The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is one of this Japanese car company’s most popular models. After testing it, I can definitely see why. I drove the Mazda CX-5 Signature compact crossover SUV for a week and let me tell you, it’s easy to love. In fact, it might be the best car I’ve tested so far this year.

This is one of the most acclaimed Mazda SUV models. It’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick. Plus, several major publications praise it for it’s well-round offering to the segment.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature

If you’ve done any amount of research on the latest Mazda SUV models, then you already know that the Signature trim level is said to be on par with many entry-level luxury vehicles. I can attest to this general consensus. The 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature is downright decadent. Especially with the deep chocolate brown––called caturra brown–– leather upholstery.

The Monroney sticker on the tester I had the privilege of testing showed a retail price of $39,125 for the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature. For this price point, the amount of combined luxury and engine spunk is well worth it. In fact, I’d argue that this is perhaps a better buy than most comparable luxury crossovers. As I said, the CX-5 might be the best car I’ve tested all year.

Is the CX-5 reliable?

Such a spritely little crossover that earns rave reviews and earns a spot in places like Car and Driver’s 10Best list seems like a no-brainer, right? But how reliable is the Mazda CX-5? This year, Consumer Reports ranks Mazda as the most reliable of all the brands currently on the market.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 itself shows fantastic reliability ratings according to Consumer Reports data. In addition, this compact crossover SUV has an impressive history. All the way back to the 2013 model year, Consumer Reports gave the CX-5 a reliability rating of at least a 4 out of 5. Most of the rankings achieved the highest score––5 out of 5 for predicted reliability. So this is generally understood to be a reliable vehicle.

Is the Mazda CX-5 a good car?

Yes, I would definitely say this is a great compact crossover SUV. It’s nice to drive and with the Signature level of amenities I wanted for nothing. The cargo hold is a bit tight. However, it is still perfectly useful for the average every day chore.

I’d recommend the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature to just about anyone that wants something larger than a car, but doesn’t want to move all the way up into one of the more massive three-row options. It’s one of my favorite vehicles I’ve driven this year. It’s comfortable, drives well, and feels like a great car for the money.

In fact, it’s almost hard to find much wrong with this compact crossover SUV option. If you are looking for a stylish option for your family, consider this Mazda SUV model. While, of course, it will all come down to which model meets each buyer’s specific criteria the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature is certainly worth some attention.