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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2021 Mazda CX-5 for sale near you
3 of 177 listings
- Touring 4dr SUVMSRP: $23,80410 mi away
- Touring 4dr SUVMSRP: $21,68827 mi away
- Grand Touring 4dr SUVMSRP: $20,19831 mi away
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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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Love it!
K KATZENBACH, 07/03/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
A nice upgrade from my Honda Pilot. Sporty and so much fun to drive. So many extras make this a dream to drive. I am loving my Mazda!
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Great vehicle I’m thrilled with my new 2021
SocalDancer, 11/19/2020
2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
46 of 54 people found this review helpful
New additions are automatic folding outside mirrors, cooling seats, larger display, Android Auto, Apple Play, Bose stereo system, heated steering wheel & seats, and so many other safety features. Be sure to get the Grand Touring model.
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Better than many Luxury Compact SUV's
OhioBob, 06/20/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
17 of 19 people found this review helpful
The CX 5 GTR is equipped better than most Luxury Compact SUV's. Mazda has taken care to build the car so it's pleasing to the eye yet is very fun to drive. It comes standard with more equipment than many Luxury brands and at a reasonable price. The Turbo 4 has plenty of power and can run on regular fuel. It may have less cargo space than others in the market, but is more than ample for most uses. Originally we were looking at the Lexus NX, Acura RDX and Audi Q5, yet the Mazda comes better equipped and a far lower price. If you are in the market for a Compact SUV, take a look at the CX 5 it will surprise you.
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Amazing Car, Amazing Price, Amazing Features!
Zach, 12/04/2020
2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
59 of 71 people found this review helpful
This is my second CX-5! I previously had the 2017 CX-5 GT with the Premium Package, which was fully loaded at the time. I knew from day one that when my lease was up I would be getting another one. The 2021 is amazing in every aspect. Comfort, Features, Power. I love the upscale interior, the 10.3 inch screen to be exact! Everything from top to bottom is perfect! I recommend the CX5 to anyone looking for a CUV! It's like driving a BMW for Toyota money.
Sleek and awesome!
Stacie, 07/18/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
The 2021 Mazda CX5 handles very well. Great acceleration. Looks very classy and I love the interior of the CX5. Very sturdy and enjoy driving it! A great vehicle for the price!
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The best SUV in the market
Lazara, 01/27/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
40 of 49 people found this review helpful
If you are looking for a safe, stylish, and simple car to drive, the Mazda CX-5 Touring Preferred is your best choice. It gives you leather seats, blind spot monitoring, Apple Carplay, power gate lifting, keyless entry, remote start and so much more. For a reasonable price you can get everything you need to enjoy a short or a long ride. The safety features are one of the highest in the market and the style of the car is comparable to any high-end vehicle for this class, size and price.
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Great CUV, but the Bose stereo, not so much ...
BrianM, 02/04/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
32 of 39 people found this review helpful
The CX-5 Grand Touring (base trim - no Prem Pkg) is my second Mazda to lease, and overall I'm pretty pleased. Having come from a larger 2018 CX-9 Grand Touring, the 5 is a great CUV that fit within my current budget. Its ride is a bit on the firm side, which will take time getting used to, after having the smooth ride of the 9. The non-turbo engine, however, is peppy and punchy, especially when used with the manual / paddle shifters in Sport mode. The larger 10.25" info screen is also really great. The one feature that falls terribly short, in my opinion, is the Bose stereo. The sound, even with the treble at its highest setting, sounds muddy and muffled, and doesn't have the same crispness and depth as the Bose systems in the 9, the new 3's and the very new CX-30. Being in year five of its current generation, the 5 would benefit GREATLY from the same Bose 12-speaker system found in the new 3 and CX-30. That particular upgrade would raise the bar for this CUV sky-high.
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Love My Silver Fox!
KKLifewriter, 05/18/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
16 of 19 people found this review helpful
While this car was originally my third choice––and the last make and model that I test drove––I immediately was sold on the comfort, style, and performance. I drove it 1700 miles within two weeks of the purchase, and it was the most comfortable ride I've ever had. The safety features, the sound system, and so many other factors made the trek through mountain passes and the desert very enjoyable.
