For the latest Mazda CX-5 pricing and information:
https://www.kbb.com/Mazda/cx-5/

This is a 2021 CX-5 and, while it hasn’t received a mid-cycle refresh…sorry flashy graphic fans…it does see a number of updates and improvements. Let’s see, what’s new?

Well, the fanciest Signature trim, like we’re driving here, gets a 360-degree camera system and an automatic reverse braking feature, so you don’t smack the car behind when parking. And across all trims, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity are now standard, as is this 10.25-inch display. I like the screen size and where its position. Plus the interface looks slick. But it’s not a touchscreen. Like...at all.


Using the rotary controller to make inputs works ok but, I would contend, you’ll spend more time staring at the screen vectoring the cursor to a given icon than if you just pushed that icon with your finger. If you feel differently, I’m sure you’ll leave a respectful counterpoint in the YouTube comment section.


Other updates for 2021 include the death of the short-lived CX-5 diesel and the arrival of a Carbon Edition to the lineup. Based on the Touring Preferred SV package, the Carbon Edition adds black gloss trim, Polymetal Gray paint, 19-inch black metallic wheels, red leather seats, and a black honeycomb interior trim that, despite the name, is not made from carbon fiber.

Interestingly you can get the Carbon Edition with either of the CX-5’s engine choices. Ah, I love a convenient segue. The base engine is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder (187 hp, 186 lb-ft) offered with front or, for $1,400, all-wheel drive.

The Grand Touring and Signature models employ a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine (250 hp,320 lb-ft) paired exclusively with all-wheel drive, though keep in mind these power figures are only attainable if you’re combusting 93 octane. With either engine, the transmission is a 6-speed automatic. And, if you’re curious, here are the fuel economy figures.
2.5L FWD (25city / 31hwy) morphs into 2.5L AWD (24city / 30hwy)
2.5L Turbo AWD (22city / 27hwy)

We have the CX-5’s interior, which is among the most premium in the compact SUV category. The materials feel nice. The controls operate with a satisfying touch. And the cargo hold affords 30.9 cubic feet of space, which is less than the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape but still perfectly workable.

Taller folks might wish for more headroom. Thank heaven I am so incredibly average.

That said, I like that the rear seats have a recline function. I like that the rear doors open wide, which makes installing a child seat easier. And I also like the front seat’s comfortable and supportive shape.


In simplest, slightly more than $25k form, the CX-5 Sport trim comes with alloy wheels, LED headlights, full-speed dynamic cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind monitoring. Personally, I’d spring for $1,700 pricier Touring trim to get dual-zone climate control, smart key access, and rear-seat vents, which really should come standard.

Among the more alluring features found on higher trims are leather upholstery, a power liftgate, a digital gauge cluster, and ventilated front seats. Live large like we are with the priciest Signature trim and you’re looking at $37-and-a-half thousand dollars’ worth of CX-5.


The competitive landscape includes names you’ll recognize like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Ford Escape, plus countless others. Among those names you can roomier interiors, lower base prices, and hybrid powertrains.

But the Mazda CX-5 has a unique allure. It blends solid value, sleek looks, and joy-filled road manners with just enough practicality to justify its emotional charms.

If you need a compact SUV but you want to feel some kind of positive emotion while you drive it, the Mazda CX-5 remains an excellent choice.

00:00 2021 Mazda CX-5
0:35 What's New
1:50 Engine
2:22 Driving Impressions
3:52 Interior
5:23 Competitors