The Mazda CX-5 has been one of the top-selling compact SUVs in the market. It delivers modest performance with premium interiors under a decent price bracket. Having said that, Mazda have found it in themselves to not give the CX-5 a major update for the upcoming model year, rather they've settled for subtle ones, especially on the interior front. The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is On-Sale now for a starting price-tag of MSRP $25,270 for the base Sport trim, whereas the top-of-the-line Signature trim with AWD will set you back by an MSRP of $37,405.
From what we know so far, Mazda will not be making any powertrain changes to the CX-5, unlike their 2021 3 sedan and hatchback, and will continue to offer the single 2.5L powertrain but in two states of tune. So, in hindsight, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 will remain mechanically unchanged. It will, however, get an upgraded 10.25-inch infotainment system and a brand-new Carbon Edition trim priced at an MSRP of $28,855, which brings along various other dark-themed exterior features.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
So the 2021 Mazda CX-5 model is not all that expensive from the 2020 CX-5 with a minor $80 bump in the starting price. Although the 10.25-ich center display becoming a standard offering will definitely uplift this SUV's cred even further. But that was only necessary as the competition in the compact SUV segment is tight.
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is in its second generation
With the likes of Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Subaru Forester around, Mazda has to keep figuring out ways to keep its commodity hot and fresh. Though this is not particularly a bold move by Mazda, so let’s see how it fares. Moreover, apart from the few feature-list changes being brought in, the powertrain options of the 2.5L NA and the 2.5L turbo in the Mazda CX-5 remain the same. Here’s our take on the 2021 Mazda CX-5 that is On-Sale now across Mazda dealerships next to you.
The $80 difference nets customers a newly standard 10.25-inch infotainment screen - MOTORTREND
Audio and Cruise Controls Buttons on Steering Wheel
Adaptive Cruise Control
19-inch Black Alloy Wheels
Head-Up Display
Stability Control
Paddle-Shifters on Steering Wheel
Engine Immobilizer
Interior Air Filtration
Red Leather Seats
Pre-Collision Safety System
Emergency Braking Assist
Traction Control
Push Button Ignition
Climate Control
Honeycomb Trim on Dashboard and Doors
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
One-Touch Power Windows
Heated Mirrors
Keyless Ignition
Hands-Free Entry
Bucket Front Seats
Post-Collision Safety Alert
Front, Rear, and Side View Camera
All-Weather Floor Mats
Frameless Auto-Dim Rear View
Heated Steering Wheel
Front and Rear Parking Sensors
The Sport trim priced at $25,270 comes standard with an FWD drivetrain but an AWD option is also available. Notable features include 40/20/40 foldable rear seats to increase the boot space, keyless ignition with the push-button start, adaptive cruise control, and bright LED headlights. The Touring trim priced at $27,010 adds on to the features of the Sport trim with heated and ventilated front seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility with a 6-speaker configuration, and climate control. The Touring trim has an optional Touring Preferred SV Package worth $1,445 that bundles a power liftgate and a retractable sunroof for the CX-5.
All CX-5 models are backed by SKYACTIV-G Technology
New for 2021, the CX-5 has added a Carbon Edition trim which is priced at $28,855. Highlighted features include Polymetal Gray exterior paint, 19-inch black aluminum-alloy wheels, red leather seats with honeycomb stitching on the dashboard and door panels. The Carbon Edition Turbo starts at $30,660 and equips the SkyActiv-G turbocharged 2.5L engine onto the Carbon edition CX-5. The Grand Touring trim priced at $ 30,460 comes with adaptive headlights that automatically fade out the beam intensity for the oncoming traffic. This trim comes equipped with Bose premium stereo systems, tire pressure monitoring system, and head-up display as some of the notable features.
The Grand Touring Reserve trim priced at $ 35,285 offers more luxury centric options that include heated and ventilated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, dusk sensing headlamps, premium wooden inlay finish for the interior, and a bigger infotainment display. Lastly, the 2021 Mazda CX-5’s top trim is the Signature that comes with all the premium safety and comfort features including a 360-degree view camera, satellite radio with real-time traffic, transmission control on the steering wheel, and premium leather upholstery. The Signature trim gets quite steep as compared to the base model with a sticker price of $37,405.