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Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD
Rudy G., 04/06/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
18 of 22 people found this review helpful
Very Happy with the car so far. The CX-5 has plenty of power with the standard engine. The car was purchased for my wife and she is the main driver. She loves the Red color and the optional moon roof and the Alloy wheels. The CX-5 has plenty of room for even for big guys like me. I have driven the car about 100 miles so far and it handles great. My wife on the other hand is still getting used to the handling. Her last car was a Ford Fusion which had a much different ride. She just needs to drive it more to get used to the different handling. I have a Chevy Traverse which has a similar ride but softer because its a larger vehicle. Overall we are both happy with the purchase. Wayne Mazda in NJ gave us a good deal and we would recommend them. We narrowed down our decision to three vehicles. The CX-5, RAV 4, and Nissan Rogue. I had already made up my mind but my wife was undecided until she saw and I test drove the CX-5. The style and color won her over.
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Great SUV, but Needs to Address Issue with Stereo
GTaylor, 01/13/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
40 of 51 people found this review helpful
I have had my 2021 CX-5 for several days now and for the most part think it is perfect. I purchased a white one in the Grand Touring Reserve trim and it has everything I could ever need. The build quality on literally everything is superb. The one issue I have with it, is in how the stereo system is controlled. There is no way to easily switch through my favorited XM stations without taking my eyes off the road and going through multiple actions on the console control system. Oddly enough, there is a way to semi-easily flip through the 100+ other stations that I don't listen to. Both the Mazda3 and the CX-30 have functionality on the volume knob that allows for switching through your favorites by pressing left or right, but when you pay more money for the CX-5, this isn't included. Overall, I love the CX-5, but if I would have known about this issue before my purchase, it may have been a deal breaker, since it creates a major distraction anytime I want to change the radio station to one of my preset favorites.
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Just enough
Bob-o, 03/03/2022
2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have always owned Honda and Acura products, but with the shortage, and the economy, I decided to down size from my Acura MDX lease. If you notice with the shortage, lots are pretty empty. I could have waited for the right Honda I wanted, but the Mazda's were in stock, hence the CX-5 and CX-9 rocket in sales the last two months. The interior of the Mazda is very nice. All the materials feel top notch, except for the lower doors and the floor mats and carpet. Worst Floor Mats and carpet ever! Cheap and hard to vacuum. The Infotainment screen is finally larger, but working it is annoying with the knob controller. I have gotten used to it, but would not buy it again just for that. Voice commands are not much better. Little things like the heated steering wheel is only warm on the sides, not the top or bottom, and the button is on the console? The power seat setting and memory is on the seat itself, and does not light up at night. When you set your power seat, it does not set your mirrors as well, so after maintenance or car wash, I always have to adjust them, unlike my previous car which adjusted with the hit of the memory seat button The rear headrest should be able to slide down and be flush with the back seat (Acura does) for better visibility I got the regular 2.5 engine, as I am not a fan of Turbo's. While it is decent enough, the transmission could be quicker. Gas mileage is also disappointing for a 4cyl with a six speed auto. Overall it is a very nice SUV, but with just a little stretch of that wheelbase and maybe better OEM tires, the ride could be just that much better. I will be replacing the TOYO tires with Michelin when the time comes. I usually only keep my cars for 3 years but did not lease, but we will see
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Signaturely well done!
Shankapotamous, 11/02/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I've had my Signature now for about 6 months and have put 10k miles on it (runs between NC and MA). First, a shoutout to Edmunds Mazda leasing information person who responded quickly to my request. Got it just before going into the dealership and shamed them into rolling back the 3x lease rate they wanted initially. Great info, and wonderful responsiveness! I had resisted going the SUV route for a long time, but the sporting drivability of this vehicle has won me over. I love to power into corners and feel the rear-wheel steering adjustment improve the tracking is wonderful. And yes, the suspension is stiffer than some people like, but it also improves the driving experience for me. Take a spirited test drive if you're not sure. Coming from an Infiniti Q50, I still miss rear-wheel drive acceleration on occasion, but it looks like the CX-5 (CX-50) will have that when my lease is up so I can live with this quibble for now. And although the CX-5 doesn't have all the luxury bells of the Infiniti, I still love getting 90% of it at 65% of the price! Another ding is space, for people and for storage. I have not had any complaints about people feeling like there's not enough room for them, so not a problem for me. I will admit to occasionally wishing for a few more inches of storage space though. I can work through it by reclining the front passenger seat though, so no showstoppers yet on the storage side. Fit and finish are very well done. I wasn't sure initially about the Caturra leather being the only seating option (brown?), but it's such a rich color I love it. Ergonomically, I would wish for more aggressively bolstered seats, but my friends all think the seats function great from their perspectives. The non-touch screen required only a short acclimation period; the controls in the center console are easy to find by touch and then get to navigation, entertainment, or communications. I'll grouse about my inability to use voice controls effectively, but it's most likely me. All in all, a great first SUV for me, and a great choice for others!
