In 2020, the Mazda CX-5 has earned acclaim for its joyful energy and sporty handling. We toss the word “luxury” around a lot, but the CX-5 quickly enters this category. In fact, we’ve only had a few complaints about this SUV. And fortunately, Mazda addressed one of the main flaws in the 2021 CX-5.

Introducing the new 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is part of the same generation that launched in 2017, and the redesign brought significant differences. Mazda took the opportunity to transform the CX-5’s car cabin with classy elements such as soft-touch padding and sleek finishings. But as the SUV’s interior became more upscale, its infotainment system was still stuck in the past.

If you look around, you’ll be hard-pressed to find major complaints about the 2020 CX-5. Even so, many members of the CX-5’s Reddit community voiced that they were “virtually satisfied” with everything their SUV had to offer, except its infotainment setup. Drivers felt that the display screen in the 2020 model was too small. 

Other drivers felt like the CX-5 old-school menu took away from its otherwise high-class experience. One member especially hoped that the infotainment system on the new Mazda3 would find its way on the CX-5. Mazda is finally addressing this request and updating the CX-5’s aging infotainment display by the looks of it. 

Updated tech features 

For 2021, the base CX-5 Sport trim will now come standard with an updated 10.25-inch display screen with the latest Mazda Connect infotainment Mazda said in its statement. The new display is a sizable improvement, seeing how the 2020 CX-5 came with a 7-inch screen. Unlike the outgoing model year, the CX-5 will now offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features too. 

Buyers will also be able to enjoy a three-year trial of the Mazda Connected Services system. This system allows the driver to control the status of the CX-5 remotely through the MyMazda app. A wifi hotspot trial will also come standard on the 2021 CX-5.

All-new Carbon Edition 

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Mazda is also adding an all-new Carbon Edition to the 2021 CX-5 lineup. This trim shares similar elements of the Touring and Touring Preferred SV package. The Carbon Edition includes Polymetal Gray exterior paint. On the inside, you’ll find red leather seats and a black honeycomb interior. 

Furthermore, the Carbon Edition will come with the CX-5’s standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 187- horsepower. A turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine will be available as an option on this trim too. For many, the turbo-four is worth the upgrade and produces 250-hp.

Pricing for the 2021 CX-5

We can expect the new CX-5 to hit dealerships in September. The base CX-5 with front-wheel-drive starts at $25,270, not even a $100 increase compared to the 2020 version. You can add all-wheel-drive for $1400 more on the low to mid-level trims. If you’re interested in the Carbon Edition, it starts at $28,855.