2021 Mazda CX-5 Review After Two Years

[@cod4r]

The other reviewers are just car salesmen.

[@TheOriginalCryptoPimp]

I used to live in Columbus about 8 years ago until I moved to Atlanta. When I saw your license plate cover "Germain" it brought back memories.

[@chao5s]

Eternal blue is definitely underrated colour from Mazda😮

[@MrsMac3099]

@@chao5s A lot of Mazda colors are beautiful! I have sonic silver, and in some lights especially when it snows it looks like a icy blue reflect. The machine gray metal has a gold reflect. I don't like red cars, but after seeing a soul red crystal in person he did that was his favorite hands down. I am partial to the artisan red on and cx-90 .

[@cassiocm]

Great review! You are a natural and you keep it real. I like your 'real world' comments, stuff we can use. Thank you. Just subscribed.

[@VacLab]

Thanks! Been wanting to review vehicles for many years. Finally getting around to it.

[@TavosMr]

Like your reviews, I have a 2022 CX5 and has been pretty good. My wife has a 2017 Cx5 too with 105,000 on it. No issues and still drives excellent

[@howardhandville2107]

Just picked up a 2021.5 CX-5 Signature, (15k miles) for $25k here in S FL. Watching it closely for oil issues, but haven't even burned thru a full tank of gas yet. ..

[@brandyblossom8759]

What was your mileage?

[@jimmy5634]

I have a 2024 with the naturally aspirated 2.4, no stop and start…thank goodness! This year they made the base model with upgrades that were in the 2023 next up the ladder model and got rid of the base model. I disagree that this version isn’t fun to drive. It’s much a better handling car than anything else in this category at this price point. It has a firm ride, but it’s very quiet. Mazda added the acoustic glass in the windshield and the driver’s and passenger’s sides There’s no brake issues that he describes here. Mine also has the fully painted, color matched cladding around the wheels and the lower body, no vinyl. I get 25-27 mpg around town and 30-31 on the highway with no effort. I have run 93 octane in mine and it seems to be a bit quicker. Anyway, it’s a great car.

[@t.k.morris]

What trim level did you get?

[@MrsMac3099]

My combined MPG is 29.3 sometimes it gets up to 29.5 when we are on the highway I have seen the current MPG get up too 34/37. We do live rural and use cruise control a lot. I have a 2021 Grand touring AWD, NA 2.5 engine , and 19 inch rims. We really do love it. So much so my hubby will swipe her somedays :).

[@matchanista2762]

I had one as a rental and it was such a nice ride, thanks for the honest review!

[@vlreviews]

Glad you liked it!

[@KennethBostonian]

When I bought this car, my days were over of getting on the ground or putting it on the left or fixing anything I have a 60 month 60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and when the car needs work. Back to the dealer it goes. Great video

[@jarie9689]

i would love to learn my own oil change! would you consider posting a video on that process?

[@jc2367]

alot of videos on youtube for that. your owners manual will tell you the type and how much oil to use as well as the filter type. most important thing is to use jack stands after you raise the car with your pallet jack. safety first.

[@TRec3791]

The brakes on my 2021 Escape are very touchy, not to mention it stops very good. My 2021 Traverse on the other hand has a more loose brake pedal and requires a little more time to stop, it's also a heavier vehicle. I used to be a person who loved a sporty feel to a car, the older I've got, I have appreciated the more comforting feel. My Traverse has definitely provided me with that feeling. I hated my Ford Escape, luckily though my mom took over that car and it suits her needs just fine. Now as far as gas mileage goes, the Escape can run forever on a tank of gas compared to my Traverse, BUT my Traverse being a full size SUV doesn't do too bad. A 310 HP 3.6 V6 getting 22MPG on average, what more do you want.

[@MrsMac3099]

In 22 they stiffened the suspension. Also does she has 17 or the 19s? The 17s I read are a little softer ride. I have a 2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand touring AWD and we LOVE it.

[@VacLab]

The Turbo has a stiffer suspension than the non-turbo. It does also come with the lower profile 19" tires. We just nabbed a 2024 CX-5 Preferred for my wife and it has a more compliant ride.

