The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV considered to be one of the sportiest available today. Granted, it doesn’t cut the corners the way you used to in your old Miata, but it still shows the soul of a sports car in the way it handles, looks, and feels. Credit goes to Mazda’s team of engineers who gave the CX-5 responsive steering and top-notch balance. In addition to its good looks, it is also a mover, depending on your engine choice. The CX-5 is offered with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine making 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Those in search of more can select the 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 producing up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft.
CX-5 Trim Levels
The Mazda CX-5 is available in either front- (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) depending on trim levels and options. The CX-5 is available in seven grades, including base CX-5 Sport, Touring, Carbon Edition, Carbon Edition Turbo, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature models.
The base CX-5 Sport starts at $25,270, plus a $1,175 destination fee. Designed to seat five, it includes the base 2.5-liter I4 and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Cloth seating is standard, and buyers can take advantage of the new 10.25-inch center display screen that anchors the Mazda Connect infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard, as is Mazda’s Lane-Departure Warning System. It’s a well-equipped entry package.
Fully-Loaded
The top-line Mazda CX-5 Signature loads the model up with all the creature comforts one could desire. Starting at $37,405 plus destination, it includes the Skyactiv-G 2.5 engine with Dynamic Pressure Turbo, automatic transmission, and i-Activ AWD with off-road traction assist.
Inside, occupants can be entertained by a Bose 10-speaker surround sound system, Mazda Connected Services, Mazda Navigation, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, Pandora internet radio integration, and more. The CX-5 Signature is the top-shelf model in this range, and accordingly, Mazda has loaded it up. The only option is your choice of paint. Our favorite is the Soul Red Crystal Metallic, which carries a $595 surcharge.
From a safety standpoint, the CX-5 includes adaptive radar cruise control with stop and go, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, 360-degree view monitor, driver attention alert, and Smart City Brake Support and Reverse.
Sizing up the Mazda CX-5 Signature
- Mazda CX-5 Signature with i-Activ AWD and off-road traction assist $37,405.
- Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter with Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine.
- Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint: $595.
- LED headlights with signature lighting and high-beam control.
- Windshield wiper de-icer.
- Automatic power-folding side mirrors.
- Rear power liftgate.
- Speed-sensitive power door locks.
- Power-sliding glass moonroof with one-touch open feature.
- Caturra Brown Nappa leather-trimmed seating.
- Dual front and rear USB ports (4).
- Mazda Connected Services.
Here’s a look at some of the included content:
SkyActiv-G 2.5 with Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine
The Skyactiv-G 2.5 with Dynamic Pressure turbo engine is a variable output engine whose power depends on the octane of your fuel. As such, 87 octane provides 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up to 93 octane boosts the 2.5 turbo to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft. This package ticks off a zero-to-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. This engine carries an EPA mileage estimate of 22 city/27 highway.
I-Activ Drive Dynamics
The i-Activ all-wheel-drive system, standard on the CX5 Turbo Signature model, features off-road traction assist to help expand the capabilities of the CX-5 from the streets to the trails. Additionally, all Mazda vehicles include standard G-Vectoring Control Plus, which improves handling when entering and exiting a turn.
Advanced Technology
Many of the advanced technology features are available on all levels of the Mazda CX-5, but the CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature is loaded with all of them. These include windshield-projected Active Driving (head-up) display, traffic sign recognition, adaptive front lighting system, a new 360-degree view monitor with high-definition digital clarity, Smart City Brake Support-Reverse, and rear cross-traffic braking.
In-Car Electronics
The Mazda CX-5 Turbo Signature includes all the available features in the CX-5 model range in addition to the standard 10.25-inch display screen Bose 10-speaker Premium audio system and Mazda Navigation with SiriusXM satellite radio with 3-month trial as well as 3-year SiriusXM traffic with travel link updates. A frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink shows what’s behind. The Signature model also includes front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree-view monitor, and Smart City brake support with rear cross-traffic alert.
More Mazda CX-5 Turbo Signature AWD
Read our full review or build and price your own Mazda CX5 Turbo Signature AWD. If you’re ready to take the next step, find the perfect Mazda CX-5 model on sale near you.
