The CX-5 Signature checks off all my boxes. I did look briefly at the CX-9 but didn't need the 3rd row. I've rented a number of compact SUVs over the past few years ranging from Jeeps to Nissans and Chevy/Fords and none impressed me like Mazdas. These are great vehicles, but I've now been spoiled by Mazda. This Signature is only my second Mazda previously I owned multiple Subarus (Outback) and a couple Toyota Highlanders. Curvy canyon roads elicit a spontaneous smile in any weather-sun to snow. I was surprised, and hopeful, that they will perform better than the A23s that came on the 2016 GT. I've had it in 4-6" of snow and it performs very well, even with the all-season OEM Toyo A36s. My non-turbo 2016 GT was engaging and fun to drive and the '21 Signature takes these characteristics to a new level. Interior surfaces and design are refined and although some reviewers complain about the lack of a panoramic roof, that was a non-issue for me as I rarely use the existing moon roof. The screen resolution and user interface reflect a major evolutionary improvement that was easy to learn based on prior experience. The new infotainment system has improved significantly over the past 5 years and I am an enthusiastic convert to the no-touch screen and console commander control wheel. The Bose system is impressive and the ability to adjust it to individual listening preferences is noteworthy. Although if a person plans to keep a vehicle for 15 years it is hard to beat Toyota's track record. I test drove the '21 RAV4 and it drives ok but simply can't compete with CX-5 (IMO). Although exterior styling is refined rather than aggressive (see the RAV4), the overall aesthetic remains appealing and the interior is at a near-luxury level. MPG, minor off-road capability, and cargo space were down the list. My priorities were driving experience-handling, ride, power, AWD snow performance-and also luxury. Mazda's approach seems to be continuous refinement which is apparent in this iteration. I just brought home a '21 Signature after owning a 2016 GT for the past 5 years and could not be happier. Mazda did a great job in creating a high-quality product that has some very unique characteristics in a class that is not only highly competitive but where many models stumble on one or more key attributes and still act or look a lot like each other. It is also worth noting that the CX-5 is only made in Japan (Hiroshima) and has no U.S. I haven't had any performance issues with them but I suspect better tires could bring road noise in the cabin down even further. The only disappointment so far is the Yokohama Geolander tires that are not well rated. The smaller interior size wasn’t as important to us but it can make the difference if you haul a lot of stuff – which we don’t. I don't mind not having a touch screen infotainment center since it would require leaning forward to touch it while the controls on the center console can be easily used without looking. The suite of safety and tech features is impressive -and does increase as you go up the model line but even the Touring has stuff that will help keep you out of an accident and reduce driving stress - and it all works very unobtrusively. We went with the Touring w/ the Premium package which has nearly all of the most important features of the higher models - other than the turbo engine. Mazda did a nice job with the level of features at each trim level and easy increases in pricing as one steps up the product line. The Soul Red paint turns the vehicle into a head turner on the road or a parking lot. The appearance is just plain stunning, esp. The handling is much more like a sports car (former Audi A4 owner) than an SUV. We don't plan to trailer but the CX-5 has repeatedly demonstrated more than enough power to easily pass anything else when needed. I debated whether to go with the turbo but quickly disagreed with the reviews about the base engine being wimpy. After driving a couple of competitors, it was obvious that the CX-5 has a level of performance that is well above its peers. I wanted something in the CUV category that was not the "corporate issue" so the Mazda moved up the list just by being somewhat more unique that many of its top competitors. We think reviews generally are pretty accurate about the CX-5. We had an older Mazda which helped with loyalty cash and are now a fairly rare two Mazda household. We looked at several models but were guided to the CX-5 based on expert reviews.
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