2021 Mazda CX-5 Review: Fun, still functional

While the premium end of the crossover market is brimming with options that are fast, fun, and functional, there are precious few mainstream options that are capable of providing thrills when the tarmac gets twisty. In fact, in the popular compact class there’s but one option altogether.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 sacrifices some outright functionality, but it’s offset by a fun factor that’s rare in the segment. autoTRADER.ca Road Test Editor Dan Ilika takes the top-level CX-5 with its turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder engine for a spin and goes over the pros and cons of this unique crossover that offers fun and practicality in equal measure.

Read the full review on autoTRADER.ca:

0:00 Intro
1:33 Passenger space and Comfort
2:58 Infotainment and User-friendliness
4:02 About Apple CarPlay...
5:48 Cargo space and Practicality
7:24 Powertrain specs and Driving impressions
8:52 Trim levels and Pricing
10:37 Pros and Cons
10:54 Conclusion

[johnkohlmeyer]

This is an overly critical review of a great car.
When you buy a Mazda you are getting great quality with a lot of features that are not standard on other makes at this price point, and this car can compete head to head with Volvo, Audi, and BMW for premium feel.
I just bought a 2021 Carbon Edition Turbo and couldn’t be happier with my choice.
Smooth refined power with an entire that feels very high end. I blow the doors off other cars in traffic.
Mazda makes great cars!

[stevewise]

Great review I haven’t heard any other reviewers mention, especially the infotainment system. I think you’re driving the 2020 model, because you can’t use the screen as a touchscreen at all...it only works with the rotary dial.

[siddharthwagh]

Dude, get your complaints straight!!
Are you mad at with mazda or apple? You have to set your default application for music to Spotify or whatever and why bother using iPhone if you are a fan of google maps which stupidly always finds a “shortest” way to get to a place from backdoor.

[yukewang]

This small infotainment screen... Could be more competitive in this segment with the new infotainment sys

[brandonstdenis]

Even the base model outperforms in safety + over competition

[philipmartin]

I test drove this in canada. Question, was it just my eyes, or is the camera system blurry and very low res? Wondering if what I test drove had a camera issue... felt like a camera from 2004

[swanblake]

Mazda really need to improve there tech and male an 8 speed automatic. Two glaring weaknesses as a mainstream brand let alone a "premium" offering.

[paulwells]

Yes its not the biggest SUV but dude....you're like 7 foot! I don't think its fair to bash the size when you are huge. This is a great vehicle and has the best reliability in the market. Also this is a 2020 model and the 2021 model has an updated infotainment system with a 10.2 screen. Good review, just didn't think you were being fair as you are a very tall

[cosminb]

This is not 2021, is the 2020, 100 years edition. The 2021 has the new infotainment system from mazda 3 and cx-30 with a 10.25 inch screen.

[JustMariahPlease]

This can’t be the 2021 it has a different infotainment system. I feel scammed lol

[KJWGNOW]

Sorry... Maybe it is your voice. Tone. Or maybe the way you talk... I find it very uncomfortable to listen to you. No offence.