2021 Mazda CX-5 review

2021 Mazda CX-5 Review: 

The Mazda CX-5 is a two-row SUV that separates itself from the pack by combining sleek styling with enjoyable driving dynamics, something you don't expect from a compact SUV. The CX-5 got a small but significant update for 2021, adding a larger infotainment screen. The bad news is touchscreen functionality is limited to Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and only when you're at a stop. Otherwise you have to use the rotary dial, which can feel cumbersome. 

The CX-5 gets another update in 2022, so keep that in mind if you're looking at a used Mazda. Competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are worth a look if you value maximum storage and utility over everything. And the Subaru Forester is another worthwhile competitor with its higher ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive. But the CX-5 can be a great value used compared to its price when brand-new. 

• Technology

• Comfort

• Cargo and storage

• Ease of use

• Driving

What tech does the 2021 Mazda CX-5 have?

Connectivity

There's good news and bad news here. The good news is that Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are standard features and, after years of resistance, Mazda now has a touchscreen to control them … but only if you're at a complete stop. Otherwise, you have to use the control knob, which is cumbersome. The bad news is that wireless smartphone connectivity is only available on higher trims, which feels a bit cheap given its prevalence on less expensive rivals. 

Infotainment

The 10.25-inch screen is bright and clear and looks great with Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™. Unfortunately, Mazda insists on drivers using a rotary dial to control nearly everything on the screen. This has long been divisive among CX-5 drivers, so we recommend experimenting with the infotainment system during your test drive to see if it's right for you. 

Driver Assist Tech

The CX-5 comes with many useful driver aids like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and forward collision warning. That's the good news. The bad news is that the tech doesn't always work great. Lane-keeping assistance was disappointing in Edmunds' testing and adaptive cruise was slow to react. It's still better to have the systems than not, but they symbolize the CX-5's dated nature. 

How comfortable is the 2021 Mazda CX-5? 

Front Seating

The front seats are shaped nicely for comfort on long drives for most drivers. Edmunds' testing found the bottom cushion to be on the short side for taller drivers and the seat can feel confining on the sides for larger passengers. 

Rear Seating

Legroom and headroom aren't quite as generous as on some rivals due to the CX-5's sporty, sloped roof. The bench seating is also a bit flat, which can negatively affect comfort on long drives. On the plus side, the rear seatback adjusts.

Ride Quality and Interior Noise

The CX-5 is a lot of fun to drive, especially when turning. But as a result, its suspension is stiffer than that of some of its rivals. Wind and tire noise aren't much of a problem except at highway speeds, and even then, you won't need to raise your voice to talk to passengers. 

Does the 2021 Mazda CX-5 have good storage?

Cargo 

You get 29.1 cubic feet of storage space behind the second row of the CX-5 (a standard grocery bag is 1 cubic foot). That's near the bottom of the pile of compact SUVs. The floor sits higher off the ground than competitors like the Honda CR-V, making it a little more challenging to load it up. 

Storage

Small-item storage in the CX-5 is just fine. The door pockets up front are wide enough for a large water bottle, which isn't a given in compact SUVs. There are also a few decent pockets and bins to put keys, cellphones, and wallets. It's not the best out there, but it's also not the worst. 

How easy is the 2021 Mazda CX-5 to use?

Entry, Exit, and Car Seats

Getting in and out of the CX-5 is relatively easy, especially up front. That's less true in the second row, where the doors open more narrowly. That also affects car seat installation, especially if you're trying to get a larger car seat into the second row. Lower anchors are also shoved between cushions and can be tough to access. 

Interior Layout and Visibility

The good: You'll find lots of physical buttons and knobs to control just about everything in the CX-5. The less good: You need to use a rotary dial to control the touchscreen (outside of Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ when you're stopped). There's a bit of a learning curve to figure out where all the buttons are, but they're easy to access once you get used to the layout. 

What’s the 2021 Mazda CX-5 like to drive?

Driving

Two engines are available for the CX-5: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged version of the same engine. They're both peppy for a compact SUV, but it's the turbocharged engine that really sets the CX-5 apart. Note that to get the full scope of the CX-5's performance, you need to use 93 octane fuel.

It's not just the engine that helps the CX-5 stand apart, though. Handling is a big part of the CX-5's appeal, making sharp turns and lane changes a piece of cake. You don't need to fly around mountain roads at high speeds to appreciate the CX-5 in this area; even making tight turns in parking lots feels easier in the Mazda. 

Towing

The CX-5 can tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped,

Fuel Economy/Electric Efficiency

All that performance comes at the cost of some fuel economy. It's not terrible by any means, and Edmunds testing revealed the EPA estimate of 29 mpg with the non-turbo engine is achievable. It's a bit more challenging when you're behind the wheel of the turbocharged engine. 

EPA Fuel Economy Estimates