| Pros | Cons | What's New |
|---|---|---|
Agile Dynamics | Lower towing capability | New 10.3â touchscreen display |
Fluidic Bodywork | Firm Ride | New Mazda Interface |
Well isolated Cabin | Less cargo space | New Carbon Edition trim |
Punchy Turbocharged engine | Underwhelming Naturally Aspirated Engine | Better safety features |
$25,370
price187 hp @ 6000 rpm
horsepower186 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
torque6-Speed Shiftable Automatic
transmission2.5L 4cyl FWD 6A
engine-
basic warrantyThe Mazda CX-5 is not a new name in the compact SUV segment. It is a well-known SUV from the house of Mazda. Its well-sculpted bodywork and ergonomic interiors are well praised among its buyers. All Mazda’s are well built and are made with attention to detail with their famous handling capabilities. Moreover, compared to some of its competitors in the market it looks more refined and premium from any angle you look at it.
In our view, the carbon edition trim makes the most sense. It has all the features of the touring trim plus opens up the option for a turbocharged engine. It looks apart with its unique exterior paint and interior red-stitched upholstery. For an additional $1400 you can opt for the AWD configuration.
The 2021 CX-5 is available in seven trims namely the Sport, Touring, Carbon Edition, Carbon Edition Turbo, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature. The prices for the Sport trim starts at $ 25,370 and go up to $37,505 for the top-of-the-line Signature trim. It faces some serious competition from the likes of Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Subaru Forester.
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 comes in seven trim options, with the carbon edition trim being the new one. It offers new polymetallic gray paint and red upholstery. With seven trims to choose from, we think that every buyer will get his desired choice of features. The good thing about the CX-5 is that you get many features as standard from the base trim ‘Sport’ itself. In other SUVs, you might need to shell extra bucks to get those features.
|
Trims |
Sport |
Touring |
Carbon Edition |
Carbon Edition Turbo |
Grand Touring |
Grand Touring Reserve |
Signature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP($) |
25,070 |
27,110 |
28,955 |
30,760 |
30,560 |
35,385 |
37,505 |
|
Key Features |
SKYACTIV -G 2.5 DOHC 1 |
In addition to or replaces, Sport trim features with |
In addition to or replaces, Touring trim features with |
In addition to or replaces, Carbon Edition trim features with |
In addition to or replaces, Touring trim features with |
In addition to or replaces, Grand Touring trim features with |
In addition to or replaces, Grand Touring Reserve trim features with |
|
Rearview camera |
Dual-zone automatic climate control with pollen filter |
Black power side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals |
SKYACTIV-G 2.5 Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine |
Adaptive Front-lighting System |
SKYACTIV-G 2.5 Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine |
Caturra Brown Nappa leather-trimmed seats |
|
|
17-inch alloy wheels in Gray Metallic finish |
Leatherette seats with Lux Suede insert |
19-inch alloy wheels with Black Metallic finish |
Turbo badge |
19-inch alloy wheels with Brilliant Silver finish |
All Wheel Drive as standard |
19-inch alloy wheels with Dark Silver finish |
|
|
LED headlights with auto on/of |
Auto-leveling headlights |
Leather-trimmed seats, steering wheel, and shifter knob with contrasting red stitching |
LED combination tail lights |
SKYACTIV-G 2.5 Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine |
Ambient cabin lighting |
||
|
Push Button Start |
Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System |
Black interior accents |
Power sliding-glass moonroof with tilt feature |
Windshield wiper de-icer |
360Ë View Monitor |
||
|
4-speaker audio system with automatic level control |
6-speaker audio system with automatic level control |
10-speaker Bose surround sound system |
Rear Power Liftgate |
Heated rear seats |
Signature trim badge |
||
|
40/20/40 split one-touch fold-down and reclining rear seatback |
Heated front seats with 3-level adjustment |
Unique Black grille |
Paddle shifters |
Ventilated front seats |
Driver Attention Alert |
Which Trim should you buy?
In our view, the carbon edition trim makes the most sense. It has all the features of the touring trim plus opens up the option for a turbocharged engine. It looks apart with its unique exterior paint and interior red-stitched upholstery. For an additional $1400 you can opt for the AWD configuration.
