Used 2021 Mazda CX-5 Consumer Reviews
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2021 CX5 GTR
Arkansas GTR owner, 07/21/2021
updated 01/23/2023
2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
48 of 51 people found this review helpful
I moved up, way up, from a 2013 GMC Terrain. The CX5 GTR is great! The power is fantastic, the ride is soooo much smoother , and the build quality is in a different universe from the GMC. The CX5 is very quiet, the Bose sound system superb, and the turbo flat out hauls a..... I looked at RAV4, CRV, ENVISION, Santa Fe, and RDX. The RDX was the only one even close, but was way more expensive.
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Mazda did it right.
Tim, 02/03/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
151 of 164 people found this review helpful
We looked at several models but were guided to the CX-5 based on expert reviews. We had an older Mazda which helped with loyalty cash and are now a fairly rare two Mazda household. We think reviews generally are pretty accurate about the CX-5. I wanted something in the CUV category that was not the "corporate issue" so the Mazda moved up the list just by being somewhat more unique that many of its top competitors. After driving a couple of competitors, it was obvious that the CX-5 has a level of performance that is well above its peers. I debated whether to go with the turbo but quickly disagreed with the reviews about the base engine being wimpy. We don't plan to trailer but the CX-5 has repeatedly demonstrated more than enough power to easily pass anything else when needed. The handling is much more like a sports car (former Audi A4 owner) than an SUV. The appearance is just plain stunning, esp. on the interior. The Soul Red paint turns the vehicle into a head turner on the road or a parking lot. Mazda did a nice job with the level of features at each trim level and easy increases in pricing as one steps up the product line. We went with the Touring w/ the Premium package which has nearly all of the most important features of the higher models - other than the turbo engine. The suite of safety and tech features is impressive -and does increase as you go up the model line but even the Touring has stuff that will help keep you out of an accident and reduce driving stress - and it all works very unobtrusively. I don't mind not having a touch screen infotainment center since it would require leaning forward to touch it while the controls on the center console can be easily used without looking. The smaller interior size wasn’t as important to us but it can make the difference if you haul a lot of stuff – which we don’t. The only disappointment so far is the Yokohama Geolander tires that are not well rated. I haven't had any performance issues with them but I suspect better tires could bring road noise in the cabin down even further. It is also worth noting that the CX-5 is only made in Japan (Hiroshima) and has no U.S. content – if supporting U.S. industry matters to you. Mazda did a great job in creating a high-quality product that has some very unique characteristics in a class that is not only highly competitive but where many models stumble on one or more key attributes and still act or look a lot like each other. We are very happy with our new CX-5.
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My second CX-5--Mazda loyalty earned 2 year update
Dustoff, 12/20/2020
updated 12/21/2022
2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
133 of 146 people found this review helpful
I just brought home a '21 Signature after owning a 2016 GT for the past 5 years and could not be happier. Mazda's approach seems to be continuous refinement which is apparent in this iteration. My priorities were driving experience--handling, ride, power, AWD snow performance--and also luxury. MPG, minor off-road capability, and cargo space were down the list. Although exterior styling is refined rather than aggressive (see the RAV4), the overall aesthetic remains appealing and the interior is at a near-luxury level. I test drove the '21 RAV4 and it drives ok but simply can't compete with CX-5 (IMO). Although if a person plans to keep a vehicle for 15 years it is hard to beat Toyota's track record. The Bose system is impressive and the ability to adjust it to individual listening preferences is noteworthy. The new infotainment system has improved significantly over the past 5 years and I am an enthusiastic convert to the no-touch screen and console commander control wheel. The screen resolution and user interface reflect a major evolutionary improvement that was easy to learn based on prior experience. Interior surfaces and design are refined and although some reviewers complain about the lack of a panoramic roof, that was a non-issue for me as I rarely use the existing moon roof. My non-turbo 2016 GT was engaging and fun to drive and the '21 Signature takes these characteristics to a new level. I've had it in 4-6" of snow and it performs very well, even with the all-season OEM Toyo A36s. I was surprised, and hopeful, that they will perform better than the A23s that came on the 2016 GT. Curvy canyon roads elicit a spontaneous smile in any weather--sun to snow. This Signature is only my second Mazda; previously I owned multiple Subarus (Outback) and a couple Toyota Highlanders. These are great vehicles, but I've now been spoiled by Mazda. I've rented a number of compact SUVs over the past few years ranging from Jeeps to Nissans and Chevy/Fords and none impressed me like Mazdas. I did look briefly at the CX-9 but didn't need the 3rd row. The CX-5 Signature checks off all my boxes. Improved Mazda reliability noted by consumer groups is a nice plus and I suspect this reflects their focus on refining, improving, and tweaking existing proven technology (engines, transmission) rather than jumping to the next new thing (e.g., CVTs—ughh). Their turbo has been out for several years and I am hopeful it will hold up well while helping to make the driving experience an absolute pleasure. Turbo lag is minimal, and I suspect that as I learn the throttle characteristics, it will be rare. I think that the Mazda CX-5 is a great and underappreciated (based on sales) vehicle. Update: I've had my 21 CX5 Signature for 2 years and ~20,000 miles. It has performed flawlessly and remains a lot of fun to drive. Excellent on road trips and around town. The seats do better than I thought they would with no fatigue after hours of driving. Zero mechanical issues and the tech works as designed. I do wish that the windshield had heating elements for the wipers for use during snow storms. The radar sensor under the front badge can get caked with road slush, rendering it inoperative until cleaned off. The Toyo 36 tires are adequate for snow when new but with 20K miles, they are poor. I'll be getting CrossClimate2 tires for replacements soon. So the only issues are snow country related. I remain very pleased with the CX5 Signature.
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2021 Signature CX-5 - Outstanding!
Lem, 01/06/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
87 of 100 people found this review helpful
I've had my 2021 Signature CX-5 for 2 months now and am thrilled with my purchase. Having owned a 2009 Mazda6 in the past, I expected excellent handling and this vehicle delivers. The steering is quick and accurate with the suspension providing a firm and controlled, but not harsh, ride which I find comfortable and reassuring. The turbo is definitely a good addition to the standard engine. While not a race car, the acceleration is linear with minimal turbo-lag and more than enough from either a standing start or for passing on the freeway. The interior is very driver friendly and near-luxury. The driver's seat is comfortable and easily adjustable. The cabin is quiet enough for conversation at normal volume even at highway speeds. The 10 inch screen is well placed so you don't have to take your eyes off the road to view. I am not a fan of using a touch screen while driving so I appreciate the control wheel and push button controls which are easy and intuitive to use. I thought having Apple CarPlay/Android Auto was a "must-have" for my new vehicle, however I've found that I rarely use the feature since I actually prefer navigating with the Mazda system over Google Maps and usually listen to subscription satellite radio. Nevertheless, it works well when I do connect my phone. I also appreciate using buttons and knobs for the climate control system rather than having to navigate through screen menus. Again, a thoughtful design to make it easier to use while driving. All in all, I am very pleased with my purchase and anticipate many miles of enthusiastic driving.
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Just got it but impressed so far
LEO 2010, 07/04/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
21 of 23 people found this review helpful
This car lives up to its billing. It drives great, is relatively quiet on the highway, and the red paint job stands out in a crowd of boring white and grey cars that litter the highways. My only complaint is that the seat is too firm for my liking. It purchased a seat cushion to soften it some but then the seat cooling and heating function isn't useful. The interior design is very luxurious for a car that is inexpensive. It's a good choice for those not looking to break the bank and are okay with a small SUV.
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