior, sharp handling, and a competitive cost. In terms of backseat space, cargo capacity, and fuel economy, it falls just a bit short of being a fantastic car in its class.

Do Mazda CX-5 have transmission problems?

The Mazda CX-5’s transmission can experience difficulties whenever it’s in traffic, However, most owners claim that it ranges from 10,000 to 30,000 miles.

Mazda CX-5 Other Years :

Final Verdict

The Mazda CX 5 2021 remains one of the most popular small SUVs on the market. It offers excellent interior amenities, superior handling, and great pricing.

It is a wonderful car in its class in terms of rear passenger space, cargo capacity, and fuel economy, however, it is just a little short on all counts.