The 2021 Mazda CX-5 lasts around 250,000 miles with some minor oil warning lights and navigation system issues. At $22,395 to $34,998, it’s a decent value for a dependable small SUV with a nice interior and some of the latest safety features.
Is the 2021 Mazda CX-5 a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is an excellent year for the Mazda CX-5 since it offers a nice interior paired with a lot of technology. Owner reviews praise the sporty handling, smooth suspension, along with the low maintenance costs.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are very nice for a compact SUV, the seats are supportive on long drives, cargo space is also okay for its size.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread problems reported on the 2021 Mazda CX-5, avoid models from 2014–2016 which have engine issues. Newer models from 2017–2021 are all reliable.
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is okay from both of the four-cylinder engines, although it’s not as quick as some competitors.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2021 CX-5 is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control along with lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include driver attention monitoring as well as traffic sign recognition.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 28 MPG, giving 428 miles of range out of the 15.3 gallon tank.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a great value since it’s cheaper than many other small SUVs while offering a very nice cabin paired with average depreciation rates.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Mazda CX-5?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Mazda CX-5 offers a vastly improved ride with a comfortable interior while also earning high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the 2021 CX-5 at 4.4/5, enjoying the responsive steering handling, but doesn’t like the slow base engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the CX-5 a 4.4/5, praising the standard safety equipment, but owners don’t like the limited rear legroom.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Mazda CX-5 include an oil warning light, the navigation system freezing, along with the automatic door locks not working. Overall, these problems are relatively minor compared to some other compact SUVs, leading to lower repair costs.
An oil warning light is the most widespread complaint on the 2021 Mazda CX-5 in the first 3,500 miles. Usually this is a problem with the oil level sensor, which reports an inaccurate oil level to the computer. There’s a technical service bulletin which outlines steps for diagnosing the issue, which most dealerships will cover for free.
The navigation system freezing is another issue reported on the 2021 CX-5 in the first 1,000 miles. There are software updates available for the stereo system which improve its reliability. Most dealers will install these updates for free, while some charge around $50.
The automatic door locks not working properly is another problem mentioned by some 2021 CX-5 owners in the first 2,000 miles. The problem is relatively easy to fix, just go to the vehicle settings menu on your touchscreen, go to door locks, and make sure the “auto door lock mode” is “on”. In some cases this gets turned off when the stereo system resets.
There are no recalls on the 2021 Mazda CX-5, which just means that there have not been any widespread mechanical or safety issues in the first several years of ownership.
How Long Will the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Mazda CX-5 can last over 250,000 miles, which is only slightly shorter than the long-lasting Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are cheaper than many other small SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $398 per year.
As a used 2021 Mazda CX-5 reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the A/C drier assembly for $400, ignition coils costing $360, along with the engine mounts which cost $235.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is fantastic, offering a standard 10.25-inch central display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a more powerful stereo system.
Standard safety technology is great, with:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Blind spot monitoring
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Lane keep assist
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Rearview camera
Optional upgrades include:
- Adaptive headlights
- Reverse automatic emergency braking
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Traffic sign recognition
- Head-up display
- Driver attention monitoring
- Front and rear parking sensors
Is the 2021 Mazda CX-5 a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a great value since it’s cheaper than many other compact SUVs on the market, while offering a nice interior. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $22,395 to $34,998, making it less than a Honda CR-V or Subaru Forester. When new, the price range was $25,370 to $37,505. Depreciation is similar to other small SUVs, losing about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Mazda CX-5?
There are seven versions of the Mazda CX-5 offered from the base Sport, all the way through to the more luxurious Signature. The CX-5 comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Sport is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Upholstery
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- LED Headlights
- Push-Button Start
- 25-Inch Display
- Rear USB Ports
- Four-Speaker Audio System
- Two Front USB Ports
Touring is a step up, adding:
- Keyless Entry
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Heated Front Seats
- Simulated Leather Upholstery
- Rear Air Vents
- Rear Armrest
- Six-Speaker Audio System
Carbon Edition offers minor changes including:
- 19-Inch Black Painted Wheels
- Sunroof
- Dark Exterior Trim
Grand Touring has more upgrades such as:
- 19-Inch Wheels
- Adaptive Headlights
- Sunroof
- Power Liftgate
- Leather Upholstery
- Power-Adjustable Passenger Seat
- 10-Speaker Bose Stereo System
- Heated Mirrors
- Paddle Shifters
- Satellite Radio
Carbon Edition Turbo is similar to the Carbon Edition, although with a more powerful engine.
Grand Touring Reserve gives additional upgrades like:
- Power Folding Mirrors
- Head-Up Display
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Heated Rear Seats
Signature is the flagship model which has:
- Dark Gray Wheels
- Ambient Interior Lighting
- Wood Trim
- Premium Leather Upholstery
What Engines Come In the Mazda CX-5?
- The base engine found in the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is an average 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G 4-cylinder which makes 187 horsepower and gets up to 28 MPG. It comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission.
- An available upgrade is the stronger 2.5L turbocharged engine which is also a 4-cylinder, which produces 227 horsepower while getting up to 25 MPG. Performance is good, taking 6.4 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Mazda CX-5 Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Mazda CX-5?
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 stands out as a comfortable and well-appointed compact SUV, offering a premium driving experience for both the driver and passengers. The vehicle’s interior features high-quality materials, soft-touch surfaces, and a user-friendly layout, creating a luxurious and inviting atmosphere. The seats are designed with ample cushioning and support to provide comfort during long drives.
Furthermore, the CX-5 provides a smooth and composed ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections, thanks to its well-tuned suspension system. The cabin is also well-insulated from road and wind noise, allowing for a quiet and serene environment. With its combination of a refined interior, comfortable seating, and smooth ride quality, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is an excellent choice for those seeking a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
How Much Storage Space Does the Mazda CX-5 Have?
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a popular compact SUV that offers a generous amount of storage space for its size. The vehicle features a total cargo capacity of 30.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up, providing ample room for everyday items like groceries, luggage, or sports equipment.
If additional storage is needed, the rear seats can be folded down, expanding the cargo space to an impressive 59.6 cubic feet. This larger area can accommodate bulkier items such as bicycles, furniture, or even a small kayak. With its versatile and spacious storage capabilities, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is an excellent choice for drivers who require both practicality and style in their vehicle.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Mazda CX-5 came out for the 2017 model year.
2015: Keyless entry and ignition are standard on the Touring and Grand Touring models.
2016: Minor exterior styling changes, updated stereo system, and more safety technology available.
2017: Fully redesigned for the second generation with new interior, exterior, and technology.
2018: Standard blind spot monitoring on all models, more fuel-efficient engines offered.
2019: More powerful engine offered on the Grand Touring and Signature models, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added, 360-degree camera available.
2020: More high-tech safety features, diesel engine discontinued, more cabin noise insulation added.
2021: Carbon edition trim added, larger touchscreen stereo added, more smartphone app options as well.
How Does the Mazda CX-5 Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a very nice compact SUV offering a very nice interior paired with a lot of the latest safety technology on the market, making it a great choice for shoppers.
The Honda CR-V is another small SUV which is available in the same price range. Cargo room is slightly better in the Honda CR-V, while the Mazda CX-5 offers a more luxurious interior for the money. We recommend the Mazda CX-5 since it has more advanced features for the same money, although both are nice SUVs.
The Toyota RAV4 is a popular competitor, which is about $2,000 more. Where the Toyota RAV4 stands out is with slightly higher long-term reliability ratings, while the seats are much nicer in the Mazda CX-5. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since it lasts longer, yet both are very nice small SUVs worth test driving to see which you prefer.
