It’s not easy for one model to stand out in the compact crossover segment, but that’s exactly what the 2021 Mazda CX-5 manages to do. Avondale Mazda shoppers love this SUV’s beautiful exterior styling, luxurious cabin and smooth ride. The Mazda CX-5 comes with plenty of features, and buyers appreciate its powerful available turbocharged 2.5-liter engine.
According to the Mazda dealers near Avondale, there are several changes for 2021, including a new Mazda Connect infotainment setup with a 10.25-inch display screen. This screen can be controlled using a rotary dial and buttons on the center console, by using steering-wheel-mounted controls, or by using voice commands. The infotainment system comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a complimentary three-year trial subscription of Mazda Connected Services with an optional Wi-Fi hotspot.
There’s a new optional Touring Preferred SV Package this year. This package provides the Touring trim with some of the Grand Touring’s standard features, including an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a moonroof, a power liftgate and a Bose premium audio system. A new Carbon Edition trim level also joins the lineup. Based on the Touring, the Carbon Edition can get either of the CX-5’s engines. The range-topping CX-5 Signature trim now comes with rear automatic emergency braking, a driver attention monitoring system, and a new high-def surround-view camera.
Kelley Blue Book wrote: “The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is one of the sportiest compact crossover SUVs available, thanks in part to its responsive steering and top-notch balance. What’s more, the Mazda CX-5 feels like a premium model but is priced more like its mainstream competition.”
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 comes in six trim levels: Sport, Touring, Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve and Signature. All models except the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature are powered by a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine good for 187 horses and 186 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims are equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 250 hp and 320 lb-ft when fueled with premium gas. With regular gas, the figures are 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both engines are coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional.
Fuel economy is exceptional. The 2021 Mazda CX-5 returns an EPA-estimated 35 mpg city/31 mpg with the standard four-cylinder unit and front-wheel drive, and 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway for models with all-wheel drive.* The turbo-four gets 22 mpg city/27 mpg highway.
The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Mazda CX-5 with its highest rating of five stars for overall safety. The IIHS hasn’t reviewed the 2021 CX-5 as of this writing. Standard safety features include smart cruise control with stop and go, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection and a blind-spot monitor with lane-departure warning.
* All vehicle mileage based on 2021 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.