Anyone else notice...

[paris1]

After unsuccessfully trying to find the optimal driving postition in this thing for months, I have finally resolved to live with the fact that, for me, I need to drop the steering column down to its lowest position with the seat about half-way up. This effectively cuts off the top of the instrument cluster from view by the top portion of the wheel. Having never owned an SUV or CUV before, or spent much time in one, I find this a little frustrating and wonder if this is common with this type of vehicle due to the unique relationship between the floor and seat height, steering wheel and the IP guage cluster. I remember thinking it strange that the CRV was the only crossover I test drove that came standard with captain's chairs (with pull-down armrests) and an optional console arm rest. I now think this is recognition on Honda's part that the interior seating relationships on their crossover is so different than the sedan it is based on, that special accomodations were called for. At any rate. I wish Mazda had thought this through a little better so I wouldn't have to continually wonder how close to 4k rpm or 80 mph I'm getting!

 

[Woodys2718]

I also have to drive with the column in the lowest position. I still can't get my elbow(s) on the armrests though.

 

[nizzy1115]

I dont have these problems but im 6'1"

 

[Mogambi]

I'm 6'4, I have the steering wheel all the way up, and the seat probably half way up (I like to be able to see the hood). I find the armrest is a bit low, but I'd rather have that than drop the seat.

 

[SayNoToPistons]

5'10" Steering wheel almost all the way down. The back (butt) of the seat I set the lowest setting while the front thigh area, I set to probably 3/4 height. Slight angle for the back. No complaints for viewing angle for windows, hood, gauges, etc. No complaints about the armrest and shifter position either as I can comfortably rest either arm on either armrest, hold the bottom rim of the steering wheel when cruising. I often rest my right elbow on the center armrest and have my hand on the shifter.

If I were to be nit-picky, it would have to be the bottom portion of the seat. I like my seats VERY supportive with my butt sunken and held in, thighs supported by the front bottom section, and bolsters thick. The front thigh part is not long nor high enough, the butt portion is not low enough, plus it could use a bit more bolster. Probably has to do with the fact that I like taking corners quite hard and often find myself pinning my knees against a panel mid corner to hold my body.

 

[MikeM.]

6-4", no complaints here. Love the seating and ergos.

 

[paris1]

So maybe being less than 6' (age shrinkage!) and without the benefit of an 8-way seat (mine's a Touring with 6-way), I'm at somewhat of a disadvantage?

 

[Goguinness]

6'2" here, no problems. Seems to fit taller people well, but it also seems that they could have put a little more thought into this since the US population over 6 ft is only estimated at about 14%.

 

[CX-SV]

5'9", no problems.

 

[Nodnerb]

6' and it's fine for me. Odd though that I have long arms but still need to have the steering wheel telescoped all the way towards me to be most comfortable.

 

[paris1]

5'9", no problems.

Ahh, but you've got those two extra seat adjustments!

 

[CX-SV]

Ahh, but you've got those two extra seat adjustments!

Good point, on drivers seat. I do agree, it's important to see that section of speedo.

 

[ourlee]

I could not dial in the cloth seats, the GT seats felt great immediately, the armrest is plenty dumb of course. (6')

 

[ALafya]

I wish I could rest my elbow on the handrest on the door while holding the wheel with this same hand. Same thing with the center console and my right hand.

 

[ddibiase]

Don't mean to be snarky, but didn't you test drive the car before you bought it? Not sure why you wouldn't have noticed it if you did drive the car. My wife and I took it out for 30 minutes on our first test drive. And what are the 'extra' power adjustments that would make sure a huge difference between the Touring (6-way) and GT (8-way) models?

Dan D

 

[SayNoToPistons]

The 2 extra ways of the power driver's seat lets your angle the seat bottom. That means instead of just vertical height of the entire seat, you can adjust the front and rear portions of the seat individually. Then there's the power lumbar support.

 

[paris1]

Don't mean to be snarky, but didn't you test drive the car before you bought it? Not sure why you wouldn't have noticed it if you did drive the car. My wife and I took it out for 30 minutes on our first test drive. And what are the 'extra' power adjustments that would make sure a huge difference between the Touring (6-way) and GT (8-way) models?

Dan D

Actually Dan, I probably spent a total of 3-4 hours test driving several CX-5s prior to buying. That's just not the same as spending 9 months and 8500 miles behind the wheel. I'm not saying the car is a horrible fit for me, just that, in certain subtle ways, it could fit better. Kinda like all the folks here who complain about the height/length of the center armrest. Didn't they realize that was the case from their test drives? And the "extra power adjustments" (your terminology, not mine) are essentially the additional control afforded by an 8-way power seat vs a 6-way. Get it? 8 minus 6="extra". And that was simply speculation on my part, not a statement of fact.

 

[iced_theater]

5'11" here and I drive with the seat all the way down and the steering wheel all the way up. I rest my arm right next to the window on the door panel. My right arm usually ends up resting on my leg as the arm rest is too far down.