2021 Mazda CX-5 GT GT AWD / SKYACTIV / BOSE / APPLE CARPLAY

This 2021 Mazda CX-5 has long been a darling in the compact SUV segment, but the 2021 GT AWD trim elevates the experience with refined luxury, a confident drivetrain, and one of the most rewarding drive dynamics in its class. It doesn't just get you from A to B — it makes the trip memorable, especially for Canadian drivers who demand all-weather capability without sacrificing style or comfort.Performance & Handling – Engaging When You Want, Composed When You Don’tPowering the 2021 CX-5 GT AWD is Mazda’s naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv-G engine. It produces a healthy 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, sent through a slick 6-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful engine in the segment, it’s responsive and smooth, with well-timed shifts and a linear powerband that suits both city traffic and open highway cruising.Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system is standard in the GT trim and remains one of the most intuitive in the game. Constantly analyzing road conditions via dozens of sensors, the system seamlessly balances grip and efficiency. Whether you're navigating a snow-covered Toronto side street or cruising west along the Coquihalla, the CX-5 GT handles it with confidence and poise.Fuel economy is solid, with an official rating of 9.8 L/100 km city, 7.9 L/100 km highway, and 9.0 L/100 km combined — quite respectable for an AWD SUV in this category.Interior – Premium Touches Meet Practical DesignStep into the CX-5 GT and you're greeted by a cabin that punches well above its price point. Soft-touch materials, real stitched leather seating, and tasteful metallic trim give off a near-luxury vibe. The GT trim adds ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel — must-haves for Canadian winters.Front and centre is Mazda’s 10.25-inch display controlled by a rotary dial no touchscreen here while driving . It’s clean and distraction-free, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included. The 10-speaker Bose® premium sound system delivers crisp, rich audio, while navigation, SiriusXM, and a colour head-up display round out the GT’s tech offerings.Rear seat passengers enjoy ample legroom and thoughtful amenities like rear air vents and reclining seatbacks. With the rear seats up, you get 875 litres of cargo space — fold them down and that expands to 1,687 litres, with a nearly flat load floor and easy-access power liftgate.Driving Experience – Sporty DNA in a Practical SuitMazda is known for injecting a little Zoom-Zoom into everything it builds, and the CX-5 GT is no exception. The steering is well-weighted and precise, with excellent feedback — rare in this segment. The suspension tuning strikes an ideal balance: firm enough to feel athletic in the corners, but compliant enough to handle rough Canadian pavement.It's not the quickest in a straight line, but what it lacks in brute power it makes up for in polish. If driving enjoyment is on your checklist, the CX-5 should be at the top.Safety – Tech-Heavy, Without the NaggingStandard on the GT is Mazda’s full suite of i-Activsense safety features. You get:Forward Collision Warning with Smart Brake SupportLane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep AssistBlind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic AlertAdaptive Cruise Control with Stop & GoTraffic Sign Recognition and automatic high beamsEverything works subtly in the background — no constant beeping or overbearing nudges — which enhances the confidence behind the wheel without feeling micromanaged.