There are few vehicles that blend the practicality of a compact SUV with the spirited handling of a sports sedan, but Mazda manages to do just that with the 2021 CX-5. In addition to its crisp road manners, the CX-5 also seamlessly blends sophisticated exterior design with an upscale interior. All this comes at a price that’s competitive with rivals like the Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, and the Honda CR-V.
The CX-5 offers comfortable seating for four and will handle five in a pinch. Mazda offers a choice of front- or all-wheel drive as well as a base normally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine making 187 horsepower or an optional turbo version of that powerplant which puts out 250 horsepower. There’s a total of six trim levels to choose from, each with their own distinct personality. Prices range from the base front-drive Sport at $26,370 to the AWD-standard Signature for $38,505. All prices include $1,100 in destination charges.
While in the past, we’ve recommended the Touring trim level, we like the new Carbon Edition package that incorporates many of the features of the Touring Preferred grouping with things like carbon fiber-inspired trim, red leather seats, blacked-out exterior mirrors, black 19-inch wheels, and a special Polymetal Gray paint scheme. This version starts at $29,955 for the front-drive normally aspirated model. AWD adds just $1,400, but if you live in a mild climate, we’d forgo that upcharge in favor of the 250-horsepower turbo engine which adds $1,805 for a total of $31,760.
Here’s the complete rundown on 2021 Mazda CX-5 trim levels:
2021 Mazda CX-5 Sport $26,370 (FWD)/$27,770 (AWD)
2.5-liter engine
FWD or AWD
10.25-inch information screen
17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
Automatic LED headlights
Cloth seats
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Full package of advanced driving aids
2021 Mazda CX-5 Touring $28,110 (FWD)/$29,510 (AWD)
Rear privacy glass
Heated front seats
Leatherette & simulated-suede seats
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Rear air-conditioning vents & USB ports
6-speaker audio system
Auto-leveling LED headlights
2021 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition $29,955 (FWD)/$31,355 (AWD)
Naturally aspirated or turbo engine
Polymetal Gray paint
Red leather seats
Black 19-inch alloy wheels
Gloss-black door mirrors
Black honeycomb trim on dash and door panels
2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring $31,50 (FWD)/$32,960 (AWD)
Naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine
Digital gauges
Bose 10-speaker audio
Leather upholstery
Power moonroof
Paddle shifters
Power liftgate
LED taillights
19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve $36,385
Turbocharged engine
All-wheel drive
Head-up display
Traffic Sign Recognition
Ventilated front seats
Heated rear seats
Automatic folding mirrors
2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature $38,505
Premium Nappa leather seats
Real wood trim
Navigation system
360-degree surround-view camera
Smart City Brake Support-Rear
Driver Attention Alert
Sirius XM satellite radio with traffic and travel link
Black headliner
Dark silver 19-inch alloy wheels
Front & rear parking sensors
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