2021 Mazda CX-5 Review

Name: 2021 Mazda CX-5 Review
Brand: Mazda

Price Range: $17,796 - $29,998

2021 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition Turbo 4dr SUV Exterior

2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

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The Mazda CX-5 remains one of the best small SUVs around. It offers a high-quality interior, sharp handling and a competitive price. It comes up just a bit short in terms of rear passenger space, cargo capacity and fuel economy, but overall it's an outstanding vehicle in its class.

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2021 Mazda CX-5 Review

byCameron Rogers^{Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

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
Ride is a little firm for the class
Less rear legroom and cargo room than most competitors

What's new

New infotainment system with a larger screen
Remote monitoring and control through a smartphone app
New Carbon Edition trim
Top Signature trim gains some new safety features
Part of the second CX-5 generation introduced for 2017

Overview

The elevated ride height and superior passenger and cargo room of small SUVs make them far more sensible than the typical small sedan. The downside is that sensible isn't normally sexy, but that's where the 2021 Mazda CX-5 comes in. This SUV boasts sleek styling and impressive handling abilities to match. It also has a top-notch interior and a strong optional turbocharged engine that wouldn't seem out of place in a BMW. These traits have helped the CX-5 earn a place near the top of our rankings of the best small SUVs.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Sport 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.94 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$133/mo

$171/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

The CX-5 receives a few notable upgrades for 2021. The central display screen is larger than last year's and is outfitted with Mazda's newest infotainment interface. It loses touchscreen functionality, but the increased width makes the layout look less cluttered than before. There's also a new Carbon Edition trim that's available with or without the turbocharged engine. If you want the extra thrust but don't need the luxury features that come in the pricier trims, the Carbon Edition is the least expensive way to get the upgraded engine. So is the CX-5 the best small SUV for you? Check out our Expert Rating to read more of our in-depth evaluation of this year's CX-5.

What's it like to live with?

Want to know even more about the Mazda CX-5? Learn about the day-to-day ownership on our long-term test of the 2018 CX-5. Was the cargo room sufficient for everyday use? Was it reliable? See what we liked and disliked about this fun and stylish SUV after driving it for a year. Note that the 2020 CX-5 differs slightly from the 2018 model, which did not have the optional turbocharged engine and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay that became available in 2019 or the revised infotainment system that debuts this year. Our coverage is otherwise applicable.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Great

8.1

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8/10

How does the CX-5 drive? The base engine provides underwhelming acceleration while moving, and overtaking on the highway requires some planning. It fares slightly better from a dead stop — the 0-60 mph run on our test track took 8.7 seconds, which is typical for rivals with a base engine. The available turbocharged engine gets the CX-5 to 60 mph in only 6.6 seconds.

Handling is where the CX-5 excels. Since it's sharp and communicative, you can take corners at speeds greater than rivals without squealing tires or feeling like you're out of control. The car is unfazed by quick left-to-right transitions. This is the best-handling small crossover. No doubt about it.

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is the CX-5? The front seats are shaped well and generally comfortable. The rear bench seat is flat on the bottom, which might make long-distance driving uncomfortable for rear passengers. But the rear seatback can recline for added comfort.

The CX-5's ride quality is firm but not uncomfortable. Midcorner bumps barely faze the CX-5, and it never feels floaty. Road imperfections are dealt with immediately. Noise in the cabin is really only evident at highway speeds. Even then, you won't have to raise your voice to talk to passengers.

Interior

8/10

How’s the interior? The cabin is driver-oriented with all controls within easy reach. The CX-5 is spacious up front, and there's enough headroom for tall folks all around. Rear passengers might feel cramped by the sculpted outboard seats, which also make it difficult for an adult to sit in the middle. Rear legroom is a little tight.

An elevated driving position, tall windows and narrow pillars make this an easy car to see out of. The exception is the view over your shoulder; the rear windows are a bit smaller than those of competitors but provide a decent view to limit blind spots. The backup camera's resolution is crisp.

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? The infotainment system is easy to use overall, and the 10.25-inch display screen is bright and attractive. The available integrated navigation system is also easy to figure out. CX-5s with the head-up display can project turn instructions right onto the windshield. Mazda's voice control system is based on natural speech recognition. It's good at entering destinations, calling people and tuning to terrestrial radio stations.

The usability of the CX-5's advanced driver aids is a mixed bag. The lane departure warning system emits a unique low-pitched buzzing sound that really gets your attention. But the blind-spot monitor is overly sensitive, even triggering while passing vehicles that are several car lengths behind.

Storage

8.5/10

How’s the storage? The CX-5 has a cargo area that's a bit smaller than competitors, but we were able to fit two large suitcases without impeding rear visibility. The portal to load items is also a little smaller than the Honda CR-V's because of a higher cargo floor height and shorter max open height of the liftgate. Storage space for small items inside the cabin is abundant.

Got small kids? Four slots on the outboard seats allow access to the car seat anchors. It's easy to push past the slots, but the anchors are inset a bit. The tethers on the seatback are easy to reach even with the cargo cover in place. Push down on the plastic tab that keeps stuff concealed to access the tether.

Fuel Economy

6.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? Estimated fuel economy stands at 26 mpg in combined city/highway driving for an all-wheel-drive CX-5 with the base engine. We managed to get 28.8 mpg from our test AWD CX-5 on our 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route, so you can probably expect to match the EPA's number. Some top rival crossover SUVs will still get you slightly better fuel economy.

