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Having a super quiet interior in your SUV just screams luxury (in a very quiet way). However, this atmosphere can be found in both luxury and mainstream brands. The quiet interior often comes with other premium features as well for an all-around great experience. U.S. News & World Report has put together a list of some of the quietest SUVs of 2021, and the Mazda CX-5 is one of the best.

A few of the quietest SUVs

These SUVs are among the quietest you can buy for the 2021 model year. The list from U.S. News names (in alphabetical order) the BMW X3, Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Expedition, Honda CR-V, Kia Telluride, Lincoln Navigator, Mazda CX-5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Volkswagen Atlas, and Volvo XC60. In addition to the quiet, most of these SUVs also have high interior scores and high overall scores. While there are many luxury SUVs on the list, it does include SUVs from various classes and prices.

The interior of the quiet 2021 Mazda CX-5

The interior of a Mazda Motor Corp. CX-5 sports utility vehicle (SUV) is seen during the 2019 New York International Auto Show
The Mazda CX-5 | Natan Dvir/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The designers of the second-generation Mazda CX-5, which arrived in 2017, specifically focused on quietness in an effort to improve the driving experience for all passengers, explains Mazda. Engineers worked to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness by examining the engine and all parts of the CX-5. They also increased the weight of the CX-5, which helped to make it quieter. The end result is an SUV with a quiet engine and minimal road and wind noise.

The 2021 CX-5 has two rows of seating and provides plenty of high-quality interior finishes and lots of space for adults. U.S. News likes the “attractive design” and “top-notch materials” in the 2021 CX-5. All trims except the base one have either synthetic leather or genuine leather upholstery.

Its standard features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, two USB ports, a four-speaker stereo, and HD Radio. Higher trim levels offer two USB ports for the rear seats, a six-speaker stereo system or a 10-speaker Bose sound system, satellite radio, and navigation.

Higher trim levels add more comfort features, including heated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a six-way power-adjustable passenger seat. The Signature trim, which is the highest one, provides Nappa leather upholstery along with wood interior trim and ambient interior lighting. Most affordable crossovers don’t provide these luxury finishes.

What features does the 2021 Mazda CX-5 have?

With an overall score of 8.8 out of 10 from U.S. News and an interior score of 7.9 out of 10, the Mazda CX-5 provides a high-quality cabin in a high-quality SUV. It’s also U.S. News’ No. 1 ranked compact SUV. The CX-5 also has excellent performance, with strong engine options, agile handling, and top safety ratings. U.S. News calls it “one of the most fun-to-drive entrants in the class.” While there’s plenty of room for passengers, the cargo area is a bit small.

The CX-5 has two available engines. The first is a 187-hp naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, which is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides more power, generating 227 hp with regular gas or 250 hp with premium gas. All-wheel drive is available.

The CX-5 also provides advanced safety features, coming standard with a rearview camera, automatic high-beam headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Additional available advanced safety features include a surround-view parking camera system, adaptive headlights, a head-up display, driver attention monitoring, reverse automatic emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors, and traffic sign recognition.

The 2021 CX-5 also has one of the lowest starting prices of all of the quiet SUVs on the list, with a starting price of $25,370. While not known for its cargo space, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 excels for its performance, luxury, and super quiet interior.

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