Mazda CX-5 2021 review | Chasing Cars

We drive the updated Mazda CX-5 and see what this medium SUV is like to drive.

Once Australia’s favourite SUV, the Mazda CX-5 has in recent years faced a really hard challenger in the form of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Having dethroned the CX-5 from the top spot, the Toyota has captured the imagination of family buyers. Now, the Mazda CX-5 fights back. There’s still no CX-5 hybrid, but you do get a much improved infotainment system and screen, plus a sporty new CX-5 GT SP grade.

But are the 2021 CX-5 changes enough? Will you consider this medium SUV next time you’re in the market? Or, are you waiting for Mazda to launch an all-new, third-gen CX-5?

In today’s video, John takes a detailed look at the high-spec CX-5 GT SP to give you detailed insights about this vehicle.

What do you think of this car? Leave a comment below.

While you’re there, please consider subscribing and joining our Chasing Cars community.

[ashybrie]

I own a 2019 CX-5 and just wanted to add I have the touchscreen in mine but I never ever use it. The rotary dial makes it so you don’t have a smudged screen and once you get used to using it, it’s much quicker, easier and safer than using a touch screen I find!

[inodesnet]

You're spot on with the Mazda Diesel. It is very different to any other though. Over a decade ago there was a lot of research into dealing with the lowering of emissions from petrol engines. Two universities did studies into the effects of low compression finding that it did lower emissions with a caveat; low temperature startup.
Mazda was the first and only car maker to take the research and put a low compression diesel into a vehicle. They fixed the low temp starts by recirculating the exhaust on warm up, which in Australia isn't a big deal (but the car proved very popular in Russia where it's proven to work as well).
The positives though are naturally low emissions, much more rpm response than high compression diesel (feels like it sits 1/2 way between petrol and diesel). But the additional bonus is that low compression also leads to a much quieter, non-tractor like running sound (warms ups are noisier, but running noise is less).

An area though that Mazda really did show themselves up on though was honesty. In Euro 5 spec, the emissions on the Skyactiv-D are very good but not enough to meet Euro 6 or US EPA. The US market was demanding a diesel from Mazda. They worked towards to goal. Meanwhile, European models (which are all high compression and therefore have naturally higher emissions), were exporting to the US.

As we know, VW was first to be caught out with the dyno testing versus real world emissions. This would go on to be known as dieselgate. But this US initiated investigation by the US EPA also led the German and Japanese governments to investigate their auto makers.

Whilst the German results were never released publicly, it's well known that every German car maker was using the same emissions trick. Second to that, all the Japanese car maker except one, were not meeting the standards. Japan did release the results (Google: "Japan Releases (Nasty) Diesel Test Results, Germany Sits On Them"). During this government test, it was only Mazda that passed:

Quote from article: "Mazda’s new Scyactiv diesel-powered CX5 and Demio (exported as the Mazda2) tested at or near the standard."

In the end, Mazda did make an official US EPA meeting diesel, but it was so hampered it wasn't worth it.
In Australia, under what is really a Euro 5 spec - the upgraded version of the engine is sweet. It runs really nicely, and although most high compression diesels will better it slightly in L/100, the engine is a lot smoother on the ear.

[arxllano]

I love this channel. Short, clear and concise, yet very detailed and the camerawork is just perfect. Keep it up you guys.

[scottmackenzie]

Purchased a 2019 GT Diesel new for $45K on road in 2019. It's 2 years old with 27, 000Kms on it and it's getting better with every drive - the powertrain is a standout - but the vehicle could do with better rubber from the factory. Will be putting on Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV's to replace the Toyo Proxes R46 soon. Previously had a Volvo 2013 XC60 R-Design Diesel and the Mazda offers superior value and mechanical quality. I am very happy with this car and I think the Diesel's engine just takes the car to a different level. GO for the diesel - you will not be disappointed. Tom and John would both agree.

