Mazda CX-5 2021 Review

The compact SUV market has always been a fiercely contested battleground locally. Consumers want the off-road capabilities and space of an SUV without compromising on driving quality and design — the 2021 Mazda CX-5 public aims precisely at these needs. It continues Mazda's signature "Kodo" design language, while maintaining the brand's consistent standard in configuration and driving comfort. In this test drive, we focus on assessing its daily practicality and dynamic performance to see if it meets the core needs of family users.

From the exterior, the overall style of the CX-5 public leans towards being stable yet dynamic. The shield-shaped front grille paired with chrome trim boasts high recognition; the sharp LED headlights on both sides are connected to the grille, creating a wider visual appearance. The side profile features flowing lines, with a waistline extending from the hood to the rear, preventing the side from looking bulky. The style of the 17-inch alloy wheels is moderate but visually pleasing and durable. At the rear, the horizontally designed LED tail lights correspond well with the front, and the silver protective plate under the rear bumper adds a touch of SUV ruggedness. The overall design avoids excessive flashy elements, projecting an enduring aesthetic that won't easily feel outdated with long-term use.

Stepping inside the vehicle, the materials and craftsmanship of the interior reflect Mazda's sincerity. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, giving a refined texture, and is highlighted with silver accents that enhance its quality. The center console layout is slightly angled toward the driver, and the 8-inch floating touchscreen, while not particularly large, operates smoothly and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it convenient for everyday use. The three-spoke multifunction steering wheel has a comfortable grip, and its left-side control buttons allow for adjusting volume, switching tracks, and answering calls, which can be done without looking. The seats are made of fabric material with decent support. The front seats offer manual adjustment, which, though not as convenient as electric adjustment, is sufficient for daily use. Rear seating space is moderate, with a passenger 175cm tall having about two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, adequate for regular family purposes. In terms of storage, the door pockets, central armrest box, and glove compartment are all quite practical in size. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 442L, which can be expanded to 1342L by folding the rear seats, making it capable of accommodating large pieces of luggage.

In terms of power, the 2021 CX-5 public is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 165 Ps and a peak torque of 213 N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During everyday driving, the car starts smoothly, with throttle responses that are not overly aggressive but sufficiently linear, making it suitable for urban commutes. When accelerating at mid-speed, the transmission offers clear shifting logic and smoothly shifts up without noticeable jerks. When pressing the accelerator pedal hard, the transmission decisively downshifts, and though the power output is not excessively strong, it provides enough confidence for overtaking. Two driving modes are available: Normal and Sport. In Sport mode, throttle response becomes more sensitive, and RPMs are maintained at a higher range, catering to users who occasionally want a more dynamic driving experience.

Handling is one of the advantages of the CX-5. The steering is precise with minimal play, and the direction of the front end can be clearly felt during cornering. The suspension system uses a front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for comfort while maintaining a certain level of support. When passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension filters out most of the small vibrations, ensuring passenger comfort. During cornering, the vehicle's body roll is well-controlled, providing a sufficient sense of safety. The chassis feels very cohesive and remains stable at high speeds without a "floating" sensation.

In terms of fuel consumption, this test drive was mainly conducted on city roads with occasional highway segments, and the average fuel consumption was around 7.8L/100km. For a 2.0L SUV, this is a fairly good result. Regarding noise control, there is some wind and tire noise entering the cabin at high speeds, but it stays within an acceptable range and does not affect normal conversations.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 public lies in its balance. It has an attractive exterior, good interior quality, adequate space for family needs, smooth power delivery suitable for daily commuting, and the handling maintains Mazda's usual high standards. Compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, the CX-5 public has an edge in craftsmanship and handling. While it doesn't particularly stand out in terms of features, its strength lies in its balanced performance.

This car is suitable for family users who value driving quality and practicality, especially those who do not pursue aggressive performance but prioritize everyday smoothness and comfort. If you need an SUV that can meet urban commuting needs while also being suitable for occasional short trips, the CX-5 public is a good choice. It doesn't have any obvious shortcomings and is a very suitable SUV for daily family use.