If you’re in the market for a new SUV and have the 2021 Mazda CX-5 on your list, you may be wondering which CX-5 you should actually buy. With multiple trim levels to choose from, picking the perfect Mazda CX-5 for you can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, we’re here to help.

What’s new with the 2021 Mazda CX-5?

Perhaps the most exciting update that made it to the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is its all-new infotainment system. Car and Driver reports that its smaller 7.0-inch display has since been replaced with a 10.3-inch infotainment system that sits on top of the dashboard. The updated infotainment system features the new Mazda Connect interface and Mazda Connected Services. It’s also standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Mazda also introduced a new trim level for the 2021 model year, the Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition. Standard with a Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter engine, the Carbon Edition is also available with a 227-hp Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo engine. The Carbon Edition also offers exclusive styling with Polymetal Gray exterior paint, gloss black door mirrors, and 19-inch black metallic aluminum alloy wheels. Meanwhile, its interior features red leather seats and black honeycomb interior trimming throughout. Bringing the color scheme together is a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob featuring additional red stitching. 

A rundown on the Mazda CX-5’s trim levels

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is available in seven different trim levels. The base CX-5 Sport is priced at $25,270 and includes standard features like push-button start, cloth-trimmed seats, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio capability, and the 10.25-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system. It also comes standard with confidence-inspiring safety features like automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

Step up to the CX-5 Touring and features like leatherette seats with Lux Suede inserts, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control are added. The Carbon Edition and Carbon Edition Turbo, as we mentioned up top, add unique exterior and interior styling features. Next up is the Grand Touring, which adds features such as leather upholstery, a power moonroof, a premium audio system, and a power liftgate.

The Grand Touring Reserve, which is a tad more refined, adds features like a head-up display, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and automatic folding mirrors. At the top of the lineup sits the Mazda CX-5 Signature. This fully-loaded CX-5 features Nappa leather seats and wood trim throughout its interior. It also adds a premium navigation system and a 360-degree surround-view camera.

Here’s which trim level makes for the best pick

Of the seven trims available, Kelley Blue Book and Car and Driver agree that the Carbon Edition is the trim level to go with. Car and Driver reports that it has all of the same features as the Touring model while also adding distinct exterior and interior styling touches. This particular CX-5 starts at $29,955 for the front-drive normally aspirated model. Opt for all-wheel drive, and that price jumps up by $1,400. However, if you live in a milder climate, Kelley Blue Book recommends avoiding all-wheel drive altogether. Instead, Kelley Blue Book recommends opting for the 250-horsepower turbo engine.

You can’t go wrong with the 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 has a lot going for it. Regardless of which trim level you decide on, you’ll be sure to enjoy all that the CX-5 has to offer. From its unique styling to its long list of interior features, this year’s new CX-5 will be sure to please every time that you get behind the wheel of it.