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Excellent car!
Penny Dingess, 07/30/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
This is a peppy small suv. It handles well.
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Excellent Vehicle So Far
Jennifer, 06/09/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
12 of 15 people found this review helpful
I just leased a 2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring at the Byers Mazda on Billingsly Road in Dublin, OH. So far the vehicle works great. I wanted to upgrade from my 2018 Mazda 3 hatchback due to hip and back pain in order to assist in comfort and ease in getting in and out of the vehicle and for sitting for long periods of time. In the short time I've driven it, I've already noticed a different. I feel extra safe in this vehicle as it has so many fancy safety options that I didn't even know existed. It is a smooth ride, very quiet, and runs great! This is my third Mazda and even after looking around at other brands, I still chose Mazda. Great quality vehicles, great sales, and great service!
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Couldn’t be more thrilled!
Kristin Moore, 12/30/2020
2021 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
22 of 29 people found this review helpful
After driving an Audi Q5 for years (which I loved), I actually love my Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition even more! It feels modern and sleek. I had no intentions of purchasing a new car, let alone a Mazda. They won me over. I am so happy with my purchase.
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Excellent CUV
ST, 02/25/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
19 of 25 people found this review helpful
This is an excellent car. It is on a different level than Toyota, Nissan, Honda. Of course, all of them make excellent vehicles. But non of them talk to you. They are practical, some are reliable, but it is about it. This car is eye candy inside and out. I am excited to drive to and from work everyday. Fit and finish inside of this vehicle is super. I had plenty of luxury brands to compare. Car is very quite and refined. This is premium vehicle premium and one can pay for it mainstream price. Thank you Mazda. Also, seen someone complainig about Bose system. It is better IMO than Toyota's, Honda's and Subaru's that I tested. Again, for price point it is more than acceptable.
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Awesome car!!
Dave, 01/21/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
23 of 31 people found this review helpful
It has a really good ride. Are family is coming from a 2014 Buick Enclave. And the Mazda has as smooth a ride, comfort and minimal road noise as the Buick. Fuel economy was the same as the Buick as well. The engine is snappy and plenty of get up and go for traveling. I enjoyed the cruise control option. A person can go in front of you, your car slows down to maintain a safe distance, and then accelerates when able to. Automatically. The steering wheel operation keeps your mind on the road. Will be buying more Mazda’s in the future!!
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Great quality for reasonable price
Jay, 11/14/2020
2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
27 of 38 people found this review helpful
Feels like a much more expensive car than it is. Mazda has a lot of nice touches built in to the vehicle.
Extremely Uncomfortable Seats A Fatal Flaw
DiverP, 07/06/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
76 of 113 people found this review helpful
At 55, after buying Fords, a Maserati, and two Nissans and having driven Hondas, Toyotas and several sports cars and SUVs, I purchased my first Mazda based on commercial site reviews. Looking for safety, reliability, and a great price with a loaded car. Wanted to down size. Thought I had found it in the CX-5. My test drive was short. My fault. Because I realized after driving the CX-5 the first day I bought it that that the front seats are beyond terrible. If you are over about 50 or have shoulder or back problems, avoid this car. The seats will make you suffer. We just got back from a 5 hour both ways vacation drive with less than 150 miles on the car starting out and by the time we got back we want to sell it even for a loss. Our backs and shoulders ached the whole time. The seats are so stiff, have no leg room support, and are so ergonomically painful, that no engineer who designed the seats could have driven any time in them or is a moron. We have since researched seat issues with this car and unfortunately now know that this is a huge issue with this car. Hard to believe that a car company could design a beautiful, highly equipped, reliable and safe car that is ruined by its horrible car seats. We will be selling this brand new car at a loss because it hurts our backs and shoulders and nothing is more miserable than trying to drive a distance in pain because of short, rock hard seats.
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a lively exciting red GTR cx-5 mazda
nick hirsch, 06/22/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
This model and trim is a joy to drive, make sure the sales person reveals all the adds to the window stricker price i.e, mazda price increase, dealer installed options.