2021 Mazda CX-5 Maintenance, Reliability and Warranty
7.5/10
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV based primarily on the Mazda 3. It’s a gorgeous looking crossover with matching driving dynamics. On the inside, the CX-5 blows the competition out of the park. The materials used on the interior of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 feel premium and the dash layout is super crisp and clean, now more than ever because of the standard 10.25-inch display. Mazda cars are generally super reliable, their engines are bulletproof and spare parts are cheap and easy to replace.
How Reliable is the 2021 Mazda CX-5, and what are the Ownership Costs associated with it?
The Mazda CX-5 has always been a very reliable compact crossover SUV and a very popular choice in the compact SUV market since its inception. With excellent crash-test ratings and solid build quality, both inside and outside, the CX-5 very efficiently glorifies the proficiency of Mazda's engineering. The overall value of the CX-5 in terms of engine performance and fit and finish is quite impressive given the modest price tag it carries.
Rating Category
Score (Out of Hundred)
Quality and Reliability
82
Driving Experience
85
Resale
83
Dealership Experience
73
Even the J.D. Power report has given the 2020 CX-5 an overall 80 out of 100 ratings. While the Mazda CX-5 proved to be a reliable vehicle, it received only 73 out of 100 for the after-sales experience but the CX-5 lineup has never been recalled for any performance-related issues and is famous for its reliability.
Category
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Total
Insurance
$876
$907
$938
$971
$1,005
$4,697
Maintenance
$279
$614
$344
$1,918
$2,059
$5,214
Repairs
$0
$0
$118
$282
$412
$812
Taxes & Fees
$2,451
$359
$300
$252
$211
$3,573
Financing
$1,500
$1,206
$893
$558
$202
$4,359
Depreciation
$5,611
$1,816
$1,718
$2,017
$1,910
$13,072
Fuel
$1,533
$1,579
$1,626
$1,675
$1,725
$8,138
Real Cost of Ownership
$11,738
$7,768
$7,139
$9,031
$8,712
$44,388
Talking about ownership costs for a 5 year time period, you will need to drain out $40,000 on an average on a Mazda CX-5 over a period of 5 years. While it is certainly not one of the cheapest options out there, it certainly is not one of the expensive ones either. Almost all the compact SUVs in its competition have a similar ownership cost.
What is the Warranty offered on the 2021 Mazda CX-5?
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 will hopefully follow in the footsteps of its predecessors and be a very reliable and robust car overall. The warranty offered by Mazda for the 2021 CX-5 is comparable to other manufacturers like Toyota and Honda with a 3 year or 36,000 miles Limited and Roadside warranty.
Criteria
Period
Limited Warranty
3 years/36,000 miles; whichever is earlier
Powertrain Warranty
5 years/60,000 miles; whichever is earlier
24-Hour Roadside Assistance
3 years/36,000 miles; whichever is earlier
But it does not offer any complimentary scheduled maintenance which some of its rivals do. In fact, the warranty coverage offered by Hyundai in the US is unmatched by anyone else. However, even though it offers far better packages, the Mazda is still reputed as one of the most reliable car brands in the market today.
What is the Miles Per Dollar Cost of the 2021 Mazda CX-5?
The Mazda CX-5 will have an MPD (miles per dollar) ratio of 3.26. This means the CX-5 runs for 3.26 miles for every dollar you spend on it. This ratio is achieved by factoring all the running costs including taxes, insurance, fuel costs to the average distance covered in a year which comes to $4,600 and 15,000 miles respectively.
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 looks keen on combining expensive car aesthetics with optimal power delivery. Basically concentrating on the factors that are expected of a daily commuter vehicle, Mazda has upped their game by providing quality and class in the same bucket. The best value for money trim is the 2021 Mazda CX-5's Grand Touring Reserve as it has almost all the luxurious and safety features with an AWD drivetrain and a turbocharged powertrain.