[@moscabianca2054]

Hands down the best review on this car that I have seen on KZbin. You're awesome. Thank you!

[@VacLab]

Thanks!

[@cardura99]

Swap the wheels and tires between the turbo and non turbo and see the difference the wheel size change makes.

[@VacLab]

The 2022 Turbo is long gone.

[@carlvu7]

Just bought a 2021 Mazda CX-5 width 20,000 mi Grand Touring. It has all the features of my previous 2018 Mercedes GLA 250 except for FOB control window roll down and up. The Mazda could have stronger control of Lane keep assist. It just nudges the steering wheel when you drift off. But the Mazda has a better Bose premium sound. For the 3 yrs I had the MB, it cost me $11K in all maintenance and repair. MB brakes and rotor cost $2200. Mazda $1400. I really like Mazda. Premium without the high price.

[@ianceasarbonachita]

Thank you for sharing your insights on this vehicle as an actual owner and not just promoting cars as other reviewers. Planning to get a Mazda, I will definitely check on the brake issue.

[@TonytheGr8]

Great review. Respect from Jamaica 🇯🇲

[@VacLab]

Thanks!

[@AllTheOne219]

That color is really nice

[@SHEEPeros]

As an Eastern European where some roads are scandalously bad in some areas I chuckle when I hear small potholes and some uneveness being referred to as a poorly maintained road. I’d gladly buy a used car driven exclusively over those types of surfaces. Insightful video though.

[@RobertRivera1427]

I like videos like this where people talk and drive telling a good story entertaining. Unrelated but I also like those GoPro videos with people on their dirt bikes or regular bikes just drive around and talking about the bike also while telling a good story. Always a fan of that type of content with some helpful educational knowledgeable and informative reviews or opinions. These are the type of things I'll be watching at 3:00 in the morning lmfao 🤣 instead of being asleep

[@carlneb8619]

Thanks for a nice reasonable review without the usual internet hype. I think you need to do another video with your car. 😃

[@VacLab]

Thanks. I made quite a few CX-5 videos. Check out out the playlist.

[@bonjournaste]

Funny you mention the brakes.. I test drove two CX-5's (2022's) and they were both like that as well.. I have also seen reviews talking about linear brake feel this, and that, but I agree, there is something not quite right there. I ended up with a CX-9, and the brakes were nice and firm., and still feel perfect after two years.

[@seekthao]

Is taking out the air in the brake system a common fix? This was literally the only reason I didn’t buy it because I didn’t feel confident in braking.

[@VacLab]

Yup, it's a common issue across most brands. Bleeding the brakes solves many issues.

[@t.k.morris]

Your turbo model probably has larger rims with low profile tires. That will make a big difference even if everything else remains the same. But you may also have a differently tuned suspension on the turbo.

[@angelakaiser7141]

I just bought a used 21 cx-5. So far I like it but with 27k miles I think the dealer where I bought put new tires on but they are cheap. What tires do you recommend for a smooth quiet ride?

[@VacLab]

The factory original tires are usually best.

[@elbuchito2907]

Toyo for the 19 inch rims, Yokohama for the 17 inch rims.

[@domenickcuccherini2847]

I put Pirelli Scorpion A/S on my ‘21 AWD Touring and the car rides so much better.

[@Amandak1203]

How much did you get your cx5 for?

[@davidwayne9982]

I"m going to get a 2012 RAV 4 that is V-6 with a real transmission-- and WITHOUT all the computer tech crap... I hate that they're putting all that tech JUNK on cars now... 6 speeds is perfect... No one needs more in a CAR.. it's not an 18 wheeler trying to pull a 20,000 pound load.. AS to the stiffness of the ride on the new one--- CHANGE THE TIRES to 17" and get rid of the 20s... that will fix the ride.. and improve steering, and much more. 20" wheels with 1/2 inch of rubber is STUPID on any vehicle.. (other than a fork lift used on a smooth concrete floor)..