Value

7.5/10

Is the CX-5 a good value? There's not a single cheap-feeling trim piece in the CX-5. All materials, from the available leather upholstery to the buttons and controls, feel expensive. The only disappointments are the malleable side bolsters that rub against the center console in turns. Everything else is exceptional. Fully loaded, the CX-5 can be a bit less expensive than top-trim competitors. Warranty coverage is average for the class, and there is no free maintenance included, also typical for the class.

Wildcard

8.5/10

The CX-5 is impressive from the moment you lay eyes on the expressive, sharklike nose. The good vibes continue when you take a seat inside and see the beautifully constructed cabin that puts all other vehicles in this class to shame. Few crossovers offer a sense of adventure, but you get it here with the CX-5.

Which CX-5 does Edmunds recommend?

There's value to be had throughout the CX-5 lineup, but two trims stand out. The Touring is a great choice if you're looking to keep costs low. It doesn't cost much more than the Sport, and it adds quite a few useful features. Its Preferred SV package is also quite comprehensive. If you want cheap power, the new Carbon Edition Turbo is the way to go. It includes the Preferred SV package along with the upgraded engine, and it costs thousands less than the Grand Touring Reserve.

Compare 2021 Mazda CX-5 trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2021 Mazda CX-5 models

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a small SUV sold in seven trim levels: Sport, Touring, Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, Carbon Edition Turbo, Grand Touring Reserve and Signature. Feature highlights for each include:

Sport
The base CX-5 Sport starts you off with:

2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 horsepower, 186 lb-ft of torque)
Six-speed automatic transmission
Standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
17-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Push-button start
10.25-inch central display
Four-speaker audio system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Two front USB ports

Every CX-5 comes with a comprehensive set of driving aids, which include:

Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Mazda and the car in front)

Touring
The Touring model adds a handful of convenience features, such as:

Keyless entry
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Heated front seats
Simulated leather upholstery
Rear air vents
Rear armrest
Six-speaker audio system
Two rear USB ports

The Touring's Preferred SV package adds:

Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Sunroof
Power liftgate
Driver-seat memory settings
Power-adjustable passenger seat
Leather upholstery
10-speaker Bose audio system

Carbon Edition
The new Carbon Edition trim includes:

Preferred SV package
19-inch black-painted wheels

Carbon Edition Turbo
This trim simply adds a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It produces 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft when using 93 octane gasoline.

Grand Touring
The Grand Touring adds the following on top of Touring content:

Preferred SV package
19-inch wheels
Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
Heated mirrors
Paddle shifters
Upgraded driver information display
Satellite radio

The GT Premium package includes:

Power-folding mirrors
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
Heated steering wheel
Ventilated front seats
Heated rear seats

Grand Touring Reserve
The Grand Touring Reserve is essentially the Grand Touring trim plus the GT Premium package and the turbocharged engine. All-wheel drive comes standard.

Signature
The range-topping Signature goes all-in on luxury appointments. It starts with Grand Touring Reserve content and adds:

Dark gray wheels
Ambient interior lighting
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Wood trim
Navigation system
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the CX-5 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind or in front of the vehicle when parking)
Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4.5/5Excellent

#4 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mazda CX-5 from 2008-2022.}

$402/yr

vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.72x/yr

vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

8.1%

vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Mazda CX-5.

5 (70%)

4 (14%)

3 (4%)

2 (6%)

1 (6%)

4.4

111 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

2021 CX5 GTR

Arkansas GTR owner, 07/21/2021

2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

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 …

Mazda did it right.

Tim, 02/03/2021

2021 Mazda CX-5 Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

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.

My second CX-5--Mazda loyalty earned 2 year update

Dustoff, 12/20/2020

2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

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.

2021 Signature CX-5 - Outstanding!

Lem, 01/06/2021

2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

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 …

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2021 Mazda CX-5 videos

Top 10 Best Compact SUVs | Ranking the Best Small SUVs of 2021

It's the Ford Bronco Sport vs. Subaru Forester in a battle of off-road crossovers. The Bronco Sport is the smaller sibling of the new Ford Bronco, which was revived last year. Though not as potent as the bigger Bronco, the Bronco Sport promises strong off-road capabilities for the…

2021 CX-5 Highlights

Trim:

Sport

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$25,370
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$133/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	30.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the CX-5 models:

Smart Brake Support: Sounds an alert and applies the brakes when it detects the risk of an imminent front crash.
Lane Keep Assist: Provides gentle steering guidance to prevent you from inadvertently drifting out of your lane.
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Alerts the driver to vehicles approaching from the rear when, say, reversing from a parking stall.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover17.4%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Poor
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Good
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2021 Mazda CX-5 Review

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2021 Mazda CX-5 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Sport 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.94 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

What's it like to live with?

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which CX-5 does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Mazda CX-5 models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

2021 CX5 GTR

Mazda did it right.

My second CX-5--Mazda loyalty earned 2 year update

2021 Signature CX-5 - Outstanding!

2021 Mazda CX-5 videos

Top 10 Best Compact SUVs | Ranking the Best Small SUVs of 2021

2021 CX-5 Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Sport 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.94 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}