2021 Mazda CX-5: Five Things to Know

The Mazda CX-5 is the brand’s best-selling product in Canada and it continues to evolve.

Two years ago, we saw the addition of a top-line Signature model powered by a new turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, and just a couple of months after the equally new 2.2-litre diesel finally hit the market. For the 2020 update, engineers slightly bumped the torque rating, reduced noise, vibration and harshness levels, and incorporated a new off-road traction assist feature.

So, what does the 2021 Mazda CX-5 have in store? Here are five things you need to know…

Photo: Mazda

Revised Content

Priced from $28,500, the CX-5 comes with a small number of changes for the upcoming model year. Beyond a revised colour palette and the addition of new badges, the highlight is making said off-road traction assist standard from the base GX model up, though only with i-Activ AWD.

Also, the lone touchscreen on the menu is an eight-inch display (previously 7-inch display as standard), while the GT model gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Kuro Edition

Mazda is introducing two special editions of the 2021 CX-5. Based on the GS AWD model with Comfort Package, the new CX-5 Kuro stands out with Garnet Red leather upholstery, red stitching on the steering wheel, shift knob and throughout the cabin, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with memory, black trim panels on the dashboard and door panels, as well as 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a black metallic finish. The exterior can either be Polymetal Grey Metallic or Jet Black Mica.

Photo: Mazda

100th Anniversary Edition

As previously reported, Mazda will launch a 100th Anniversary Edition of select models this fall, including the CX-5. Based on the top-line Signature trim, this one features a Snowflake White Pearl body and Garnet Red leather interior exclusively. Red carpeting and Pure White armrests are included, too, along with a “100th Anniversary” logo on the front fender, wheel hub caps, headrests, floor mats and key fob.

A Bit More Safety

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 goes a step further to protect occupants and people around the vehicle. The Signature model adds automatic emergency braking when in reverse, plus a driver attention alert feature. The rest of the i-Activsense safety suite is unchanged.  

Photo: Mazda

Same Engines

Under the hood, the CX-5 continues to offer a choice of two gasoline engines—one is naturally aspirated and the other is turbocharged. The former generates 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the latter delivers up to 250 horsepower and a class-leading 320 pound-feet when fed with premium gasoline. A six-speed automatic transmission still handles shifting.

Share on Facebook

More on the subject

Test Drives2020 Mazda CX-5: The Go-to Compact SUV
There’s no need to change a winning recipe. The 2020 Mazda CX-5 returns as a right-sized compact SUV with many available configurations and options designed to meet the needs of a large number of people. Since launching in Canada eight years ago, the exceptionally skilled and refined CX-5 has risen …
News2020 Mazda CX-5 to Receive More Torque, Extra Features
On the heels of the refreshed CX-9 , Mazda is announcing similar changes to its most popular vehicle, the CX-5 . This comes a year after the addition of a top-line Signature model powered by a new turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, and just a couple of months after the equally new …
NewsMazda CX-3 Sticks Around for 2021 With Some Updates
While many feared its elimination following the arrival of the CX-30 , the little Mazda CX-3 soldiers on. Back for the 2021 model year, it will arrive at Canadian dealers in October. Don’t expect big changes, though. First, the AWD option has been dropped from the base GX model. Instead, …
NewsMazda’s 100th Anniversary Models are Coming to Canada
Good news for Canadian customers with a fondness for history and Mazda vehicles: starting in the fall, the 100th Anniversary Edition models announced this spring will be available here, as well. Developed to mark the brand’s centennial (Mazda originated as a cork-producing company in 1920), these vehicles also pay tribute …
NewsThe Mazda CX-9 Gets Two New Models for 2021
Mazda has lightly modernized its CX-9 for 2021, and added two special edition models to the lineup. The new Kuro Edition sits just above the GT version in the range. It stands out thanks to its Polymetal Grey or Jet Black exterior paint, as well as its black mirrors, black …
NewsConfirmed: 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo to Hit the Market This Winter
Mazda Mexico spilled the beans last week, but as promised the official announcement came today: the sexy CX-30 is getting a turbo engine. And we won’t have to wait very long because it’s coming as early as the 2021 model year. Following the lead of the Mazda3 , which uses …
Hybrid/Plug-in HybridNew Mazda SUV to Feature a Toyota Hybrid System
As you may know, Mazda and Toyota plan to build up to 300,000 vehicles annually at a new joint venture assembly plant in Huntsville, Alabama beginning in 2021. In a recent presentation to discuss its latest financial results and upcoming projects, Mazda confirmed that the new SUV that will roll …
NewsNext-gen Mazda CX-5 Could be Genuine Luxury SUV
Those who keep track of how Mazda products are evolving know that the brand is trying to move upscale and rise above its traditional competitors in terms of luxury and refinement. Prices are up as a result, but the door is open for a new type of customer to become …
Test Drives2021 Mazda CX-5: The Shining Star Next to the Rising Star
While the new CX-30 is undoubtedly the rising star in the lineup, the Mazda CX-5 still shines the brightest—at least in terms of Canadian sales. As the fifth-most popular SUV in 2020, it moved up a spot to ninth among the top 10 best-selling trucks and SUVs. Therefore, it’s easy …