Is buying a Used Mazda CX-5 a good idea?
Buying a used CX-5 can be a really good option depending on the trim. Since the base engine of the Mazda CX-5 is a bit lacking on the power front and as the base trims are a bit skimped on features, a used CX-5 in a higher trim is a good option for practical vehicle uses. The CX-5 holds on to its value quite well and retains up to 60% of its original value in 3 years. With estimated depreciation value, the 2018 model is the best option to look out for when scouting for a used CX-5 in the market. But all the previous year's models of the Mazda CX-5 had outdated and lackluster infotainment design and UI. It might not be a pleasant option for some buyers. Overall, it is a fairly reliable vehicle with modest fuel and maintenance costs making it a good second-hand buy.
Similar to the 2020 model, the tried and tested naturally-aspirated inline-4 gasoline engine will continue to power the 2021 Mazda CX-5. This 2.5L powertrain churns 187 hp and 186 lb-ft torque for the 2021 CX-5. That is quite respectable in the compact SUV category. It does inspire confidence in the driver to get onto highway speeds much easier and doesn't necessarily feel underpowered unlike other base engines of the segment.
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offers a single powertrain in two states of tune
However, if you are not happy with these numbers of the standard powertrain, the new 2021 CX-5 Carbon Edition Turbo comes standard with the SKYACTIV 2.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with VVT found optional in the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims. It performs exceptionally well and can deliver up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft torque when used with 93 octane premium unleaded fuel.
Models
2021 Mazda CX-5
2021 Honda CR-V
2021 Hyundai Tucson
2021 Subaru Forester
MSRP
$26,670
$26,000
$23,700
$24,495
Engine
2.5L Naturally Aspirated Inline-4
1.5L Turbo Inline-4
2.0L Inline-4
2.5L Naturally Aspirated Flat-4
Drivetrain
AWD
AWD
FWD
FWD
Transmission
6-Speed Shiftable Automatic
CVT
6-Speed Automatic
Lineartronic CVT
Power
187 hp @ 6,000 RPM
190 hp @ 5,600 RPM
164 hp @ 6,200 RPM
182 hp @ 5,800 RPM
Torque
186 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM
179 lb-ft @ 2,000 RPM
151 lb-ft @ 4,500 RPM
176 lb-ft @ 4,400 RPM
The CX-5 adds to your driving experience with fantastic handling and stability through its AWD configuration. It will also carry on with its G-Vectoring Control Plus System that helps with torque-vectoring for better braking. In terms of performance, the CX-5 beats the Hyundai Tucson and Subaru Forester by a decent margin, but lands almost on par with the CR-V in terms of power output but has greater torque figures. Having said that, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 has definitely the best price-to-power ratio of the lot.
How fast is the 2021 Mazda CX-5 from 0-60 MPH and how quickly does it come to a stop?
Since the 2021 model will not see an upgraded engine, 0-60 MPH timings remain similar to the 2020 CX-5. Even though the base engine is a bit pale, it is inferior only to the Subaru Forester and outperforms both the Hyundai Tucson and the Honda CR-V. That is pushed further by the 2.5L turbo-four. It allows the 2021 Mazda CX-5 to sprint past the 60 MPH mark from zero in a little over 6.4 seconds.
Mazda CX-5 accelerates from 0-60 MPH In 8.3 seconds with the NA engine
The reduction in the weight of the 2021 CX-5 makes the vehicle reach a halt from 60 MPH in just a meager 125 feet. The braking performance of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is better than the Honda CR-V but pales in comparison to the Subaru Forester.
How well does the 2021 Mazda CX-5 fare on the Ride and Handling front?
Once having driven the Mazda CX-5, no other crossover in the class will entice you as much. It is really hard to not appreciate the experience this compact SUV furnishes, for under the price-point of $30,000. Mazda uses the same platform for the 2021 CX-5 as for the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6. Its precise steering lets you throw it around the twisty roads freely, Sure, the suspension is on the stiffer side but it soaks up almost all imperfections surfacing underneath quite superbly.
