![]() 2021 Mazda CX-5, CX-9, and 6 Add Carbon Edition.The Signature model we tested had a reassuring brake-pedal feel that operated without delay and without being too touchy when you apply the brakes. The electrically assisted steering provides satisfying responses. At the same time, the Mazda comes alive on curvy roads. Pavement imperfections are isolated, road noise is minimal, and the damping is neither stiff nor floaty. This harmonious interplay of dynamics is unrivaled by its competitors. But it also soaks up rough roads without commotion and has the ride quality of crossovers that cost twice as much. Sure, its precise steering and composed cornering make for one helluva Sunday cruise. You don't need to drive the CX-5 hard to enjoy it or to appreciate its excellence. Both engines pair with a snappy six-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive. The 250-hp turbocharged version we tested provided much quicker acceleration. It's at higher speeds, such as when trying to pass or merge onto the freeway, that it feels underpowered. ![]() ![]() ![]() The CX-5's standard 187-hp four-cylinder engine has great throttle response when pulling away from stoplights or hustling around town, so it feels quicker than it actually is. The former includes black 19-inch wheels and a black metallic grille design the latter includes red leather seats with red stitching and black accents on the instrument and door panels. Not only does the Carbon Edition have all the same features as the Touring model with the Preferred SV package (Bose stereo, a power-adjustable passenger seat, power liftgate, sunroof, and more), it also has distinct exterior and interior treatments. The front-drive version starts at just under $30,000, but those who want all-wheel drive can add it for $1400. With the addition of the CX-5 Carbon Edition, it's now possible to get the 250-hp turbocharged engine without paying for either of the top two trim levels. The top-of-the-line Signature trim adds a higher-definition 360-degree camera, a driver-attention alert, and rear automated emergency braking. The lineup also introduces a new Carbon Edition, which has unique Polymetal Gray paint and red upholstery. The updated system features the new Mazda Connect interface, Mazda Connected Services (a Wi-Fi hotspot and access to remote vehicle functions through a smartphone app), and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 10.3-inch screen now sits atop the dashboard, replacing a smaller 7.0-inch display. What's New for 2021?įor 2021, the most notable upgrade made to the CX-5 is its new infotainment system. Despite a smaller cargo area than its key competitors, the 2021 CX-5 shines brighter than all its classmates and even some more-expensive alternatives, making it a shoo-in for our 2021 10Best list as well as an Editors' Choice award. While the standard four-cylinder engine lacks the punch of the available turbo-four, both pair with a highly proficient automatic transmission and are more fuel efficient than their EPA ratings suggest. Compared with its predominantly dull competitors, the CX-5 is delightfully athletic and equally refined. Of course, Mazda has shown us that its attention to detail is more than skin-deep, with thoughtful ergonomics and engaging driving dynamics. Not only does it boast beautifully sculpted bodywork, its interior is just as interesting to the eyes. Bring a cord so you can hook up Apple or Android CarPlay, put on some of your favorite songs, turn it up, and see the difference for yourself.When it comes to compact crossovers, it's easy to see why the 2021 Mazda CX-5 wins the SUV equivalent of Best-in-Show. Maybe even turn up the treble and bass a little. If you test drive them again, play with the audio settings and make sure CenterPoint is on for the one with Bose. Then you can think of the lift gate as a free addition.Īs an added bonus, I drive a truck with the best sound system it can have, and the quality is very comparable. From a sound standpoint, it’s worth more than $1k. On top of that, the system has integrated features that make an even bigger difference you don’t get from upgrading later. If you upgraded all the speakers after the fact, you would spend more than $1k with labor. Let’s say that you place the value solely on the sound. No other car under $40k sounds as good without some upgrades after the fact. We spent plenty of time in CX5s with and without the Bose to realize it was a huge game changer for us. Once we narrowed down the search to purely a CX5, we test drove a bunch of those. We test drove a lot of different makes and models. ![]()
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