When thinking about a compact SUV (or any car, for that matter), it's no wonder why Japanese automakers come into mind. Over the years, Japanese vehicles have earned a high place in the automotive industry, which is why they are being produced at mass scales in the first place. Rated as reliable, versatile, and visually appealing, models from brands such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, and Subaru continuously prove to be the top choice of drivers across the globe.
Now, speaking of compact SUVs that continue to dominate the automotive market, it may come hard to pick just one Japanese vehicle. Still, one has to have a favorite, and ours is the Mazda CX-5. If you saw the model recently, you'll easily figure out why. Not only does the 2021 Mazda CX-5 have beautiful bodywork, but it comes with impressive power and a luxurious interior many would mistake for a much pricier vehicle.
If you want to hear more about our reasons for choosing the Mazda CX-5 as the best compact SUV in 2021, stay with us. We provide more details on its power, design, price, and competition.
What Makes Mazda CX-5 The Best Compact SUV Of 2021?
Over the past few years, we have seen more and more drivers seek compact SUVs instead of sedans and other larger vehicles. Because they offer enough cargo space to fit an entire family but are not enormous at the same time, compact SUVs tend to tackle daily consumer needs. This is exactly where the 2021 Mazda CX-5 excels.
Though mostly referred to as a small crossover, the CX-5 offers 31 cubic feet of cargo space and up to 59.6 cubic feet when you fold the rear seats. Combine it with exceptional performance, and you get a powerful vehicle that provides a comfortable ride at all times.
The Mazda CX-5 comes with a standard 187 hp four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission, delivering precise shifts and a smooth ride. However, there's also a turbocharged four-cylinder engine for those who may want to enjoy the power of 227-250 hp. Overall, the CX-5 is agile and ensures responsive steering, so you'll enjoy driving it no matter the engine type.
Another reason why we picked this Japanese SUV is safety and reliability. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) declared the Mazda CX-5 to be a top safety pick in 2021. It actually could be one of the safest compact SUVs you can buy right now.
Let's Talk Features And Design
To be completely honest, the CX-5 design heavily influenced our decision to put it on the top of the list of the best Japanese SUVs of 2021. It's not just the sleek and sporty exterior of a compact vehicle that won us over. The interior easily compares to the much pricier Audi and Mercedes SUVs.
Mazda used high-quality materials and designed a marvelous layout with easy-to-navigate features and a large display to keep the driver's eyes as close to the road as possible. There are also useful compartments to give you space for the phone and even larger items. Additionally, you get to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with the Mazda Connected Services that allow access to remote vehicle functions via the phone app and Wi-Fi hotspot.
As we mentioned above, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 represents a highly safe vehicle, so you'll find plenty of safety features in it. Some of them include automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistant, and adaptive cruise control.
What About The Competition?
The Mazda CX-5 is by no means the only Japanese SUV worthy of your attention. The other two competitors that come pretty close are the 2021 Toyota RAV4 and the 2021 Honda CR-V.
The RAV4 is one of the best compact SUVs Toyota has designed, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and great gas mileage. This model is also more spacious in the cargo area and proves to be very reliable off-road. However, the Mazda CX-5 still outperforms it in turbo power, safety ratings, and overall driving comfort.
Another choice worth mentioning is the Honda CR-V, a powerful and safe SUV with great fuel economy, comfort, and cargo space. The Honda CR-V offers a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, stable performance, and a generally pleasant ride. Nevertheless, we still chose to trade the practical sides for a fun and luxurious ride in the 2021 Mazda CX-5.
The alternatives to this model are various, and if you need extra cargo space and other features we may not have listed here, take a look at the suggested options. They will certainly meet your needs and requirements. However, when it comes to compact SUVs, the CX-5 is hard to beat, especially at the starting price of $25,370.