[@eleanormassaro5195]

Remember, your turbo CX 5is going to have larger wheels than the pretty blue one that you’re driving😎

[@efthimios]

I was debating this for my daughters first car or rx350 , or RDX

[@warrens.6229]

Saab also put the subwoofer in the spare tire, at least that's where it is in our 2007 9-3 Sport Combi (wagon).

[@ab348]

That's a Bose thing that most car makes that offer a Bose system as an upgrade sound system all have.

[@angelpacheco4664]

I got a smoother ride by lowering tire pressure to 30 in the summer and 32 in the winter. In the winter, it would indicate low pressure when outside temperatures were very low. Less tire sounds, too. Also got 32 mpg going to Florida with this set up

[@angelpacheco4664]

Less tire sounds too

[@brandonbroderick7059]

Gas mileage should be worse with lower pressure though

[@felixbutron]

That’s the reason I would prefer going with the low trim smallest tires rims, more confy ride than low profile.

[@maxdslr]

Debating on getting this or the RAV4. Only thing that turns me off is the cargo space and MPG.

[@getore100]

I purchased a RAV4 XLE PREMIUM. REALLY like it. But...I'm wondering if I made the right decision for me because I understand that the CX5 is a quieter ride which I really like and better sound system. But the audio on the CX5 is not touch screen. Technologically, the RAV4 is better all around but the inside of the CX5 seems to be nicer.

[@MrsMac3099]

I have a 2021 Grand touring AWD 2.5 NA engine. We live rural and use cruise control a lot. My combined MPG is staying at 29.3 someone's got up to 29.5, also when I'm the highway I have seen current get into the mid to high 30's. Gas milage is better then we expected!

[@felixbutron]

Mazda CX-5 best rating of it class on crash test!

[@Al-ok1lj]

I wouldn’t want to deal with that dealership that didn’t want to fix your breaks, considering you’re covered under warranty.

[@ab348]

I agree. Though it's possible that the service dept was already completely full and a tech would need to drop whatever they were doing in order to do the brakes, so a bit of a pain. But I agree that the brakes should never have been that way and needed to be addressed. It should have been picked up in the PDI process.

[@t.k.morris]

Liked and subscribed. I am leaning towards the 2024 CX-5 with the N/A motor in the Premium Trim. What are your thoughts?

[@vlreviews]

@t.k.morris I leased two 2024 CX-5 Preferreds. The premuim package didn't add anything I was interested in.

[@MrsMac3099]

I found out I LOVE heated seats, all leather and the Bose speakers. Depends on what you like :).

[@chih6654]

I have the exact same vehicle in deep crystal blue mica and I was able to get the FWD before Mazda switched to all AWD CX-5. I chose Touring w/ SV preferred package and did not go with the Carbon Edition for the very reason you mentioned, ride quality. In addition to the ride quality, replacing the tires on the 19-inch wheels are much costly than the 17's. I love every bit of my vehicle!

[@noseefood1943]

I wish my 2021 touring had headlight/tail light combo of gtr/carbon.

[@davidwayne9982]

YES- NO NEW VEHICLE should go in farther than 3 inches on brake pedal... long travel is FAR TOO MUCH.. and it's DANGEROUS>

[@MrsMac3099]

How is your combined MPG? We live rural and use cruise control a lot. Ours has been staying at 29.3 occasionally up to 29.5 we are very happy with that! I have a 2021 grand touring AWD 2.5 NA engine, I do have the 19's inch rims on it.

[@VacLab]

I'd say combined MPG would be about 30 in the summer, lower in the winter.

[@MrsMac3099]

@@VacLab yes, so much better then they say it it :).

[@aussie8114]

Love my 2023 top spec turbo.

[@VacLab]

I have a 2022 top spec turbo that's due to be replaced in a month. Wonder what I'll get?

[@dogsarefun2]

just got one, cpo with 6k miles.... dream ride.

[@VacLab]

Someone didn't drive it much.​

[@dogsarefun2]

@@VacLab sales manager's ride. 2023 mfg date 7/23

[@jddonahue2]

any concerns with carbon build up on intake valves due to gasoline direct injection?

