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The 2021 Mazda CX-5 Innovations and Changes

These days there are more compact crossovers on the market than ever before. This makes it increasingly hard to stand. But The Mazda CX-5 has consistently gotten people's attention by just how well it drives and how much luxury it offers. And the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is further evolving that package with some interesting changes.
2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature Red

This week Torque News is test-driving the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature AWD. As I am reviewing this vehicle, pay attention to the design, interior materials and how they are put together. The steering wheel really fits well in your hands as you drive this vehicle and the engine reacts to your inputs pretty quickly. You feel like you have a good control of the car when driving.

CX-5's Reliability

Mazda says safety is very important to it and matters, just like the driving matters. According to the company, since 2017 every Mazda vehicle has been rated a TSP+ by IIHS. This is the highest-possible rating by IIHS: an independent safety-rating organization.

2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature Red Side View

Let's take a look at the changes in the 2021 Mazda CX-5 and see what's new.

What's New In the 2021 Mazda CX-5

The large center display is new. It's 10.25 inch in size and is standard in all trims. The CX-5 is using the Mazda's latest-generation Mazda Connect infotainment system.

Mazda has several more enhancements in the 2021 CX-5 that are new. Those are the largest-ever infotainment system that I just mentioned above, the new i-Activsense safety features and the new stylish Carbon Edition. These are nice enhancement that kind of complement Mazda CX-5's design and turbo engine. Since I spoke about the infotainment system, let me also mention that the latest Mazda Connect infotainment interface has standard Apple CarPlayTM and Android AutoTM capabilities.

Another change is the All-new Touring Preferred SV Package, which is available in the CX-5 Touring trim and aims to elevate the features of this trim. In fact, this Preferred SV Package also upgrades the Bose 10-speaker audio, leather seats, power liftgate, power moonroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, six-way power passenger seat and eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar support and memory positioning.

2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature Red Rear View

Yet another new change is the Carbon Edition, which is a new addition to the CX-5 Mazda lineup. While the Carbon Edition is similar tot he Touring and Touring Preferred SV Packages, it offers exclusive styling with Polymetal Gray exterior paint, gloss black door mirrors and 19-inch black metallic aluminum alloy wheels.

The CX-5 Carbon Edition Turbo will also feature a new badge to help identify the powertrain.

Here is something new and special about the CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve. It is equipped with the Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo engine with new turbo badge and i-Activ all-wheel drive as standard. The driver's experience is enriched with the windshield-projected Active Driving Display.

Overall, The 2021 Mazda CX-5 pleases for its pleasant driving, but also for its careful construction and impeccable finish. It feels like driving an expensive vehicle from a German brand, but with an affordable price! The seats are welcoming, however more adjustment possibilities would have been more welcoming.

2021 Mazda CX-5 Trims and Prices

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 comes in nine available trims and options. Those are the CX-5 Sport, CX-5 Sport Touring, Touring Preferred SV Package, CX-5 Carbon Edition, CX-5 Carbon Edition Turbo, C-5 Grand Touring, GT Premium Package, CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve, and the CX-5 Signature. Except the CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve and the CX-5 Signature options, all other trims offer both the Front-Wheel Drive and i-Activ All-Wheel-Drive options.

The starting price of the least expensive CX-5 Sport package is $25,270. The starting price of the most expensive CX-5 Signature i-Activ All-Wheel Drive is $37,405. The average difference between the Front-Wheel Drive and the i-Active All-Wheel Drive options is between $1,000 to $2,000 dollars. Interestingly, there is no difference in price between the FWD ad AWD if you choose the Touring Preferred SV Package or the GT Premium Package.

What The CX-5 Signature Trim Offers

We test-drive the CX-5 Signature trim. Let's see what's special about this trim.

2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature Front Interior

Obviously the CX-5 Signature trim offers the most, compared to the other trims, becuase it's the top-tier trim of the 2021 Mazda CX-5. The design is more sohpisticated and the technology is more advanced. "New i-Activsense safety features Smart City Brake Support Reverse and Driver Attention Alert join the 360° View Monitor with front and rear parking sensors now updated with high-definition digital clarity. Equipped with Mazda Navigation System, CX-5 Signature includes Traffic Sign Recognition. SiriusXM® three-year traffic and travel link subscription is also provided. Modern styling is emphasized with Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats, genuine layered wood trimming, frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, ambient LED interior lighting, 19-inch dark silver aluminum alloy wheels, black headliner and Signature trim badge," reads the Mazda CX-5 release.

Here are some of the most important specs of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature Trim.

  • Model: 2021 Mazda CX-5
  • MSRP: From $37,405
  • Horsepower: 227 hp
  • Towing capacity: 2,000 lbs
  • Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder
  • Payload: 970 lbs
  • MPG: 22 city / 27 highway

Overall the Signature is a great package and the CX-5 is one Mazda's best-selling models.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.

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