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Mazda Man
Hank, 07/10/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
After owning cx9 and 3i , surviving bad accident in the 3 , we decided on another Mazda. Had zero problems with other two. So yes we love our 2021 cx5 gt. AwD. Daughter got two cx5 also. Reliability and fun are what Mazda's are about! # 1 consumers reports too.
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I regret buying this vehicle
Michael, 03/06/2022
2021 Mazda CX-5 Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Within 5 days of owning this car, the electrical system experienced a major malfunction. The steering went out, the brakes went out and the only thing that minimized the damage in the collision this malfunction caused was the automatic braking system. I brought the car to the dealership who has a Mazda technician come out and evaluate the vehicle. They said nothing was wrong. I paid an independent collision specialist to come run the cars system and they found a whole host of issues including bad sensors, faulty analog to digital transformers and missing grounds. To say I’m disappointed is an understatement. I traded it in and got a Tiguan. I don’t recommend Mazda. They’re trying to go up market with a down market price and you get what you pay for.
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The Test Drive Will Spoil You For Other Models
Joe, 04/02/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
19 of 28 people found this review helpful
Owning a Honda Pilot for 9 years, I knew it was too big and thirsty for my current needs. But I was concerned about feeling cramped in a compact CUV. No worries there. The CX-5 was extremely comfortable, well-appointed, and packed with features for the price. I test drove a Carbon Turbo and a Touring preferred pkg at my first dealership. I had seen reviews say the base engine was a bit weak, but I found the regular engine to have plenty of pep and power. In fact, because of traffic, I didn't get to really open the turbo up during the test drive. I realized with my driving patterns, I really wouldn't have much need for the Turbo. The Carbon Edition is basically the Touring trim with the SV Preferred package items and some trim items unique to this level. Including a paint color called Polymetal Grey, which is actually a very sharp steely blue. It also has a different grill, black wheels, black trim around the wheel wells. On the interior, the black leather seats are accented with red stitching. A red interior is also available, which I though would look horrid, but actually looks pretty sweet in person. As good as the car looks, it's also fun to drive. Very responsive and handles well. Loaded with safety and convenience features that make driving a pleasure. As I said in the title, I drove the CX-5 first, but wanted to see what else was out there. Anything else I drove just left me flat. Wasn't even close. So the CX-5 it was. Buy this car, and you'll be looking for reasons to go for a drive.
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Great Marketing but 5* rating?
DW, 08/11/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
19 of 28 people found this review helpful
Owned probably 30 vehicles in my lifetime from pretty much every mfg. But, hadn't owned a Mazda until my wife showed up with her new grocery getter. Loaded with options for the price and some neat high end convenience. Sensing wipers, levelling headlights and a nice comfortable ride. We live just outside the city and have about 2 miles of dusty dirt roads. Six months into her vehicle she seems to be having sensor problems. I'm not talking about intermittant issues, but sensor failure. Her biggest problem is the levelling headlight sensing issues as although they have been reset a couple of times, they had to be replaced under warranty. This is a car that has 10,000 miles and is 6 momnths old. Have other vehicles in our driveway that are a few years older with headlight levelling and have not had an issue. So, the vehicle may be a 5* vehicle for paved roads in the city but in my opinion there are better choices for those on the outskirts.
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Good solid value
Mjobmi, 04/10/2022
2021 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The Mazda marriage with Toyota make this a contender. Good build well balanced drives well in city and down the highway. Long list of safety features standard. The 2.5l SKYACTIV-G and 6speed trans are next to bullet proof The only 2 issues that keep this from being a 5 star pick is 1) the keyfobs have the buttons on the edge and I often set off alarm/lock/unlock by just carrying keys in pocket 2) the Mazda Connect system is weak. No touch screen and a clumsy menu make this a frustrating feature. The only savior is Apple carplay and Android
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Great vehicle
KS2, 12/01/2022
2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Plenty of upscale amenities like heads up display, power everything, turbo, Bose sound and more. The one negative is the display is not touchscreen. Dont believe the sales person, it socks.
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2021 CX-5 Signature
New Mazda Owner, 11/09/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
After the untimely demise of my previous vehicle, I rented a CX-5 and thought to test drive a CX-5 Signature. First off, this car is very comfortable. Never before did I realize what I was missing without a heated steering wheel. The ride is very comfortable and the turbo provides enough power to be taken seriously on the highway when merging or passing. The entertainment system controls are knob controlled in the median area just set back from the gear shift. All the fancy cameras and radars are also quite the upgrade. This thing could probably park itself (but doesnt). My only disappointment is the gas mileage; I get about 22 mpg, and it seems that 93 premium is recommended. The AWD is a huge improvement in rainy conditions and I look forward to tackling any snow this winter.
