I just spent a week in a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The tester I received from Mazda was a Signature trim CX-5 with AWD and a 2.5-liter turbo engine. Right off the bat, I have to say that the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature interior is downright decadent.

This is a small crossover that U.S. News and World Report named as a finalist for the 2021 Best Compact SUV. In fact, it was only beat by the Honda CR-V in its respective categories. The 2021 Mazda CX-5 sits in spot No. 2 for the compact SUVs, crossover SUVs, and SUVs with two rows categories.

Is the 2021 Mazda CX-5 a good car?

Yes, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a great compact SUV. Most critics are hard-pressed to find any major flaws. This Mazda SUV is generally considered reliable, high-quality, and a good value for the retail price. The only issue that critics consistently point out is a tight cargo hold in the rear.

I, too, noticed the smaller cargo space. But I also noticed its shining qualities such as the excellent driving agility and quality interior materials. Sometimes, I receive a tester model and it impresses me initially. Then throughout the week I slowly discover problem areas and the little things that buyers may want to know about before spending their money. The 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature was the opposite experience.

Every day driving the CX-5 compact SUV I liked it a little more. At first I couldn’t get comfortable in the driver’s seat. But after a couple of drives I discovered the sweet spot and the rest was smooth sailing. One of the features that really struck me is the high quality 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature interior.

Is Mazda’s Signature trim worth it?

Deciding whether or not the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature trim is right for you will depend on your unique priorities as well as your budget. The 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature trim starts at $37,405, according to U.S. News. That is about $5 Grand Touring Reserve trim that’s just a step down. So what does that $5 grand get you?

On top of the long list of features, the Grand Touring Reserve CX-5 provides, upgrading to a Signature model gives you more. Like the Grand Touring Reserve, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature gets standard AWD. Plus, the Signature model adds a surround-view parking camera system, traffic sign recognition, driver attention monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and parking sensors––both front and rear.

Additionally, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature interior features a navigation system and Nappa leather upholstery. There are upscale wood trim and ambient lighting in the cabin as well. The infotainment screen in my tester was upgraded to a 10.25-inch color display too.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature interior adds more luxury to this compact SUV

The 2.5-liter turbo engine in the Signature level 2021 Mazda CX-5 is punchy and satisfying. Admirable acceleration paired with the agility of the driving dynamics and added bonus of optional paddle shifting gives us a very upscale crossover SUV with above-average performance and handling. The 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature interior adds more luxury to an already well-received package.

In fact, the Caturra Brown leather that mimics the color of deep, dark cocoa, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature interior is downright decadent. At first glance, it almost seems black. Then it reveals itself as a rich, unique interior option that easily goes toe to toe with some luxury models.