Ready to get more from your Mazda CX-5? This guide highlights 19 game-changing features that many owners miss, but they can greatly improve your driving experience.
Whether you’re new to the CX-5 or have driven it for years, these features can boost comfort, convenience, and performance. Explore all 19 tips below or jump to Mazda CX-5 Driving Tips for expert advice on getting the most from your ride.
Top 3 Features to Watch for in this Article:
- Lower All Windows Simultaneously
Vent your CX-5 on hot days by lowering all windows at once, straight from your key fob. - Automatic Braking with City Brake Support
Avoid low-speed fender benders with automatic braking—ideal for city streets and tight spaces. - Find Hidden Storage Compartments
Learn about secret spots in the cargo area and under the floor to keep your belongings secure and hidden.
1. Keep Your Key Fob Secure with Remote Lock Disable
Planning to leave your key in the car, like at a valet or car wash? The Mazda CX-5 automatically disables the key fob’s remote functions when it's left inside, preventing the car from being unlocked or started remotely.
⚠️ To restore functions, just press the unlock button on the key. This extra security step comes in handy in situations where your key might be vulnerable.
2. Safer City Driving with City Brake Support
City driving often means sudden stops, but Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) helps prevent low-speed collisions. Go to your ‘Safety’ settings in the infotainment system to activate it. The system operates between 2 and 50 mph, automatically applying the brakes if a collision seems imminent.
💡This feature can also activate while reversing, perfect for avoiding those unexpected parking lot bumps.
3. Keep the Audio Playing After You Park
Want to finish a podcast or song after parking? Mazda’s audio system keeps playing for up to 30 minutes after you turn off the engine. Simply put the car in Park or Neutral, press and hold the gear shift button, then press the START/STOP button. Audio will continue until you open a door or the system times out.
⚠️Frequent use of this feature could drain the battery over time, so use it wisely.
4. Make Traffic Stops Easier with Auto Hold
In heavy traffic? Activate Auto Hold to keep your car stationary without constantly pressing the brake pedal. Just press the Auto Hold button on your center console. The car stays put until you press the accelerator.
⚠️The parking brake automatically engages if you open a door or unbuckle your seatbelt while Auto Hold is active, adding an extra layer of safety.
Learn to easily turn off the parking brake in your CX-5 with this guide.
5. Customize Tailgate Height for Convenience
If you park in garages or other low-clearance spaces, adjusting the tailgate height can make your life much easier. To set a custom height, manually lift the tailgate to your preferred position, then hold the Power Liftgate button for 3-5 seconds until you hear a beep.
💡Want to go back to full height? Just open the tailgate fully and repeat the process.
6. Fine-Tune Your Head-Up Display for Better Focus
Your CX-5’s Head-Up Display (HUD) can be adjusted to show only what’s important. Head to ‘Settings’ > ‘Active Driving Display’ to change brightness or customize which information is displayed, such as speed, navigation, or lane departure warnings.
💡For models with navigation, use this feature to get directions without looking down at your screen.
7. Streamline Your Infotainment System
Customize your infotainment system’s home screen to have your favorite features at your fingertips. Navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘Display’ > ‘Home Screen’, and rearrange or add shortcuts. If your system freezes, press and hold the Music, Navigation, and Mute buttons together for 10 seconds to reset without losing data.
💡 Set up quick-dial contacts for hands-free calls using the Communication menu.
Learn the simple steps to check and maintain the correct tire pressure for your Mazda CX-5.
8. Set Speed Alerts for Safer Driving
Keep track of your speed and avoid surprises. Customize your Speed Alert settings in ‘Safety Settings’ or ‘Vehicle Settings’ in Mazda Connect. Adjust the speed limit in small increments and choose whether to receive visual or audible alerts—or both.
⚠️Test it by exceeding your set speed slightly to ensure the alert functions properly.
9. Activate Smart Headlights for Night Driving
Your CX-5’s Adaptive Front-Lighting System automatically adjusts the headlights to match your speed and steering, improving visibility on dark or curvy roads. Find the settings under ‘Vehicle’ or ‘Lighting’ in the infotainment system.
💡 If equipped, also activate High Beam Control to automatically switch between high and low beams depending on oncoming traffic.
10. Recline or Fold Rear Seats for Extra Comfort
The rear seats do more than just fold—they also recline for extra comfort during long trips. Want to haul cargo? The seats fold in a 60/40 or 40/20/40 split, so you can carry long items like skis while still keeping a seat available.
⚠️Make sure to listen for the click when you return the seats to their upright position to ensure they’re locked.
Find out how to make the most of your Mazda CX-5’s navigation system with our easy-to-follow guide.
11. Use Quick Lane Change Signals
When you’re changing lanes, you don’t need to fully engage the signal lever. Tap it up or down, and your CX-5 will blink three times automatically. It’s perfect for merging on highways without holding the signal.