The 2021 CX-5 offers a combined fuel efficiency of 28 mpg and have a fuel tank capacity of 14.8 gallons. The efficiency figures are for its naturally aspirated engine variant. It can be considered decent and offers a combined range of 414 miles which should be sufficient for most usage scenarios.
|
Models(2021) |
Mazda CX-5 |
Honda CR-V |
Hyundai Tucson |
Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MPG (City) |
25 |
27 |
23 |
26 |
|
MPG (Highway) |
31 |
33 |
28 |
33 |
|
MPG (Combined) |
28 |
30 |
25 |
29 |
|
Fuel Capacity |
14.8 gallons |
14.0 gallons |
16.4 gallons |
16.6 gallons |
|
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) |
370/459/414 miles |
392/476/420 miles |
361/410/377 miles |
432/548/481 miles |
The Subaru Forester blows away the competition with its higher combined fuel efficiency of 29 mpg and a larger fuel tank with a capacity of 16.6 gallons. It can offer up to a 481-mile range on a full tank which is commendable. The Hyundai Tucson is the least efficient and despite its bigger fuel tank capacity, offers a lesser range as compared to the competition. The Honda CR-V offers good fuel efficiency but a smaller fuel tank results in a diminished range
Like every year, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 uses upscale materials in the cabin. The cabin in the top trims feels very close to the ones in the luxurious European SUVs. The Mazda CX-5 comes with a seating capacity for 5 adults. But actually, it is more suited for 4 adults only. The dashboard is ergonomic in nature and the steering wheel is at a comfortable angle too. You get a refined cabin experience from the base trim itself. The Carbon Edition trims really shine with their contrasting red stitching across leather upholstery, steering wheel, and shift knob.
Mazda designers have used beautiful elements through shape, texture, and color. They have crafted a range of distinct and expressive upholstery designs using soft textures and premium stitching. The steering wheel and shift knob get leather treatment too. The seats offer good comfort and come with heating functionality from the touring trim itself. It offers a cargo capacity of 30.9 cu-ft which is a good amount of space and it can be increased via 40/20/40 split one-touch fold-down and reclining rear seatback to 59.6 cu-ft.
|
Models(2021) |
Mazda CX-5 |
Honda CR-V |
Hyundai Tucson |
Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
39.7/57.1/41.0 |
40.1/57.9/41.3 |
39.6/57.1/41.5 |
40.2/58.2/43.3 |
|
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
39.0/54.8/39.6 |
39.2/55.6/40.4 |
39.2/55.5/38.2 |
39.6/57.2/39.4 |
|
Trunk Capacity (cu-ft) |
30.9 |
39.2 |
32.0 |
35.4 |
The cargo capacity of the CX-5 is the lowest. However, it can be increased via folding the rear seats. The Honda CR-V offers the most cargo space and offers better headroom and legroom across both rows. The Forester comes with a more balanced set of interior dimensions and second-highest cargo space. The Tucson offers similar cargo and cabin space as the CX-5. Some of the standout interior features of the CX-5 are:
The Mazda CX-5 comes with Mazda’s very own Mazda Connect Interface. It is easy to use and intuitive in nature. The good thing is that the 2021 model gets a bigger 10.25-inch touchscreen at the center of the dashboard which is crisp and legible. The infotainment system comes with Infotainment system voice command, Multifunction Commander control, Radio Broadcast Data System program information, etc.
The connectivity is taken care of by Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. For audio, it gets a 4/6 speaker set-up in lower trims. The higher trims get SiriusXM support and come with a 10-speaker Bose Premium Sound system for a better musical experience. Mazda also offers Mazda Connected Services with a 3-year trial across all the trims. Some of the standout infotainment features of the Mazda CX-5 are:
The Mazda CX-5 is refreshing and looks sporty with its low profile and sleek roofline. It gets a longer front end and a shorter rear end which kind of looks nice for its size. The front fascia imbibes the signature Mazda grille with a logo on it and sleek headlamps complement it. The sides are comparatively plain and get black cladding over the wheel arches and doors. The rearview is good too and the roof-mounted spoiler and the shark fin antenna give it a sporty look. You get a 17-inch or 19-inch wheel size depending upon the trim you opt for.
