There are a lot of fun cars in Mazda’s lineup, but the CX-5 is one of the best. It has an affordable price point for its class and is also considered one of the most reliable SUVs available. The base Mazda CX-5 sport retails for $25,370, while the fully-loaded Signature comes out to $37,505.

The great selection of both available and optional equipment contributes to the CX-5’s high score on U.S. News. Still, you don’t have to get the highest trim level to get access to great features. The thrifty Touring trim can have the optional SV Preferred package, but is it really necessary?

What does a Mazda CX-5 Sport offer?

The standard trim comes with a capable four-cylinder that makes 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission and AWD can be added for just $1,400. AWD also comes with Off-Road Traction Assist, which makes it easier to get the wheels free from deep snow or mud.

Most critics on U.S. News prefer the optional turbocharged engine, but the standard one still has plenty of pep. Adding AWD also improved the Mazda CX-5’s already exceptional handling. You might experience a stiff ride, but the CX-5 still manages to stay comfortable and quiet.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 Sport can seat up to five riders on comfortable and spacious cloth seats. The cabin materials are so upscale that you might mistake the CX-5 for a luxury car. The 10.25-inch touchscreen display is bigger than most of its rivals and features a user-friendly layout.

Tech features include smartphone integration, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and app pairing so that you can unlock your vehicle with your phone. Many of the CX-5’s safety features are included on the base trim, building even more on its value. These include forward-collision warning with rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitors, and automatic emergency braking.

The Mazda CX-5 Touring’s SV Preferred Package

The Mazda CX-5 Touring is just a small upcharge from the Sport, up to $27,110. The seats are a little nicer inside this trim, made from synthetic leather with suede inserts. They also have standard heating for the front passengers, who also can enjoy dual-zone automatic climate control.

There are more seat adjustment levels for the front seats, while backseat riders gain a large center armrest. Tech features are mostly unchanged, but the Touring has two extra speakers and USB ports for rear seats.

The SV Preferred package is exclusively available for the Mazda CX-5 Touring, priced at $1,445. Every rider gets leather seats, but the front row has power-adjustability and two different memory settings. You also get an upgraded Bose 10-speaker audio system, which automatically tunes itself to filter out background noise.

A power moonroof and auto-dimming mirrors are also included, plus a universal garage door opener. Combined with the power liftgate, unloading things from the cargo bay is much easier with this package. 

Is the SV Preferred Package worth the price?

Adding the SV Preferred Package onto the Mazda CX-5 Touring brings the total cost to $29,575. That’s a little more expensive than the Carbon Edition, which already comes with all the contents of the SV Preferred Package. However, this model is also only available in one color.

Overall, we think the SV Preferred Package is worth it if you don’t want to spring the higher trims. The Grand Touring trim has the 250-hp turbo-four engine but starts at $35,385. Besides a few safety features, you also won’t miss out on skipping the Grand Touring trim.