CX-5 OEM Knee Bolster panel upgrade

[elementCX5]

The lower trims have a black hard plastic trim piece so I bought these leatherette padded panels from the higher trim. They work great and no more sore knee while driving.
Seems like an odd place for mazda to cheap out. I've never had an issue with my knees being sore before the CX-5. Almost like the pedals are too far to the right, or the center console is too high or badly shaped.
Either way it was an easy install. Just grab the back closest to the cup holders and pull up. There's an inner and outer piece that comes off together. Don't try and take them off separate or the clips will break.
I think with shipping it was a tad over $200 for both drivers and passenger side.

 

[RedBaron]

Wow. Didn't know these existed - they look nice!

I have the same issue, but I just bought universal pads off Amazon. Cheap and work great, though not as factory looking, obviously.

 

[elementCX5]

Wow. Didn't know these existed - they look nice!

I have the same issue, but I just bought universal pads off Amazon. Cheap and work great, though not as factory looking, obviously.

Thanks!
I was considering that because it's way less expensive, but was worried they wouldn't stick very long in Phoenix summers.

 

[Yo'sDad]

Happy to see that I'm not the only one that has issues with the center console intruding where my right leg and knee wants to be. I removed the factory panel on the left of the console, then carved out the underside of the panel and the console, heated and bent and made a deflection to make room for my leg and knee. Helps a little and is never noticed. I also removed my brake pedal and moved it to the left about 3/4 inch. The left part of my shoe (ball of foot) was catching on the under side of the brake pedal when moving my foot from gas to brake. Good fix for me. I agree with your statement that the console is too intrusive and getting your right foot to the gas pedal is awkward. If I could, I would carve out about two more inches from the console where my right knee wants to be.

 

[RedBaron]

I removed the factory panel on the left of the console, then carved out the underside of the panel and the console, heated and bent and made a deflection to make room for my leg

Well, THAT's something I never would've thought of, never mind tried! Outside the box, for sure!