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Still In Love!
Holly cx5, 05/29/2022
updated 06/07/2023
2021 Mazda CX-5 Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I’m absolutely in love with this vehicle, driving is now a treat! Comfortable elegant sporty and affordable! My only complaint is Apple CarPlay and my Sirius app on phone don’t always cooperate.
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Was not looking for a CX-5, but glad it found us!
Rachel G, 10/29/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
My husband and I were looking for a size upgrade from my (purchased previous to meeting him) 2017 Honda HR-V. He's 6'3", and let's just say it was a struggle. I researched new vehicles online for a few months. Full disclosure- my list only included 0% financing offers. While I wanted to stay in an SUV, Mazda was running a special on the 6 at the time. Having never driven a car, I thought "why not test drive it and see". Side note- it was absolutely fabulous... but same problem, not a great fit for the hubby. We were on our way out when our salesman asked if we had looked at the CX-5. My first thought was "nope, too much $, will not pay for financing"... but we took a look anyway and I sure did like what we saw. Now, we are not "fancy" people. I did not want leather/sunroof/bells/whistles/etc... just a solid, reliable, small SUV with enough cargo space for groceries and the occasional small furniture purchase. I was definitely interested in the newer safety features available, but thought they would not be an option without a high-level trim. I was wrong. One test drive in the CX-5 Touring and we were in love. Plenty of head/leg room, extraordinary amount of standard safety features, good gas mileage, luxurious interior, unique exterior styling, sturdy build, comfortable, and fun to drive... all at the right price point ($29k). Happy ending, we did get the 0% financing and the perfect compact SUV to fit our needs. Have had it for 4 months now and have no complaints. Definitely recommend!
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Almost perfect compact SUV
James, 08/19/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Cons: lower than competitor MPG, cargo room, somewhat boring-looking rear design, a bit chunky, visibility Pros: Great overall design (especially the front), top-quality interior, great powertrain options. Basically everything else is top notch.
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2021 Mazda CX-5 GTR (Grand Touring Reserve)
Jim , 12/22/2020
updated 12/28/2022
2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
20 of 30 people found this review helpful
Some dealers were competitive on the price of CX-5. Some dealers were not as responsive (3 or 4 days to respond) to our quote request and another gave us the MSRP price minus $100. What sold us with the Trade-In value we received. There was a big disparity between dealers on the Trade-in value. In the price range of the CX-5 we felt we received a good value for the money. There were better driving SUV's but once you added options we use then the value wasn't there. 2 years old and working well… Happy with it… We took a couple 500 mile trips and it worked well. I like the cruse control with radar… CX-5 does burn 1 quart of oil every 2500 miles.
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Great Buy
Sergio, 02/21/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
13 of 19 people found this review helpful
This is a great handling car. To get the same level of driving you would have to step up to more luxury brands. None of the mainstream brands come even close. Great reliability ratings. Premium interior and superior fit and finish. Quite too.
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Snug seats & Priced Over MSRP
Lamont Cranston, 07/04/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition Turbo 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
25 of 39 people found this review helpful
The Mazda CX-5 is a nice SUV as all the reviews agree, but it's not for everyone. The sporty image Mazda is striving for results in heavily bolstered front seats that are not comfortable for everyone. The turbo charged engine is only available on the upper trims pushing $38-40,000, and the Carbon edition with an MSRP of about $33,000. We went looking for the lower priced way to get the turbo, but dealers are treating the Carbon edition like it's already turned into a diamond, adding $5000 to the sticker plus the phoney alarm for $1300 and the Scotch tape on the door edges for $399. Dealers seem to think buyers will forgive and forget these scams when inventories grow in the next few months, but I have never gone back to one dealership that tried to screw me over in the 70's and I have put this Mazda dealership on the same list.
