SUVs enjoy great popularity, and automakers are producing plenty of them in all sizes. With so many choices, choosing the right one can be daunting. But industry experts agree the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is an excellent compact crossover. In fact, one reputable source gives it a 10 out of 10. Here’s why the CX-5 is practically perfect in every way.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5: The Mary Poppins of small SUVs

In the 1964 Disney film Mary Poppins, the titular character stretches a tape measure across herself and proclaims, “As I expected: ‘Mary Poppins, practically perfect in every way.'”

Perfection isn’t easy to achieve. But the 2021 Mazda CX-5 easily scored a perfect 10 out of 10 from Car and Driver. It also appears on C/D’s list of the best SUVs and crossovers of 2021. And Car and Driver even named it the best compact SUV of 2021.

You don’t even have to look that closely to see why. The exterior is sculpted and elegant. Its interior is equally gorgeous but also thoughtfully designed with comfortable seating. In fact, C/D said, “Wake up inside the top-tier CX-5 models, and you might think you’ve been abducted by kidnappers driving an Audi or a Mercedes.”

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 also offers a dynamic driving experience that leaves many of its rivals in the dust. The base four-cylinder engine makes only 187 hp, but it jumps off the line and feels faster than it is. With its front-wheel-drive configuration and efficient six-speed automatic transmission, it offers great gas mileage. The available turbocharged four-cylinder gets 250 hp and offers an athletic driving performance.

With more excitement and elegance than some of its pricier competitors, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is practically perfect.

More love for the 2021 Mazda CX-5

Fun to drive with agile handling, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is also a finalist for the U.S. News Best Compact SUV for the Money award. It was also a finalist for the publication’s Best Compact SUV for Families award thanks to an impressive combination of value and build quality. 

The 2021 CX-5 boasts an upgraded infotainment system with a 10.3-inch display screen mounted on top of the dash, replacing the previous 7.0-inch version. Running on the latest Mazda Connect system, the feature provides Mazda Connected Services, including remote vehicle functions via a smartphone app and a Wi-Fi hotspot. And every trim comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration.

Mazda also recently added the Carbon Edition to the CX-5 lineup. It offers the spunky turbo-four without charging top-trim prices. The Carbon Edition also boasts the features of the Touring model plus all the perks of the Preferred SV package. That includes a power-adjustable passenger seat, sunroof, power liftgate, Bose audio system, and more. 

The only drawback to the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is its lack of cargo space compared to competitors. Otherwise, this compact crossover is hard to fault.

Practically perfect performance

The driving experience is where the 2021 Mazda CX-5 excels. It provides a smooth cruise with accurate steering and composed handling, particularly when cornering. Rougher roads aren’t a problem, and the noise level is as calm as the ride. The cabin is quiet, with minimal noise from the engine and road. The damping is nicely balanced too.

If you want to explore winding country roads, the 2021 CX-5 is the perfect vehicle to drive.  With an electrically assisted steering system, this SUV really shows what it can do.

The CX-5 also brims with active safety features. It comes with standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Plus, the CX-5 is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s highest honor. It also earned a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Transportation Administration.

Sophisticated, comfortable, and loaded with great features, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a perfect choice for compact-SUV shoppers.