2021 Mazda CX-5: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a standard 10.25-inch infotainment display with the newer Mazda Connect interface on every trim. It is a meaningful tech-and-trim update rather than a redesign, and the Carbon Edition and Carbon Edition Turbo join the lineup.

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About the 2021 Mazda CX-5

2nd generation (2017-2025), late pre-refresh year; not a redesign, but an important tech-and-trim update before the 2022 exterior refresh.

Mazda positioned the CX-5 as the compact SUV for shoppers who want everyday usefulness without giving up style or driving feel. The OEM messaging centered on modern design, a quiet and carefully finished cabin, standard safety technology, and a more connected, human-focused driving experience. Versus many rivals, the CX-5’s main draw was that it felt more polished and more enjoyable to drive, while still covering the family-SUV basics of cargo flexibility, available AWD, and available turbo power.

The 2021 lineup ranges from the well-equipped Sport, with standard smartphone integration and driver-assistance features, to the comfort-focused Touring and leather-lined Grand Touring. The new Carbon Edition adds distinctive styling and popular comfort features, while the Carbon Edition Turbo, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature pair stronger turbo power with increasingly upscale equipment. Signature stands out with Nappa leather, real wood trim, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera.

What changed, by category

Tech

Every trim gains a standard 10.25-inch infotainment display with the newer Mazda Connect interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also become standard across the lineup, while Signature receives higher-definition views for its 360-degree camera.

Styling

The new Carbon Edition and Carbon Edition Turbo join the lineup as style-focused special editions. Both combine distinctive looks with leather-trimmed seats, Bose audio, a moonroof, a power liftgate, and power-adjustable front seats.

Safety

Signature gains reverse automatic braking and a driver attention alert.

2021 Mazda CX-5 specs and features by trim

Feature	2021 Mazda CX-5Sport3 in stock	2021 Mazda CX-5Touring24 in stock	2021 Mazda CX-5Signature4 in stock	2021 Mazda CX-5Grand Touring18 in stock	2021 Mazda CX-5Carbon Edition3 in stock	2021 Mazda CX-5Carbon Edition Turbo5 in stock	2021 Mazda CX-5Grand Touring Reserve8 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter	4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter	4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, Turbo, 2.5 Liter	4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter	4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter	4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, Turbo, 2.5 Liter	4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, Turbo, 2.5 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes	Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes	Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes	Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes	Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes	Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes	Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	AWD	FWD	AWD	AWD	AWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	25 mpg	25 mpg	22 mpg	25 mpg	25 mpg	23 mpg	22 mpg
MPG Highway	31 mpg	31 mpg	27 mpg	31 mpg	31 mpg	28 mpg	27 mpg
Horsepower	187 hp	187 hp	227 hp	187 hp	187 hp	227 hp	227 hp
Torque	186 lb-ft	186 lb-ft	310 lb-ft	186 lb-ft	186 lb-ft	310 lb-ft	310 lb-ft
Max Towing	2000 lb	2000 lb	2000 lb	2000 lb	2000 lb	2000 lb	2000 lb
Trunk/Cargo	59.6 cu-ft	59.6 cu-ft	59.6 cu-ft	59.6 cu-ft	59.6 cu-ft	59.6 cu-ft	59.6 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	39.6 in	39.6 in	39.6 in	39.6 in	39.6 in	39.6 in	39.6 in
Seats	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Adaptive Headlights
Automatic Leveling Headlights
Blindspot Sensors
Front & Rear Parking Sensors
Lane Departure Warning
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear View Camera
360 Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Heated Mirrors
Heated Windshield
LED Headlights
LED Tail Lights
Power Moonroof
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Power Liftgate/Trunk Release
Privacy Glass
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Entertainment & Electronics
Head-Up Display
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Comfort & Convenience
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual Power Front Seats
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Rear Air Conditioning
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Interior Ambient Lighting
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Memory Driver's Seat
Power Driver Seat
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Ventilated Front Seats

How the 2022 Mazda CX-5 compares

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 gets a major mid-cycle refresh, led by updated styling and standard all-wheel drive on every U.S. trim. Mazda also revised the seats, transmission, suspension, body tuning, and trim structure.

See the full 2022 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2021 Mazda CX-5?

The biggest change is the standard 10.25-inch infotainment display fitted to every 2021 CX-5. It uses the newer Mazda Connect interface, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard throughout the lineup.

Did the 2021 Mazda CX-5 add a Carbon Edition?

Yes. The 2021 lineup adds the Carbon Edition with the 187-hp 2.5-liter engine and a separate Carbon Edition Turbo with the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. Both have leather-trimmed seats, Bose audio, a moonroof, and a power liftgate.

Does every 2021 Mazda CX-5 have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every 2021 CX-5 trim, including the entry-level Sport, and they work through the standard 10.25-inch display.

Was the 2021 Mazda CX-5 fully redesigned?

No. The 2021 CX-5 remains part of the second generation that began for 2017. Its main updates are infotainment and trim changes; the notable exterior and chassis update follows for 2022.

What changed on the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature?

The 2021 Signature gains the 10.25-inch center display, clearer views from its 360-degree camera, reverse automatic braking, and a driver attention alert. It retains its turbocharged engine, standard AWD, Nappa leather, and real wood trim.

2021 Mazda CX-5 Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2021 Mazda CX-5.

4.3

2021 Mazda CX-5

(630 reviews)

5 stars (281)

4 stars (256)

3 stars (77)

2 stars (14)

1 star (2)

“Great car, fun to drive, awesome safety features, plenty of power, and a smooth and quiet driver.”

BJBrenda J.
2021 Mazda CX-5 AWD

“Wifi hotspot is extra, Does NOT have wireless connection [Name] Wireless Charging. Passenger cupholders are not comfortable for persons my size. Paddles in steering wheel are dangerous for small persons hands. they took away the opening at the bottom of the steering wheel. Trunk does not have foot unlock”

GSGloria S.
2021 Mazda CX-5 AWD

“I've been really happy with my Mazda CX-5. It is compact and has great trunk space. I didn't want anything super big but wanted the height of an SUV.”

JSJessica S.
2021 Mazda CX-5 FWD