|
Models(2021) |
Mazda CX-5 |
Honda CR-V |
Hyundai Tucson |
Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Length |
164” |
180.6” |
176.4” |
182.1” |
|
Width |
72.5” |
73.0” |
72.8” |
71.5” |
|
Height |
61.6” |
66.5” |
65.0” |
67.5” |
|
Ground Clearance |
7.5” |
8.2” |
7.4 |
8.7” |
|
Wheelbase |
102.4” |
104.7” |
105.1” |
105.1” |
Overall, the 2021 model of the Mazda CX-5 shares almost similar external dimensions to its competitors, except for the ground clearance category, where it is placed in between the Hyundai Tucson and the Subaru Forester. The exterior design of the CX-5 is beautiful and can be challenged only by the Tucson which is equally impressive with its aesthetic details. Some of the standout exterior features of the Mazda CX-5 are:
The Mazda CX-5 is one of the safest vehicles in its segment. The NHTSA rated it a 5 out of 5 for overall safety rating in various crash tests performed by it. IIHS also praised it with “Good” ratings in all the six categories on its Crashworthiness tests, along with the ‘Superior’ rating forward collision avoidance. The 2021 Mazda CX-5 has also been crowned with the ‘top safety pick+’ title from the IIHS which is a satisfying testimony for its safety credentials. Many safety features are offered as standard across all the trims. Some of the standout safety features of the Mazda CX-5 are:
The Honda CR-V outshines the CX-5 with its higher cargo capacity and lower price. The fuel efficiency figures are similar for both. Despite lesser power than the CR-V, the CX-5 accelerates better. The Honda CR-V cannot match the list of features that are offered as standard from the base trim itself in the CX-5.
The 2021 CX-5 offers better performance as compared to the Tucson. It also offers better fuel efficiency than the Tucson. The 2021 Tucson offers modern aesthetics and its warranty coverage is unbeatable. However, it cannot match the refined interiors of the CX-5. The Hyundai Tucson offers better braking performance and comes with better cargo capacity
The 2021 CX-5 offers better performance and handling as compared to the Forester. The CX-5 comes in more trim options and engine options to choose from. The Subaru Forester on the other side offers better cargo space and its off-road pedigree is unbeatable, owing to its standard AWD, higher ground clearance, and various traction modes.
The Mazda CX-5 is a decent option in the compact SUV segment. It does most of the things right and offers some good dynamics too. But its lack of a decent amount of cargo space as compared to its rivals can be an issue for those looking for practicality over aesthetics and comfort. The presence of many safety and quality features in the CX-5 from the base trim itself is commendable. Also, very few SUVs come close to the finesse levels offered by the CX-5. Overall it is a very well-rounded package and you must surely consider it.
Car Name | 0-60 MPH | Quarter Mile | Top Speed | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Mazda CX-5 Ranked #9 | 8.6 sec | 16.4 sec | - | |||
2021 Kia Sorento Ranked #1 | 6.5 sec | 15.0 sec | 135 mph | |||
2021 Buick Envision Ranked #2 | 6.8 sec | 15.2 sec | - | |||
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Ranked #3 | 7 sec | - | - | |||
2021 Toyota RAV4 Ranked #4 | 7.8 sec | 15.6 sec | 119 mph | |||
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Ranked #5 | 8.1 sec | 16.2 sec | - |
Car Name | MPG City | MPG Highway | MPG Combined | Fuel Tank Capacity | Range (C/H) | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Mazda CX-5 Ranked #4 | 25 mpg | 31 mpg | 28 mpg | 14.8 gal. | 370/458.8 mi. | |||