[@VacLab]

Nope, but I always use 93 octane fuel.

[@MrsMac3099]

They said to clean them at a certain milage.

[@VacLab]

@MrsMac3099 if you use 87 octane gas, you will need to clean the system at higher mileages to be sure. With 93 octane, pretty much never.

[@MrsMac3099]

@@VacLab yeppers :), thank you. It's in the manual I think. Or the Mazda app for scheduled maintenance at a certain milage :).

[@tasmincr]

This was super helpful thanks!

[@TheOriginalCryptoPimp]

Greetings, Does your 2022 burn oil? I have a Turbo VW Passat and it really uses a lot of oil. It's standard for the Turbo VW, unfortunately. I'm considering the turbo CX-5 next. Thanks

[@VacLab]

My 2022 turbo has 11k miles and doesn't burn oil. I've had 5 Mazdas so far and none burn oil.

[@TheOriginalCryptoPimp]

@@VacLab thank you

[@johnpanagiotopoulos8539]

So which car you like better? The turbo or this one?

[@VacLab]

There is no better per se, both have their strengths and weaknesses. Smoother ride and better MPG, versus faster and stiffer but more responsive ride.

[@TRec3791]

In a nutshell I enjoy space, smooth riding, A V6 ENGINE!!!, and comfort.

[@Blinknone]

Geeze.. we have forest service "roads" around here that are smoother than what you are driving on.. ;)

[@kmuinde]

love the blue colour

[@Hashiramashultz]

Have you guys had any problem with excessive oil consumption in any of your CX5

[@VacLab]

Nope, but we turn in our vehicles around 12k miles.

[@jazzbuckeye]

Does your newer CX-5 have larger wheels? I wonder if that's part of why the ride is rougher.

[@VacLab]

Both our 2024's have the same setup. My 2022 Turbo was different. Awful ride on rough roads.

[@jazzbuckeye]

@@VacLab Are your 2024s smoother than the 2021 and 2022?

[@VacLab]

You can't compare​ turbos to non-turbos. Totally different vehicle setup. But the 24's are a bit smoother and quieter than her 21.

[@Artbyevelyn]

I notice my steering wheel is stiff with turning. Are they all like that?

[@VacLab]

Nope. Unless your tire pressures are very low, it should be minimal effort.

[@Artbyevelyn]

@@VacLab the pressure on tires are good, I just bought the vehicle so far I love the vehicle but just the steering I noticed is not smooth maybe needs steering wheel fluid? thanks for the fast response.

[@VacLab]

@Artbyevelyn Newer CX-5's have electric steering, so no fluid levels. The steering rack could be bent. Advise you to have the dealer check it out.

[@danielperez-wu6qq]

Great video.

[@VacLab]

Thanks! She now has a 2024 CX-5 in dark blue.

[@mazduh07kc]

Newly subscribed

[@vlreviews]

Thanks! New CX-30 Drive video uploading now. Stay tuned!

[@har8397]

Mazda cx5 "that's not bad!:

[@Spork123able]

Great review. Driving like grandma. 🤣

[@toddsmith1617]

PA roads are just as bad.

[@user-jo4en1zl7b]

Come to the Pocono,s you'll see plenty of bad roads yet our gas tax is some of highest in the country😢

[@darkskies6564]

No doubt

[@davidwayne9982]

I watched SARAH -N-TUNED do a test of a CX-50 and she actually scared herself with the brake pedal going to the floor in that in her brake test too. It's just NOT RIGHT.

[@natgasf7236]

Synthetic oil won’t make much difference on fuel mileage. If your automobile calls for regular gas you’re wasting money on high test gasoline.

[@VacLab]

Exactly wrong. I have over 40 years of data saying so. Try testing for a few years, then we'll talk more.

[@razorraysolarsavings70]

Wrong! The higher grade gasoline will keep carbon on check and it’s better for the engine. Synthetic oil is great, especially if you do a lot of city driving like I do. It offers more protection to the engine.

[@girlyes-org]

Thank you, this was very helpful.

[@vlreviews]

Glad it was helpful!