There are many reasons why the Mazda CX-5 remains one of the most popular mid-size cross-over SUV’s year after year, but in our books, the perfect proportions, subtle design cues and responsive ride are the main reasons why we love the Mazda CX-5 year in and year out. A 2.5 liter naturally aspirated Skyactiv engine provides an ample 187 horsepower, but what’s making the 2021 Mazda CX-5 exciting this year is the introduction of the 100th Anniversary trim that will be offered with an all-new turbocharged 2.5 liter Skyactiv engine that will produce up to 252 horsepower with a premium fuel. The 100th Anniversary trim will also be offered with an exclusive interior color scheme and various trim logos stamped through the body, interior cabin and on the remote key fob.
The 2021 Mazda CX-5’s interior has notoriously been draped in a homogenous dark color scheme for years, but it has continued to work up to this day thanks to the carefully crafted design, and luxury scale materials that give an overall premium feel. Thankfully the higher trim levels offer a two-tone leather colour scheme.
The 2021 CX-5 finally receives the upgraded 10.3” wide-screen infotainment system with upgraded Mazda Connect software that significantly improves both performance and user interface. The Human Command Interface push-knob dial has also been re-designed and sits flatter and wider with a more premium feel. Exclusive to the 100th Anniversary trim is the luscious Garnet Red Nappa leather trim that made the CX-5’s interior stand out from the crowd even against luxury rivals.
Front driver seats offer good lateral support to accompany the performance-oriented handling capability and the smooth moon-lit style analog instrument cluster, giving the cabin space a tranquil experience.
Both engine configurations will be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Front wheel drive will come standard and can be upgraded to i-Activ all-wheel drive for the lower GS, GX and Kuro trims. Stepping up to the GT trim unlocks the upgrade option to the turbocharged Skyactiv engine, leaving the upper Signature and 100th Anniversary trim with the turbocharged engine configuration only. Opting for the turbocharged Skyactiv engine will only come available in all-wheel drive for added traction and stability.
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 will come standard with a 2.5 liter Skyactiv engine producing 187 horsepower and 187 lb.ft of torque. After receiving customer feedback, Mazda has now introduced a more powerful turbocharged 2.5 liter Skyactiv engine producing significantly more power at 250 horsepower and 320 lb.ft of torque.
A quick jab at the throttle show’s significant power improvement with the all-new turbocharged 2.5 liter Skyactiv engine with swift acceleration and surprisingly linear response thanks to the Dynamic Pressure Turbo system which utilizes a series of variable valves integrated to precisely control pressure parameters throughout the power band. One of the key traits of the Mazda line-up in itself is the lively driving dynamics and the 2021 CX-5 now comes standard with G-Vector technology, which applies braking force on the inside rear wheels when cornering to deliver a stable and higher lateral force around corners.
While Mazda continues to refine and prefect their overall performance and design, the CX-5 still lags behind more innovative technologies other competitors are offering such as an 8-speed automatic transmission as opposed to 6, and other hybrid/plugin-hybrid EV powertrains.
Nevertheless, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 strikes a near perfect balance across all categories, which may just be the very reason why it remains one of top cross-over SUVs on the market today. Our tester 100th Anniversary tester model comes priced in at $45,625.