Leaking oil valve seals
Chris, 09/08/2023
2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Major issue with this vehicle. Mazda is well aware of a flaw with the oil valve seals leaking oil into the combustion chamber. This causes oil to be consumed at a high rate. I was unaware of this issue until the oil pressure light came on and I was nearly out of oil. There is a TSB on this issue and Mazda has been aware of this problem since 10/21. It took them a year to come up with a fix for the faulty parts. The TSB is 54 pages for the repair and very extensive. The problem is, despite knowing about the issue, the hoops you have to jump through to get Mazda to fix the issue is unacceptable. It’s acceptable for Mazda for consumers drive around with leaking valve seals. This is my first and last Mazda. I was stranded looking for oil in the middle of nowhere with a vehicle less than 2 years old and 20k miles. Mazda USA was no help. I expected that I was buying a quality vehicle from what I thought was quality brand. Stay away from Mazda. They do not back their products or remedy their mistakes.
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1st CX-5, Already Impressed
Pat, 10/25/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Purchased a new 2021 Grand Touring w/Premium Pkg. Dark Blue w/black leather. It's FWD and non-turbo which is perfect for our driving style and region. The engine is plenty peppy and the 6 speed auto shifts like perfection. The interior is very luxurious. Heated and cooled seats. Bose stereo. Heads up display feels like you're driving a Vette. Memory seats which is great since me & my spouse both use the car and ratcheting the drivers seat manually in our old car was a pain. Now we just push a button. Wife likes the power liftgate, something our old car didn't have either. Really like the way it drives. My only complaint would be the budget tires they use. I'll give Mazda a pass but it's one shortcoming for such a fine automobile. Haven't really checked fuel mileage yet but expect 28-32 average. Plan to keep this for many years.
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Happy! Happy!
Darlene, 08/20/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Sport 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I've just upgraded from a 2018 Mazda 3 to a 2021 CX5 . I love them both. They both handle well, never had any issues with the 3 and expect the same with the CX5. Mazda has me hooked!
Luxury at value price.
Gary, 05/28/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
9 of 14 people found this review helpful
Luxurious interior at a value price. Fun to drive. Standard equipment tires are not up to this cars standards.
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a vehilcle that draws great compliments
happy howie, 07/09/2021
updated 01/17/2023
2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
great handlng ,good safety features,beautiful red color,quick,smallish back seat,fair fuel economy
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4.5 stars
Robin B., 11/16/2021
updated 11/17/2022
2021 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
Things I love: - fun to drive - great handling - good gas mileage - should be very reliable - price was right - AWD handles well in rain, I suspect it will also do well in the snow - Carbon Edition paint makes it easy to find in a sea of CX-5s - the black seats with red stitching (looks magenta, in my opinion) is unique and really nice - the black rims are gorgeous - I get lots of compliments and questions about how much I like it Things I don’t love: it just isn’t as nice as I expected. At a glance, it’s very polished and riding around in it is plenty comfortable and seems luxurious. But, the fit/finish doesn’t impress me. The first time I cleaned it up, I noticed that anything immediately out of sight is not upholstered/finished. On that note, the carpet is hard to get clean, particularly removing dog hair (but perhaps that’s specific to my two beasts). The glossy surfaces scratch if you touch them with anything other than a fingertip and the other surfaces also seem easy to damage (four months of my six year old climbing across the back seat has scratched the rear console pretty badly; a Rubbermaid bin leaned against the dash for 20 minutes left an indentation that took a week+ to recover). The front fender popped out within the first few weeks of owning it, but I was able to pop the clip back in with some effort. Would I buy it again? With my budget, yes. I’m hoping it will be as reliable as three trusted mechanics (and Consumer Reports) told me it will be. However, if I had another few thousand dollars, I would pick something else. UPDATE: it does handle well in the snow, so I think it is probably only limited by ground clearance. I had an issue with the brakes squealing (which is apparently fairly common) and the dealer fixed it quickly and for free. Because I put 23k miles on it in 8 months due to a family emergency, I ended up trading it on a 2022 Premium Plus — and my trade value was only $1500 less than my original purchase price. Extremely pleased with that. Comparing the Carbon to the PP+, there isn’t a ton of difference (heads up display, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, adaptive headlights). Given experience driving both trims, if you can upgrade, do it (the heads up display is so helpful, as are the headlamps) - but if not, the Carbon is a solid value.
