Gawd awful seats

[Nessmuk]

They kill my back. Aftermarket cushions, rolled up towels, an arm behind my back, nothing helps.

Has anyone found an upgrade?

 

[GFrosty]

Old muscle injuries, in my case, with a tendency for those muscles to get extremely tight if I'm not careful with my stretching and fitness. When I've failed to keep the hip flexors, groin and glute muscles sufficiently stretched and capable, then no matter what I do with the CX-5 seats (or another car's seats for that matter) eliminates the aches. Something to consider, above and beyond whatever seat or position changes you do.

Position-wise, I also find that with my power/adjustable driver's seat if I tilt it rearward but then move the back/upright portion to where it should be, I can dramatically reduce strain on my back.

Have long been mulling the idea of having a bracket made for a Recaro Ergomed seat, for my 2016.5 CX-5. That'd be perfect, with all the adjustability, firmness and leg support that one could imagine. But haven't found the CX-5 seat to be insufficient, yet.

 

[cz5gt]

The cx5 gen2 seat cushion(bottom and back) is very strange. Its designed to fit certain people but its small seat in nature. Its designed to sqeeze you into the bucket. Terrible design if one doesnt fit "inside"
may introduce all kind of issues long term...also the lumbar is too low. The ventilated seats are the worst of all vs non ventilated.

Gotta find what causes your issue. Can be bolsters, can be lumbar, can be seat back angle, etc.

Do you find sitting on the bottom side bolsters ?
That can twist your position and put stress on lower back too.
Do you have ventilated seats?

 

[jadmt]

both my wife and I love our 2023 cx5 turbo seats....we can do 1000 mile days without issues.

 

[elementCX5]

both my wife and I love our 2023 cx5 turbo seats....we can do 1000 mile days without issues.

Same here. I have issues with the elbow rest spots being worked in, and my knee position hitting the center console.
But coming from a 2022 Civic Si to a 2023 CX-5, the seats actually have lumbar support and are incredibly comfortable by comparison. I feel super relaxed in them.
I have the s select trim, so fake leather with Alcantara like inserts for the back and butt area FWIW.

 

[jadmt]

Same here. I have issues with the elbow rest spots being worked in, and my knee position hitting the center console.
But coming from a 2022 Civic Si to a 2023 CX-5, the seats actually have lumbar support and are incredibly comfortable by comparison. I feel super relaxed in them.
I have the s select trim, so fake leather with Alcantara like inserts for the back and butt area FWIW.

I agree the elbow rest are not great especially the center console pad would be better for me if it were moved forward 3 or 4 inches....

 

[cz5gt]

I know most people who fit in the bucket love the seat by design but there are others who dont fit and its miserable.
lets stick to the main topic please. Information on what can be done to minimize discomfort for those that dont fit.

 

[N7turbo]

The cx5 gen2 seat cushion(bottom and back) is very strange. Its designed to fit certain people but its small seat in nature. Its designed to sqeeze you into the bucket.

Since I also drive a Miata I can only say when I get into the CX-5 the seat feels very open like I can just slide around on it due to the lack of side supports. I would prefer more be put into the comfort of these seats.

 

[ɛ̃fini]

maybe these will help

Mazda Seat Jackers – Front Seat Comfort Lift

Improve leg support and driving comfort in your Mazda CX-5, CX-9, or CX-30+. Bolt-on front seat lift with no modifications required.

desertdoesit.com

 

[Nessmuk]

Ill try tilting, but think i have them so already. I expect only a complete replacement or new, different cushions will do.

 

[cz5gt]

Ill try tilting, but think i have them so already. I expect only a complete replacement or new, different cushions will do.

new cushion wont solve it

figure out why the problem for your body type.
Main goal is not having your back at C shape incl. the bum and your knee caps not much higher than thighs

Its usually either the bottom side bolsters when you sit on them not inside them or the rear rest angle and your upper body/arms over extending (ie steering too far). Different people different body types. For some the bolsters are the
main problem.

 

[Lazy2.5]

Do you have issues or pain when you sit in other seats? (any kind of sitting at all) or is it specific to the cx-5 seat?

I am 6'3. not the widest frame, but fitting into the seats has been nothing short of a nightmare.

you'd have to reupholster or go with an aftermarket seat.

 

[gman1868@ya]

The only relief I've ever gotten with poorly designed seats is to go to a local auto upholsterer and have them modify the thigh bolsters, side bolsters, and lumbar support area to fit me. I also have had the door and center console pads modified to provide better cushioning. Whether its been a Ford, Mazda, or Audi, it helps immensely to have the seat and rests modified to fit me.

 

[cz5gt]

Indeed.

1) Mazda CX5s bolsters on the bottom cushion are one of the hardest I have ever seen.
2) they also put a "hard" non compressing fabric part on the left bolster under the cover to "minimize degradation over time".
3) ...And for whatever reason the left and right bolsters are different width and angle too prob easy entry.
4) The ventilated seats have less foam than non ventilated and over time they sink more.

So if one doesnt fit right in the rear middle section which is small - barely 12" with cover then its always sitting at some angle in the seat.
For most people who fit the seat is great and very safe too but for others not so fortunate it may cause discomfort over time or longer drives.

Good news is the 2026 seats are new design and appear better.