[cyrus]

I just leased a 21’ CX-5 2 weeks ago and it’s the Grand Touring w/ Premium package. I’m very happy and it’s my 6th Mazda.

[therealjeffg]

Great review....I’m really liking the pop out stats on the screen thanks

[stephenbeness]

Nice to have an Australian review, it is a shame that most if not all reviews are of the Top spec models. we need a similar review including mid spec for the average consumer 😎. great review just the same I am currently looking at this and the Touring variant.

[slugger]

Glad they've the new infotainment but I don't know why they don't put the seats from the Mazda 6 in there which are plusher. Needs a pan roof too and then it would be formidable.

[jamesdouglas]

Another good report John. Your shirt matches the cars paintwork!

[timslattery]

A very good honest review. It has assisted me to make a decision on the car I am chasing

[tbausch]

I have purchased and am waiting on delivery of a CX-5 Akira in Machine Grey (colour of test vehicle). I opted for the turbo as I hope to get a fair amount of country kilometers on it. Glad to see they have updated the infotainment unit and the 360 degree view monitor. It shows that Mazda is listening to their customers. This was a very good review. The RAV 4 is missing a heads up display and a more powerful motor, which was my main reasons for the purchase. The CX-5 has a better towing capacity as well. And the styling is so well done it will remain looking food for years. Thanks for the review

[raybourne]

We have the 2019 Akera 2.5 T from new……can’t fault it… does everything well… One of the the reasons we bought it and not mentioned is that is has higher towing ability than any other car is this segment. (Never towed the van once we bought it as we then decided I’d get a Touareg for towing duties)

[ianhiggins]

I think the Akera is the best of the lot with a 2.5 turbo. It did 95km up a 12% grade without really pushing it. Just handled the slope really easily.

[paullelys]

I guess it's all about personal choices and comfort.
After taking the RAV 4 2021 model for a drive I found it very restrictive for my left leg as I am 6'4" and the 30 minute test drive was almost painful with the size of the console digging into the leg. I told the salesman that I loved the car but if I was given one the angle grinder would be used to take a big chunk out of the area where my left leg hits the console.
Also took a KIA Sportage which was a bit cheap looking inside and didn't really do anything for me then back to Mazda for a second run into the hills and gave it a bit of accelerator this time.
Put in the order and nearly 2 years later am over the moon with my purchase apart from the insurance factor which went up by about $400 per year!
Only issue would be the front right hand pillar can restrict the view for vehicles and pedestrians approaching from the right but just have to be aware and check carefully at roundabouts etc. Music system is fantastic with a sub woofer situated in the spare tyre well for added bass.
Red light camera's aren't being updated from the mob that do it for the GPS and I know of one that hasn't been around for 20 years but am still getting alerts to it even though i have just updated the maps twice since I bought the car. Trivial but very annoying when a good song is playing.

[Darktar]

I agree with the driver's door mirror "zoomed in" too much.

[danielvicino]

Um you got a few things wrong in this review. The biggest one being that the Head Up Display doesn’t show digital speed. This is incorrect the HUD shows a lot of information including digital speed. I have an Akera and pretty much only need to look down for fuel level, everything else is in the HUD.

[davidrome]

The CX5 is still looking fresh as the new RAV is too Yanky ugly and I’m not one that cares for fuel economy I’d rather the ICE Turbo motor Mazda.

[wayneyoung]

Very impressed with today’s Turbo’s
Took a 2.5GT Turbo out on a drive.
Freeway and Hill work and my wife has never driven a Turbo machine before.
Back in the early years of Turbo Charging.
You would have normal Engine power till around 2000 RPM.
Then you would feel the Turbo kick in and hang on.
Today’s Turbo’s operation is more like the Superchargers
More even power under hard acceleration. Very very impressed by Performance

[Chilno]

Good on you John, you've come a long way! This is your best review yet, lots more energy and confidence! 👍👍 very informative keep it up

[josht]

Spot on with the driver’s side wing mirror, it’s literally the only thing that I don’t like about my new CX-5.