The experience is more than worth every penny and goes unparalleled with any of its direct rivals. It hits the right notes on the road and places itself at the top. Its low-stance and nimble attitude allow for graceful and confident maneuverability. The torque-vectoring system in the 2021 Mazda CX-5 also plays a vital role in accomplishing this feat. Further, the immediate throttle response and quick-shifting transmission fully back the handling prowess of the CX-5.
With a more refined version of the SKYACTIV-G inline-4 engine, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 offers a decent fuel economy of 25 MPG in the city, and about 31 miles to the gallon out on the highway. Although the Mazda CX-5 is designed as a practical vehicle for day to day commute, it is not the most fuel-efficient option out there. But, it underperforms in fuel economy by only a small margin than the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester.
Models
2021 Mazda CX-5
2021 Honda CR-V
2021 Hyundai Tucson
2021 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 fuel tank capacity of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is not on the higher side of the spectrum, but it's modest enough for long haul drives. Most notably, the AWD drivetrain variants don’t score much higher fuel economy numbers compared to the FWD variants. Also, the 2.5L turbocharged power mill in the top trims of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 scores higher power output at the cost of even lower MPG numbers, all at a respectable price point.
2021 Mazda CX-5 Interior
9.5/10
The Mazda CX- 5 has always had premium interiors, even for its lower-level trims. An 8-inch infotainment screen with built-in satellite navigation fairly complimented the leather upholstery and wooden inlays on the dashboard for the luxurious trims. Now for 2021, the one major change that is set to be brought in for the Mazda CX-5, is that the previous unit will be replaced by a 10.25-inch infotainment display as standard on all models, ranging from the Sport trim to the Signature trim.
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 to get a new 10.25-ich touchscreen unit as standard
Apart from the 10.25-inch Infotainment display, it also gets the latest version of the Mazda Connect infotainment software. These upgrades may not seem like a lot but can go a long way in making the SUV more indulging. Now, the UI menu and graphics will not feel outdated as they did up until last year. This new system should be a lot intuitive and responsive. Features such as Android Auto and Apple Carplay come as standard in the 2021 model.
Models
2021 Mazda CX-5
2021 Honda CR-V
2021 Hyundai Tucson
2021 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 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a spacious vehicle but offers lesser boot space and rear headroom compared to the rest of the compact SUV competition. Though, the seating position is very neat and comfortable with not too fancy seating and steering adjustment features across all the trims. Moreover, starting from the Grand Touring trim, the Mazda CX-5 offers heated steering and seats.
Expect no changes on the award-winning exterior front of the 2021 iteration of the CX-5. 2021 Mazda CX-5, similar to the 2020 model reflects the elegance of Mazda designs from all the viewing angles. Its smooth and curvy design gives the vehicle a very exquisite look overall, and there aren’t any major design changes for the 2021 version unless you opt for the Carbon Edition trim, which at an MSRP of $28,855, brings about a roster of interior and exterior updates, such as 19-inch black wheels and metallic grill inserts.
Upfront on the regular CX-5, there's the same noticeably incorporated slim and sleek headlight design with chrome lining that follows from one side to the other. The front grille is a glossy black mesh with a concave design that carries on from the previous generation models. Its 17-inch gunmetal wheels provide decent ground clearance and add to the exterior aesthetics of the vehicle. The quarter window on the rear door is on the smaller side but its design complements the visual appeal of the CX-5. Also, the LED extended tail-lights and functioning dual exhausts give the 2021 CX-5 a sporty looking back.
Models
2021 Mazda CX-5
2021 Honda CR-V
2021 Hyundai Tucson
2021 Subaru Forester
Curb Weight
3,541 lbs
3,455 lbs
3,309 lbs
3,449 lbs
Length
179.1”
180.6”
176.4”
182.1”
Width
72.5”
73.0”
72.8”
71.5”
Height
66.2”
66.5”
65.0”
67.5”
Ground Clearance
7.5”
8.2”
7.4
8.7”
Wheelbase
106.2”
104.7”
105.1”
105.1”
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 will reportedly be lighter with slightly bumped up ground clearance. 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. Overall the only compact SUV, that is able to match up to the Mazda CX-5's sumptuous exterior design layout is the supremely impressive 2021 Hyundai Tucson.