💡To tweak this feature, check your car’s infotainment settings for additional adjustments.
12. Find Hidden Storage Compartments
There are plenty of small, hidden compartments throughout your CX-5. Look under the rear cargo floor for a secure spot to stow items. Small side panels in the cargo area offer additional storage for items that need to stay secure.
💡 The center console now features better phone storage, so your device charges without clutter.
13. Lower All Windows Simultaneously
Need to quickly cool down your CX-5 on a hot day? Press the unlock button on your key fob three times quickly, then hold it on the fourth press. All the windows will lower together, giving your car instant ventilation.
⚠️ You’ll need to be inside the car to close the windows, but it’s perfect for letting in fresh air on a hot day.
14. Locate Your CX-5 with Key Fob Panic Mode
Ever lost track of your Mazda CX-5 in a packed parking lot? The key fob's Panic Mode makes finding your car easy. Press and hold the red button for 2-3 seconds when you're within 100-150 feet of the car. The headlights, taillights, and the horn will activate, guiding you straight to it.
💡If you’re further away, use the MyMazda app to pinpoint your car on a map before activating Panic Mode.
Wondering if you can fit three car seats in your Mazda CX-5? Find out here
15. Boost Power with Sport Mode
Looking for an extra pep in your CX-5? Sport Mode changes the car’s responsiveness, keeping the engine in lower gears longer for added power during acceleration. Simply press the Sport Mode switch near the gear shift and watch for the “SPORT” light on your dashboard.
⚠️Keep in mind, Sport Mode can affect fuel efficiency, so switch back to normal for everyday driving.
16. Use Voice Commands for Hands-Free Control
Mazda’s voice command feature is great for staying hands-free. Just press the “Talk” button on your steering wheel and give a command like “Play [Artist Name]” or “Navigate to nearest gas station.”
💡Use shortcuts like “Radio” or “Navigate Home” to make everyday tasks easier.
17. Never Forget to Lock the Doors with Auto Lock
Never worry about locking your doors again with the CX-5’s customizable auto lock/unlock settings. You can set the doors to lock once your vehicle reaches a specific speed, like 12 mph, or when you shift out of Park. For added convenience, set them to unlock when you turn off the ignition or shift back into Park.
💡 This feature is especially useful in busy urban areas or when driving with kids.
18. Switch to Clock-Only Display for Night Drives
Reduce screen glare and distractions during night driving by switching to the simplified clock display. Double-tap the Home button, and the infotainment screen will show only the clock. It’s perfect for those late-night drives when you don’t need navigation or media controls lighting up the dashboard.
💡Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Clock’ to choose between digital or analog formats, depending on your preference.
Curious about which Mazda CX-5 models come with all-wheel drive? Explore the different trims and features.
19. Manually Unlock the Car with a Dead Key Fob
If your key fob battery dies, you won’t be stranded. A physical key is hidden inside the fob for manual entry. Just find the small lever or button on the fob to release the metal key, allowing you to manually unlock the driver’s door.
💡 If you keep a spare fob in the car, this feature ensures you’ll never be locked out—simply use the manual key for entry in case of emergencies.
Mazda CX-5 Driving Tips: Master Your Ride
These tips bring together some of the most practical advice to help you make the most of your CX-5’s key features, improving comfort, convenience, and safety:
- Use Auto Hold for Easier Stop-and-Go Driving
Stuck in traffic? Activate Auto Hold to keep your foot off the brake and reduce fatigue. It holds the car stationary until you press the accelerator, making it ideal for heavy traffic or long commutes. - Adjust Your Head-Up Display for Better Focus
Stay focused on the road by customizing your HUD to display only essential info like speed or navigation. Perfect for highway driving, it lets you keep your eyes up while still staying informed. - Activate Speed Alerts to Avoid Speeding
Stay within speed limits by setting up custom Speed Alerts for highways or city driving. This feature helps keep you in check, especially during long drives or when driving in unfamiliar areas. - Maximize Efficiency with Sport Mode
For extra power during highway merges or overtaking, switch to Sport Mode. It boosts engine responsiveness, but remember to switch back to conserve fuel while driving. - Customize Auto Door Lock Settings for Safety
Set your doors to lock automatically when you hit 12 mph, which is ideal for urban driving or trips with kids. This extra layer of security ensures peace of mind in busy areas or on the highway.
Maximizing Your Mazda CX-5 Experience
By using these often-overlooked features, your Mazda CX-5 becomes more than just a vehicle—it’s customized to fit your driving style and daily needs. Whether it’s making parking easier, staying entertained, or improving safety, each feature is designed to add convenience and comfort to your journey.
Try out these tips on your next drive, and feel free to revisit this guide whenever you want to get more out of your CX-5.
Want more CX-5 insights? Explore our additional guide with Mazda tips for more ways to improve your driving experience.