2021 Mazda CX-5: Five Things to Know

Published on August 25, 2020 in Previews by Guillaume Rivard

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…

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.

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.

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.