2021 Mazda CX-5 Overview
The Mazda CX-5 returns with a few attractive updates. For the latest model year, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 gained a new 10.25-inch infotainment system display, which replaced the previous model’s 7-inch screen. On top of that, it now offers the Carbon Edition model, which sports the exclusive Polymetal Gray Metallic exterior color, and a red-accented interior.
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is available seven trim levels: Sport, Touring, Carbon Edition, Carbon Edition Turbo, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature. All models, from the Sport to the Grand Touring, come standard with front-wheel drive, but offer all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims come standard with i-ACTIV AWD with Off-road Traction Assist.
A Smart Pick for Your Family: See why the Mazda CX-5 was named among MotorTrend’s safest vehicles
Exterior
Befitting Mazda’s pursuit of a premium brand image, the CX-5 comes equipped with some upscale standard exterior features, including automatic rain-sensing variable-intermittent windshield wipers. You can also opt for a programmable rear power liftgate for convenient cargo loading.
You can choose from eight different exterior colors on the 2021 Mazda CX-5: Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Sonic Silver Metallic, Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Eternal Blue Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Jet Black Mica, Machine Gray Metallic, and Polymetal Gray Metallic.
Interior
With room for five passengers and 30.9 cubic feet of space behind the second row, the Mazda CX-5 offers a fairly standard amount of cargo space for its class. If you need more room for your gear, you can fold down the rear seats to access all 59.6 cubic feet that it has to offer.
In terms of materials and amenities, the CX-5 comes standard with leather interior accents, cloth seating, and plenty of standard connectivity features. These include Bluetooth hand[]=s-free phone and audio capability, as well as smartphone connectivity.
Android Auto smartphone integration, accessible through the new 10.25-inch full-color touch-screen display.
Upgrade to a higher trim level to enjoy leatherette seats with Lux Suede® inserts, three-level heated front seats, and a three-year subscription to SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link subscription, which gives you on-the-go access to the latest weather and traffic reports, as well as local fuel price information.
Powertrain
The CX-5 comes standard with a SKYACTIV–G 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. However, if you’re looking for a more spirited ride, upgrade to the SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter Dynamic Pressure Turbo mill, found on the Carbon Edition Turbo, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature trims. It can deliver up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque.
Safety
Befitting its status as a family-friendly SUV, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 offers more standard safety features than most of its competitors. Even at the base trim level, it comes equipped with Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Smart Brake Support with Collision Warning, Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection, and Lane Departure Warning System with Lane-keep Assist. It’s even standard with Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, which can take some stress out of driving in gridlocked traffic. Upgrades for even more smart safety tech, including a 360-degree View Monitor, Smart City Brake Support-Reverse, front and rear parking sensors, and Driver Attention Alert, which helps you stay alert on long drives.
Take the Next Step: Shop for a 2021 Mazda CX-5
Want to learn more about this classy crossover? Check out our coverage of the CX-5’s recent awards.
Kimiko Kidd is a native Daytonian. She graduated from Wright State University with degrees in environmental science and sociology. She loves her trusty old Honda Civic, but dreams of owning a 1974 Ford Falcon XB with a custom paint job and a vintage Kawasaki Z1000. In her free time, Kimiko can be found watercolor-painting, baking muffins, collecting rocks, playing old-school Nintendo games, writing her novel, sewing stuffed animals, and cosplaying as her favorite Mad Max characters. See more articles by Kimiko.