Not only does it boast beautifully sculpted bodywork, its interior is just as interesting to the eyes - CAR AND DRIVER
2021 Mazda CX-5 Safety
9.5/10
The Mazda CX-5, in its 2021 iteration, will continue to deliver outstanding safety features and ratings, that too at an affordable price point. The CX-5 has always been regarded as a very safe vehicle since its debut, scoring 5-star ratings in almost all the stages of NHTSA crash tests. The rearview camera paired with lane departure warning safety system in the 2021 CX-5 and automated braking systems come in very handy in avoiding mishaps on road.
Adaptive cruise control and emergency braking assist features are standard across all the Mazda CX-5 trims and will continue in the 2021 model. Some of the standard safety features of the CX-5 include:
SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS with G-Vectoring Control Plus
Automatic emergency braking
Automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers
Dynamic stability control
Traction control system
Blind-spot monitoring system
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go
Lane departure warning system
2021 Mazda CX-5 Competition
9.0/10
2021 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Hyundai Tucson
The Mazda CX-5 outshines and outperforms the Hyundai Tucson in all the benchmark tests they are involved in. The weaker powertrain of the Hyundai Tucson loses to the CX-5 not just in performance but also in the MPG numbers. It also has an even shorter ground clearance. Although, in terms of warranty packages and perks, Hyundai easily takes the upper-hand over Mazda and the rest of the competitors. Its vehicles are known to offer America's best warranty, and that is something which has been hard to beat not only for Mazda but for all brands in general.
2021 Hyundai Tucson
2021 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Subaru Forester
The Mazda CX-5 offers more responsive handling and more plush interiors than the Subaru Forester. Also, the CX-5 offers more trims and engine options compared to the Subaru. However, the rear cargo space in the 2021 Subaru Forester is superior and it handles off-road conditions a lot better than the CX-5, credit to its higher ground clearance, versatile traction modes, and standard AWD.
2021 Subaru Forester
2021 Mazda CX-5 Final Verdict
8.5/10
The compact crossover market is currently very competitive and flush with options for the buyers. There are SUVs that outperform each other based on different challenges and criteria. If you want a compact SUV with all-rounded performance, paired with upscale interiors and comfort for a modest price tag, look no further than the 2021 Mazda CX-5. The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is On-sale now.
Although, having said that, with just the updated 10.3-inch infotainment system being the only change on the 2021 Mazda CX-5, there remains a slim chance of this being given the undivided attention, such as when compared to the previous award-winning iterations, despite the 2021 CX-5 symbolizing the value for money factor.
The CX-5 offers good value, but has frustrating infotainment - The Car Connection
2021 Mazda CX-5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Mazda CX-5 SkyActiv?
SkyActiv technology aims to enhance every aspect of driving a vehicle. Be it an excellent fuel economy or enhanced performance, the SkyActiv technology is used to engineer every aspect of driving dynamics. From chassis design to engine and transmission technology, this technology is just another way Mazda looks to make driving better.
Is Mazda CX-5 expensive to insure?
Not particularly. The average cost to insure a Mazda CX-5 amounts to $227 per month or $2,724 in a year. That amount is close to 12% of the cost of the car. So by no means is it extravagant in any way.
Is Mazda CX-5 expensive to maintain?
The cars manufactured by Mazda are some of the most reliable and least expensive to maintain. The average annual cost of keeping a Mazda CX-5 in the pristine condition amounts to $447. If we compare that to the segment average of $573, the CX-5 turns up as a fairly easy to maintain midsize SUV.
Is the Mazda CX-5 good on snow?
The Mazda CX-5 is lighter and more active than the rest of the cars in the Mazda lineup. But as it can be a very good trait on the hard grippy surface, when it comes to snow, the CX-5 does not perform well because of its low traction trait.
