2021 Mazda CX-5 gets it right
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is the 10th year of the small sport utility vehicle. Except for the business-curtailed 2020 pandemic year, the versatile family hauler’s population has increased annually.
With seven trim levels and the brand’s top-rated reliability designation from Consumer Reports, the CX-5 and several of its stablemates have catapulted Mazda far way from its doldrum years. It joined Alfa Romeo and Volvo as the only mainstream manufacturers with increased sales in 2020 from 2019.
The CX-5 was the country’s 21st bestselling vehicle in 2020 with 146,420 units sold. The Signature trim covers all modernized areas of the Japanese carmaker once maligned for its rotary engines. There’s nothing fancy or unique about the unassuming SUV, unless value, comfort and consistency count.
Beyond a majority of features from other trim levels, primarily the content from the Grand Touring Reserve, upgrades for the 2021 CX-5 include a larger (10.25-inch) navigation system screen, although the previous touchscreen functionality is gone.
The new Carbon Edition trim is available with or without a turbocharged engine. It adds a chuck of pizzazz: 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with Black Metallic finish and black power-adjustable outside mirrors with integrated LED turn
signals. There’s black interior and door-panel trim. It looks keen and clean with red or black leather seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift with red stitching.
Top-line comfort features include an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support and two-position memory and a six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat.
The navigation system upgrade throughout the lineup includes a 360-degree camera system and parking sensors. There’s ambient interior lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and wood trim for an improved in-vehicle experience. The automatic rear braking system engages if sensors detect an imminent collision. Android Auto and Apple Carplay are standard in 2021 but were previously options. Driver attention monitoring and reverse automatic emergency braking debut. All-wheel drive is available in all trims as a $1,400 option.
With its upgrades, the Mazda CX-5 is the best-equipped SUV available
in its price range. Most trims are equipped with 2.5-liter turbocharged engines with 227 horsepower. Gas mileage averages are 22 miles per gallon in city driving, 27 mpg on the highway. The Signature trim’s price with all taxes and fees included is $39,225.
The Mazda’s upgrades are generous and complement a healthy standard features list sometimes not matched in high-priced vehicles.
In its decade, the Mazda CX-5 debuted with modest sales of 43,000 in 2012 to more than 154,000 in 2019, its top tally.
Beyond its equipment, the Mazda CX-5’S increasing popularity is a reflection of its sharp-handling, quiet ride and overall comfort. Acceleration is strong for the segment, with the 0-to-60 miles per hour standard in about six seconds.
Among the smaller SUVS in the small SUV segment, the Mazda’s sub-standard, rear-passenger space overall cargo capacity and mediocre full efficiency are its only shortcomings. Diminutive rear-seat passengers won’t feel cramped but no one else will praise the SUV’S rear-of-the-car arrangements.
The upside? On long hauls, the Mazda will be required to get refueled regularly. Occupants can use opportunities to stretch.
Space limitations aside, the Mazda CX-5 impresses, its long list of standard features to its upscale quality interior. And its turbocharged engine option to sporty handling. Buyers with particular preferences can’t miss with any of the seven trims. None skimp.
The Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 have been segment leaders for years. Kia, Hyundai and Nissan have joined the class with top choices in recent years.
But isn’t competition refreshing? The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is now positioned with the others at the front of a crowded, worthy field.
James Raia, a syndicated columnist in Sacramento, publishes a free weekly automotive podcast and electronic newsletter. Sign-ups are available on his website, theweeklydriver.com. Contact him via email: james@ jamesraia.com.