The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is an all-around great SUV. It’s recommended by Consumer Reports, it’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, and its predicted reliability rating is a 5/5. If you’re in the market for a small SUV, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a great choice. 

Is the 2021 Mazda CX-5 a good SUV?

According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a great SUV. Consumer Reports gives it an 83/100 for its overall score. They call it “one of the more desirable models in the compact SUV class.” 

The Mazda CX-5 comes with a 187-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. With that engine it can go from 0 to 60 in just 8.6 seconds. Its ride is smooth and it handles well. Consumer Reports gives it a 4/5 for both routine and emergency handling. It’s also one of the quietest compact SUVs in its class. 

The CX-5 has a nice interior with luxurious touches despite its economical price point (the CX-5 starts at just $25,000). It’s also comfortable, though not quite as roomy as some other small SUVs. Still, it receives a 4/5 for both front and rear seat comfort. 

Cargo space in the Mazda CX-5 is somewhat limited. It only has 30.5 cubic feet of storage space. 

The CX-5 is super safe 

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the CX-5 its top safety award, the Top Safety Pick+. To be awarded an IIHS Top Safety Pick award, an SUV must score a good rating in all IIHS crash test ratings. Additionally, the vehicle must get a good score in the side crash tests, roof strength, and head restraint tests. To get a Top Safety Pick+ award, the vehicle must ace all these tests.

The SUV must also have an advanced or superior in both the vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian tests. Headlights must have a good or acceptable rating available. To receive the Top Safety Pick+ award, the headlights on all trim levels must be good or acceptable. 

Additionally, the CX-5 comes with all of the safety features that Consumer Reports recommends car shoppers look for in a new car. These include such features as forward collision warning, blind spot warning, and lane departure warning, among others. 

The Mazda CX-5 gets a perfect reliability rating

The predicted reliability for the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a 5/5. This is in line with past models. Every CX-5 since 2017 has a perfect reliability rating. Reliability ratings are calculated via surveys that Consumer Reports sends to subscribers about how their vehicle is holding up. The Mazda CX-5 has the highest reliability rating of any car in its class.

Owner satisfaction is also high. The CX-5 has a 4/5 for its owner satisfaction score. Drivers are particularly happy with styling, giving it an 85/100. Driving experience is also high, at a 79/100.

If you’re looking for a compact SUV that combines safety, comfort and reliability, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a great choice. With its Consumer Reports recommended status and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, you really can’t go wrong with the CX-5.