Exploring the Mazda CX-5 Interior: Features, Comfort, and Style
The interior of the Mazda CX-5 is crafted to blend sophistication, practicality, and innovative technology, creating an environment that appeals to drivers seeking a refined yet versatile compact SUV. With its thoughtfully designed cabin, premium materials, and user-friendly features, the CX-5 offers an engaging driving experience wrapped in comfort. Whether you’re commuting daily or embarking on a road trip, the Mazda CX-5 interior is engineered to meet high standards of quality and convenience.
As a compact crossover SUV capable of seating five passengers comfortably, the Mazda CX-5 stands out not only in its performance but also in its thoughtfully curated interior space. Its cabin combines functional design with upscale touches, making it a compelling choice among rivals. Let’s delve into the details of what makes the Mazda CX-5 interior a standout feature.
The Evolution of the Mazda CX-5 Interior: From 2013 to Today
Regardless of the model year you’re considering, understanding the progression of the Mazda CX-5’s interior provides valuable insight into its development. Starting with the initial launch in 2013, the CX-5 has continuously evolved, incorporating technological advancements and aesthetic improvements. Here, we cover both the first-generation models (2013-2016) and the current second-generation versions (2017-present), highlighting key features and updates.
Second-Generation Mazda CX-5 Interior: Modern Comfort and Technology (2017-Present)
The refreshed second-generation Mazda CX-5 debuted in 2017, bringing a significant upgrade in interior quality and technology. The cabin exudes a more premium feel, with improved materials, layout, and features designed to enhance driver and passenger satisfaction. Notable updates include a new 7-inch digital display integrated into the center stack, operated via a rotary control knob conveniently located on the center console. This system, Mazda Connect, offers touch capabilities when parked, allowing intuitive navigation of infotainment menus.
While the initial 2017 models lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Mazda responded with software updates, making these smartphone integrations available on many models. Starting with the 2019 model year, factory-installed Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard, significantly enhancing connectivity options.
In 2020, the CX-5 introduced Mazda’s comprehensive i-Activsense suite of safety features, including:
- Advanced Smart City Brake Support
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Warning System
- Lane-Keep Assist
- High-Beam Control
The 2021 model year brought a major visual and functional overhaul with a high-mounted 10.3-inch infotainment display featuring a widescreen layout and a revamped Mazda Connect interface, offering a more modern and user-friendly experience. Additionally, interior comfort was further refined with supportive seats and optional drive modes tailored for varied driving conditions.
As of the latest updates, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 maintains these technological enhancements, with minor refinements aimed at elevating overall user experience.
Interior Comfort and Space: Seating and Cargo Capacity
The second-generation CX-5 offers a range of seating materials, starting with standard cloth upholstery in the base trims, with leatherette or faux-leather options available as upgrades. The mid- to high-grade trims feature genuine leather seats, with top-tier models like the Signature trim offering luxurious Nappa leather, elevating the interior ambiance significantly.
In terms of interior space, the Mazda CX-5’s dimensions remain consistent across model years, providing ample comfort for all occupants. The cabin offers a passenger volume of approximately 103.6 cubic feet, with 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The rear seats feature a practical 40/20/40 split-folding configuration, enabling flexible cargo arrangements.
Detailed Cabin Dimensions (2017-2023)
- Passenger Capacity: 5
- Passenger Volume: 103.6 cubic feet
- Standard Cargo Capacity: 30.9 cubic feet
- Maximum Cargo Volume: 59.6 cubic feet
- Front Head Room: 39.7 inches
- Front Leg Room: 41 inches
- Front Hip Room: 55.2 inches
- Front Shoulder Room: 57.1 inches
- Rear Head Room: 39 inches
- Rear Leg Room: 39.6 inches
- Rear Hip Room: 55.3 inches
- Rear Shoulder Room: 54.8 inches
Color Options and Interior Treatments (2017-Present)
In line with Mazda’s move towards a more luxurious brand image, the CX-5’s interior color palette expanded to include premium options. Starting with standard black cloth, models can be equipped with leatherette or perforated leather seats in various shades, including Silk Beige, Parchment, and vibrant Red Leather. The top-tier Signature trim introduces Caturra Brown Nappa Leather, emphasizing sophistication and comfort. These color choices allow buyers to personalize their vehicle’s interior to match their style and preferences.
First-Generation Mazda CX-5 (2013-2016): An Introduction to its Cabin
The initial Mazda CX-5, launched in 2013, marked a pivotal moment for Mazda, introducing its innovative Skyactiv technology and the sleek Kodo design language. The interior of the first-generation CX-5 focused on balancing space, comfort, and modern tech, with a layout that was both driver-centric and welcoming. It was the first Mazda to incorporate the Skyactiv powertrain, delivering efficiency without sacrificing agility.
Throughout its production run, the CX-5’s interior received subtle updates, with a notable refresh in 2016 that included a larger 7-inch display, a switch to Mazda’s Mazda Connect infotainment system, and an interior re-styling that enhanced premium feel through improved materials and soft-touch surfaces.
First-Generation Mazda CX-5 Interior Features and Dimensions (2013-2016)
The early CX-5 models offered spacious seating with a focus on practicality. The cabin provided a passenger volume of 103.8 cubic feet, with cargo capacity starting at 34.1 cubic feet, extending to 65.4 cubic feet with seats folded. The interior dimensions included front headroom of 40.1 inches, legroom of 41 inches, and rear headroom of 39 inches, among others. The seats were available in standard cloth or perforated leather, with a limited but tasteful array of interior colors such as Black, Sand, and Leather options.
Summary of Interior Colors (2013-2016)
The first-generation CX-5’s color palette included:
- Black Cloth
- Sand Cloth
- Black Perforated Leather
- Sand Perforated Leather
- Parchment Perforated Leather
These options provided a balance of elegance and practicality, catering to diverse preferences and lifestyle needs.
Final Thoughts
Whether considering a late-model or an earlier edition, the Mazda CX-5’s interior stands out for its blend of comfort, advanced technology, and upscale options. As Mazda continues to enhance its vehicles, the CX-5 remains a smart choice for drivers seeking a premium-feeling compact SUV with spaciousness and style.
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