2021 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2018 Mazda CX-5: Which Is Better?
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 costs a bit more than the 2018 version, but the extra cost is probably worth it.
Written by Macy Fouse
Reviewed by Christelle Agustin
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 may cost over $5,000 more than the 2018 model—but it also offers a better package deal.
Thanks to top-notch reliability ratings and luxury-level amenities for a fraction of the cost, the Mazda CX-5 has been crushing the crossover game since its debut in 2012. That doesn’t mean all models are made equal, though.
If you’re shopping for an affordable used crossover that still feels new, the Mazda CX-5 is the right place to look—but which models are better options?
Look no further—we’re here to give you an in-depth comparison of the 2021 and 2018 Mazda CX-5 models. To help you make an informed decision, we’ll cover everything from price differences and fuel economy to safety ratings and tech features. Let’s get into it!
2021 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2018 Mazda CX-5: what’s the difference?
The CX-5 is one of Mazda’s most popular compact crossovers—and its most popular model in general. It’s more compact than the midsize
CX-9
SUV but larger than the now-discontinued subcompact CX-3
or the current CX-30
. The CX-5 belongs to a competitive class of crossovers, including top dogs like the Honda CR-V
and Toyota RAV4
. But how do the 2021 CX-5 and the 2018 CX-5 compare to each other? While both models belong to the same generation, they’re worlds apart in terms of standard features. The 2021 model is essentially an upgraded version of the 2018 model, including a few extra trims, another engine option, better safety scores, and more features all around.
Of course, there’s a lot that’s similar about them, too. Let’s look a little closer.
Pricing
Since both models are a few years old, the pricing you’ll get is at the mercy of the used car market. In general, though, the 2021 model tends to be at least $5,500 more expensive than the 2018 CX-5 across the board. Check out the table below to compare the pricing.
Model | 2018 Fair Purchase Price | 2021 Fair Purchase Price |
|---|---|---|
$18,150 | $23,600 | |
$19,500 | $24,900 | |
2021 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition | N/A | $27,900 |
$20,700 | $26,700 | |
2021 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition Turbo | N/A | $30,700 |
N/A | $30,900 | |
N/A | $32,350 |
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General specs
Is the extra dough really worth it? We think so. The base powertrains between the two models are the same, but the 2021 CX-5 adds the special Carbon Edition along with three other trims that bring a 227-hp engine option into the mix.
While we wouldn’t necessarily recommend that you take either model on any serious off-roading adventures, the 2021’s turbocharged engine—paired with all-wheel drive—handles uncertain terrain better than the 2018 model thanks in part to its 310 lb-ft of torque.
However, if you make a habit of hitting the open trail often, a Mazda CX-5 probably isn’t the vehicle for you; both of these models are best suited to smooth driving surfaces.
2018 Mazda CX-5 | 2021 Mazda CX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
Base engine (Sport, Touring Carbon Edition, Grand Touring) | 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 horsepower) | 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 horsepower) |
Upgrade engine (Carbon Edition Turbo, Grand Touring Reserve, Signature) | N/A | 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (227 horsepower) |
Transmission | Six-speed automatic | Six-speed automatic |
Drivetrain | Front-wheel or all-wheel drive | Front-wheel or all-wheel drive |
Maximum towing capacity | 2,000 lbs | 2,000 lbs |
MORE: Should you take the Mazda CX-5 off-road?
Fuel economy
The 2021 and 2018 CX-5 models also have identical fuel economies. The turbocharged engine on the 2021’s Carbon Edition Turbo, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature trims drop the efficiency down a smidge. Of course, the mileage you get in real life partially depends on where and how you’re driving.
Here are the EPA-estimated fuel economies for each model and powertrain:
Powertrain | 2018 CX-5 mpg (combined, city, highway) | 2021 CX-5 mpg (combined, city, highway) |
|---|---|---|
Base engine (2.5L four-cylinder) FWD | 28/25/31 | 28/25/31 |
Base engine (2.5L four-cylinder) AWD | 26/24/30 | 26/24/30 |
Upgrade engine (turbo four-cylinder) FWD | N/A | 25/23/28 |
Upgrade engine (turbo four-cylinder) AWD | N/A | 24/22/27 |
The upgraded turbo engine and all-wheel drive options may add more pep to your driving experience, but they’ll also cut into your CX-5’s gas mileage.
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Safety ratings
Safety is another area where the 2021 CX-5 takes the cake. Both the 2021 and 2018 CX-5 models earned perfect scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), each earning the highest designation of Top Safety Pick+ of their respective years.
The similarities end there, however. While the 2021 CX-5 earned a perfect five-star
NHTSA safety rating
with zero recalls, the 2018 model earned just a four-star rating—accompanied by three recalls. The recalls involved a faulty fuel pump
, an engine software error, and airbags not deploying properly. Luckily, they don’t seem to be widespread issues, and Mazda dealers will repair them if they haven’t been fixed already.The biggest weakness in the CX-5’s safety is consistent in both models: the rollover test. NHTSA gave both models a four-star rating for this particular area due to a 17.4% rollover risk.
The better safety ratings on the 2021 CX-5 may have something to do with its standard active safety features. The Sport trim is equipped with everything from adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection to lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and rain-sensing windshield wipers—most of which are only upgrade options on the 2018 model. Higher trims of the 2021 CX-5 even open up the option for a
head-up display
, adaptive headlights, driver attention monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. That said, the 2018 model still offers a solid assortment of standard safety features, like a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, and low-speed forward collision warning with brake assist.
Styling and interior changes
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 comes stacked with tech—though the interior itself is basically the same as the 2018 model. The 2018 CX-5 comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, two USB ports, remote keyless entry, and push-button start—everything else is optional with upgrades. On the 2021 model, though? Those upgrades are standard.
Here’s what you’ll get with a 2021 CX-5:
- Power-adjustable front seats
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Bluetooth
- Four USB ports
- 10-speaker Bose premium stereo
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Universal garage door opener
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Moonroof
…and those are just the base features! Going for the higher trims gives you the ultimate luxury treatment, including leather upholstery, heated seats, and more.
Special Carbon Edition
Another thing the 2021 Mazda CX-5 has that the 2018 model lacks is the special Carbon Edition, available in two different trims. The Carbon Edition trim comes with everything the Touring trim offers plus an exclusive color, unique styling for the wheels and interior trim, and red leather upholstery. The Carbon Edition Turbo trim includes all of this on top of the more powerful turbocharged engine.
Unless you’re dead set on having a unique set of wheels, the special edition options are purely aesthetic and may not be worth the extra cost.
2021 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2018 Mazda CX-5: which should you buy?
If you’re trying to choose between the 2021 Mazda CX-5 and 2018 Mazda CX-5, we recommend going with the 2021 model. The 2018 CX-5 may be cheaper, but we think the extra features, safety scores, and added engine option make the cost of the 2021 model more than worth it.
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