2021 Kia Niro Ranked #1 | 53 mpg | 48 mpg | 50 mpg | 11.9 gal. | 630.70/571.20 mi. | |||
2021 Nissan Rogue Ranked #2 | 27 mpg | 35 mpg | 30 mpg | 14.5 gal. | 391.5/507.5 mi. | |||
2021 Toyota RAV4 Ranked #2 | 27 mpg | 35 mpg | 30 mpg | 14.5 gal. | 391.5/507.5 mi. | |||
2021 Honda HR-V Ranked #2 | 28 mpg | 34 mpg | 30 mpg | 13.2 gal. | 369.6/448.8 mi. | |||
2021 Subaru Forester Ranked #3 | 26 mpg | 33 mpg | 29 mpg | 16.6 gal. | 431.6/547.8 mi. |
Car Name | Length | Width | Height | Ground Clearance | Wheelbase | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Mazda CX-5 Ranked #12 | 179.1 in. | 72.5 in. | 66.2 in. | 7.5 in. | 106.2 in. | |||
2021 Kia Sorento Ranked #1 | 188.9 in. | 74.8 in. | 66.7 in. | 6.9 in. | 110.8 in. | |||
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Ranked #2 | 188.4 in. | 74.8 in. | 66.3 in. | 8.2 in. | 108.9 in. | |||
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Ranked #3 | 185.8 in. | 71.3 in. | 67.3 in. | 8.5 in. | 105.1 in. | |||
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Ranked #4 | 185.1 in. | 72.4 in. | 66.3 in. | 7.9 in. | 109.8 in. | |||
2021 Chevrolet Equinox Ranked #5 | 183.1 in. | 72.6 in. | 65.4 in. | 7.6 in. | 107.3 in. |
Car Name | Trunk Capacity | Passenger Volume | Max Trunk Volume | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Mazda CX-5 Ranked #9 | 30.9 cu.ft. | 103.6 cu.ft. | 59.6 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Subaru Forester Ranked #1 | 31.1 cu.ft. | 111.9 cu.ft. | 76.1 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Nissan Rogue Ranked #2 | 31.6 cu.ft. | 105.4 cu.ft. | 74.1 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Toyota RAV4 Ranked #3 | 37.6 cu.ft. | 98.9 cu.ft. | 69.8 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Honda HR-V Ranked #4 | 24.3 cu.ft. | 100.1 cu.ft. | 58.8 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Ranked #5 | 12 cu.ft. | 123.9 cu.ft. | 65.7 cu.ft. |
Car Name | Cargo Volume | Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area | Max Cargo Volume | Bed Length | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Mazda CX-5 Ranked #1 | 56.4 cu.ft. | 30.9 cu.ft. | 59.6 cu.ft. | - | |||
2021 Honda HR-V Ranked #2 | 66.3 cu.ft. | 24.3 cu.ft. | 58.8 cu.ft. | - | |||
2021 Kia Sportage Ranked #3 | 60.1 cu.ft. | 30.7 cu.ft. | 60.1 cu.ft. | - | |||
2021 Ford Bronco Sport Ranked #4 | 57.6 cu.ft. | 32.5 cu.ft. | 62.3 cu.ft. | 79 ft. | |||
2021 Buick Envision Ranked #5 | 17.1 cu.ft. | 17.1 cu.ft. | 17.1 cu.ft. | 91 ft. | |||
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Ranked #6 | 13 cu.ft. | 36.4 cu.ft. | 13 cu.ft. | - |
Car Name | Towing Capacity | Payload Capacity | Weight | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Mazda CX-5 Ranked #2 | 2000 lbs. | 1034 lbs. | 3552 lbs. | |||
2021 Kia Niro Ranked #1 | 2800 lbs. | 849 lbs. | 3100 lbs. | |||
2021 Kia Sportage Ranked #2 | 2000 lbs. | 1202 lbs. | 3305 lbs. | |||
2021 Ford Bronco Sport Ranked #2 | 2000 lbs. | - | 3467 lbs. | |||
2021 Kia Sorento Ranked #2 | 2000 lbs. | 1521 lbs. | 3794 lbs. | |||
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Ranked #2 | 2000 lbs. | 1488 lbs. | 3649 lbs. |
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Posted On: September 30, 2023
Cannot believe Mazda has not offered a solution to this problem. I know several other owners even a Mazda sales person who has the same problem! Dealer Name: Mckinney Dodge | Dealer City: Bakersville Got me the car I wanted