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cx5 2021 mazda transmission
jack, 05/20/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
22 of 37 people found this review helpful
i have owned over the years 28 Mazda . i own a 2021 CX5. over all i love the car great handling super nice on the inside . i love every thing but the transmission .it some times shifts hard . but what i dont like is when i am getting on a free way where the speed limit is 70mph . i put the trans. into sport mode. because it is faster throught the gears . and i can keep up with the on comming cars . i put the gas pedal to the floor and very fast reach 72 mph the tack is at 6,000 rpm and the trans wont go into drive. when i take my foot off of the gas pedal i am now running 72 mph and i cant get the trans to go into drive the cars in frount of me are getting closer .i am doing every thing to slow it down so at the last min. i put the shifter into N and back into drive that worked . being i race cars on a race track .i was thinking fast on how to slow the car down . i feal that some one who .would not think fast enought . might crash there car into some one on a free way. i have taken the CX5 back to the dealer ship they did a update on the trans to make shift better but it did not work . it still does the same thing . i have told mazda corp. about it and never herd back from mazda . i do know that this trans is in the 2021 cx5 is brand new for 2020 and 2021 and is way different .from other mazda transmissions i feal mazda does not have the bugs worked out yet on this new trans
The best choice
Jesus, 12/28/2023
2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Before purchasing Mazda vehicle I reaserched and tested various vehicles in the same category including the Hunday Tucson, VW Tiguan, Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4. I'm convinced that the Mazda CX5 offers the best price -performance and the most accesories for the price. I have owned the vehicle for over 2 years without any issues.
Great Car
Chet, 12/27/2022
updated 06/28/2023
2021 Mazda CX-5 Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Love the car, it's my 3rd one. After over two years of driving, I still think it's a great car. As a matter of fact I'm think of buying it at the end of the lease in about 10 months. Only have about 7000 miles on it.
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5th Mazda since 2008; 2019 CX-5 saved my life!
XLR8, 08/16/2022
updated 02/20/2024
2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I agree with all the positives I've seen everywhere about the Mazda CX-5. I picked up a 2019 CX-5 with the GT premium package on August 31, 2021, with under 20k miles. My first 3 Mazda's, 2 Mazda 3 sedans and a '16 Mazda 6 sedan, served me very well, with each getting to 100k miles while needing only oil changes & tires. I loved my '19 GT, but sadly, it was destroyed in a head-on collision back on May 19 (a young driver tried to do a u-turn on a 4-lane highway). I walked away with sore ribs. Reading NHSTA ratings are one thing...but surviving something like that has made me really appreciate Mazda engineers. Every airbag inflated and I felt surrounded by pillows. As for the rest of the car, like I said, I'm a Mazda loyalist & each model year brings more improvements. I just picked up a '21 CX-5 GT with the Premium pkg & AWD. It's better in every way; nice incremental upgrades but most importantly, to me anyway, is that Mazda really is as good as it gets with respect to real-world safety. P.S. For the 2nd time in 10 months I have found a CX-5 GT Premium Pkg sold as "Certified pre-owned" with very low miles and a better-than-new warranty. So I purchased each one on the last day of the month, after 5 pm, and was willing to walk away from a bad deal. Both times I paid below the KBB retail value, so the idea of dealerships being more eager to make a sale towards the end of a month/quarter rings true imho. Trying to determine car values in 2022, however, has become very difficult due to the industry shortage. I've seen brand new Mazda vehicles with mark-ups exceeding $10k over MSRP, so I'm grateful to have avoided this by searching for CPO Mazda CX-5's in a 300 mile radius. Plus I actually prefer the exterior design of the 2021 MY over the new 2022 MY. Love those LED fog lights!
RX-7 DNA
Kristofer Gifford, 12/05/2021
updated 06/08/2023
2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Love this car! 31K miles now. RX-7 DNA, on par with German luxury for thousands less. We bought it two months ago, 1400 miles to date. Smooth, quiet, peppy, responsive with awesome safety features. Fit and finish is exceptional. Rides and handles as well as our BMW 3 series and reminds me of an RX-7 I had a long time ago. Averaging 24 mpg in town, 27+ highway. Roomier inside than it appears. Only complaint is a very minor nitpick. Wish there was a knob to tune the radio stations. Many car companies don’t have these anymore. Mazda works around this with a favorites button that isn't too bad.
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Mazda CX5 update
Wade at the beach , 03/26/2021
updated 09/29/2021
2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
I had a 2017 and 2019 Kia Ex pack Sportages. Loved them both bot no comparison to the CX5. The interior is the biggest plus. Near luxury. Design is second to none. I bought the Soul Red with white interior .... eye catching. In Mexico we have the S Touring model, works perfect for my needs. Extremely quite and a lot more power than the Kias. I would highly recommend! Update: It's been 6 months plus since I bought this car. Happier today than the day I brought it home. MPG on the road in the mid to.low 30's. This is near luxury on a dime.
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