One of the newer additions to the Mazda lineup, the CX-5 was introduced in 2012 as part of the 2013 model year. This compact crossover, the Mazda CX-5 instantly gained worldwide popularity for its versatility, style, and comfort.
In Canada alone, over 180,000 CX-5s have been sold, with sales increasing every year since its inception. It doesn’t look like the popularity of the CX-5 is going to slump anytime soon. And with good reason. It’s one of the best vehicles in its class in nearly every category, while still being offered at an affordable price.
Let’s take a quick look at the 2021 Mazda CX-5 to see if it’s the right car for you.
What Is the 2021 Mazda CX-5?
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a stylish compact crossover with a sporty engine, a comfortable and functional interior, and plenty of cutting-edge technology. Although the 2021 model year is the fifth year of its current generation, Mazda has hardly been resting on its laurels. The 2021 model, still one of Mazda’s lower-priced models, is arguably the best rendition of the CX-5 yet.
Building on the successes of previous years, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 continues to impress with a sleek design and an interior focused on both aesthetics and functionality. But the major interior improvement for 2021 is the updated infotainment system. The new system offers a bigger screen, more versatility, and more user-friendliness—even if it can also be a bit finicky at times.
The 2021 model year also brought with it the Carbon Edition trim level. The new trim provides drivers with a special grey-and-red exterior and interior color scheme and a powerful 250-horsepower turbocharged engine.
Under the Hood of the 2021 Mazda CX-5
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 comes in seven different trim levels, each with its own attributes and capabilities. Each trim level has either the standard four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Here’s a chart showing which motor comes in which trim level:
Trim | Motor |
Sport | 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 187 hp, and 186 lb-ft torque |
Touring | 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 187 hp, and 186 lb-ft torque |
Carbon Edition | 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 187 hp, and 186 lb-ft torque |
Grand Touring | 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 187 hp, and 186 lb-ft torque |
Carbon Edition Turbo | 2.5 L 4-cylinder turbo, 250 hp, and 320 lb-ft torque |
Grand Touring Reserve | 2.5 L 4-cylinder turbo, 250 hp, and 320 lb-ft torque |
Signature | 2.5 L 4-cylinder turbo, 250 hp, and 320 lb-ft torque |
The 250-horsepower turbocharged engine really wakes up the Mazda CX-5. It completely changes the feel of the car. The more powerful engine is also paired with all-wheel drive (AWD) transmission, further enhancing the capabilities of these models.
In the Sport through Grand Touring models, front-wheel drive transmissions are standard. But AWD can be added for an additional $1,400 on most models.
The Interior of the 2021 Mazda CX-5
The interior of the Mazda CX-5 goes far to explain why the crossover is so popular year after year. Once you take a seat in the stylish interior, you’ll think you’re in a car that costs twice as much. Thanks to Mazda’s focus on ergonomics and its use of top-tier materials like Nadda upholstery and real wood trim, the interiors of their vehicles are among the best on the market. The CX-5 is no exception.
The CX-5 has five seats. But given the somewhat narrow back middle seat, you will typically be better off accommodating only four people. The cargo space in the CX-5 is a bit lacking: just 60 cubic feet of space at most if the entire second row of seats is folded down, only 30 cubic feet otherwise. But the good features of the interior far outweigh the bad.
The Technology of the 2021 Mazda CX-5
The big-ticket upgrade is the new infotainment system. The 2021 CX-5 now comes with an impressive 10.3-inch touch screen that is standard in all models. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard in the new system, which is powered by Mazda Connect to make it better than ever.
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 also comes with a bunch of tech features designed to keep you and everyone else in the car as safe and comfortable as possible. These include:
- Adaptive cruise control.
- Forward collision warning with automatic braking.
- Lane keep assist.
- Blind-spot monitoring.
- Automatic high-beams.
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers.
- Pedestrian detection.
Our Take on The 2021 Mazda CX-5
Here at Car Digest, we really like what the Mazda CX-5 has to offer. The lack of cargo area is a bit off-putting for a vehicle in its class, and the new infotainment system is occasionally a little finicky. But these minor problems are outweighed by all the great features that the CX-5 has to offer.
Although the standard four-cylinder motor has more than enough pep, the turbocharged motor powering the AWD transmission in some models really makes the CX-5 pop. With its upgraded infotainment system and sleek and ergonomically designed interior, being inside the Mazda CX‑5 a real treat.
A new generation of the CX-5 is likely on the horizon. We can’t wait to see what Mazda does next.
