2021 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a smooth and stylish vehicle that stood out in a market filled with deeply-creased hoods and chiseled grilles. It featured a sleek design that looked dynamic even when stationary. The base CX-5 Sport came equipped with automatic on/off LED headlights, 17-inch gray metallic aluminum alloy wheels, a rear roof spoiler, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Higher trims like the Touring added rear privacy glass, leatherette seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and auto-leveling LED headlights, which were particularly useful for night driving on winding roads.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5, while maintaining a similar overall design, introduced new LED headlights and taillights with more distinctive illumination. It also featured new bumpers, a revised grille, a redesigned rear liftgate, and fresh alloy wheel designs. The top-of-the-line Signature trim received body-color lower exterior trim, enhancing Mazda’s premium brand aspirations. Inside, the Signature trim continued to impress with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort and support, addressing previous complaints about the seating.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available. The turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, available in higher trims, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on regular fuel. AWD was standard with the turbo engine. Fuel economy for the non-turbo engine with FWD was 25 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined, while the turbo engine with AWD achieved 22 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 continued with the same engine options but made AWD standard across all trims. The base 2.5-liter engine maintained its 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg combined. The turbocharged engine saw a slight increase in power, producing 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The revised six-speed automatic transmission and increased structural rigidity contributed to a quieter and smoother ride. The new Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offered Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 provided a comfortable and stylish interior, though rear legroom was limited. It featured two full LATCH connections on the rear outboard seats and straightforward climate controls. The cargo space was 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which was below average for the segment. A power liftgate was available.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints with new, more supportive seats and a sportier driving position. The height-adjustable front passenger seat was a welcome addition. The back seat remained snug, but heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents improved passenger comfort. The control layout, while still not ideal, became more intuitive over time. Cargo space was slightly reduced to 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with them folded, which was still competitive with entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touch screen, but the system was not user-friendly. The lack of knobs for tuning the stereo and the awkward positioning of the controls made it challenging to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing a workaround for the infotainment system’s shortcomings.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained the same 10.25-inch display but did not add touch-sensing capability or natural voice recognition. The system required using controls on the center console and steering wheel, which took time to get used to. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard, along with a three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services. Starting with the 2.5 S Premium trim, a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system was included, offering decent audio quality.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 featured a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. Optional features included a head-up display, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view camera system. The SUV earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 continued to prioritize safety with the standard i-Activsense package, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The 2022 model also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, maintaining its reputation for safety.