Just got a new CX-5 GT-R and like many others are extremely disappointed in the seats. My wife and I both find them painful after a short while, even though we have two totally different builds (one of us very thin). I am used to European cars with firm supportive sport seats and they never bother me. These manage to be neither supportive nor comfortable. I have had cars with uncomfortable seats due to the lack of lumbar support but that seems fine here.
I have read every thread here about it; some people say they break in a little but others say they don't. I've thought about putting a bag of sand in them every night, but not sure if it will help. Right now we are sitting on $7 Walmart foam, but that's not a long term option. I may get the $30 cushions off Amazon but I really hate the idea.
Several suggest talking to an upholstery shop, which I plan to do tomorrow, but has anyone actually done that? My understanding is it is not a big deal to remove the cover -- my local Dodge dealer installs those Katzkin covers all the time. I know side airbags can be risky, but the bottoms should be easier. I don't know how ventilated seats complicate the issue though, and I don't know if the bolsters are just foam or mostly metal. The other risk is anything that raises the cushion will alter the position of the lumbar support which might cause other problems.
Mazda really should offer a retrofit solution -- officially sanctioned instructions and new foam. (Not expecting it to be free.) I know the leather wouldn't Here are some instructions I found on the web, although it doesn't mention ventilated seats and I don't follow it very well.
If we can't do this we will probably sell the car, it's that bad. We had planned on buying a used European car but wanted something more reliable, but now regret it. I've also thought about getting some cloth seats from a lesser model, but it sounds like they aren't great either.
I have read every thread here about it; some people say they break in a little but others say they don't. I've thought about putting a bag of sand in them every night, but not sure if it will help. Right now we are sitting on $7 Walmart foam, but that's not a long term option. I may get the $30 cushions off Amazon but I really hate the idea.
Several suggest talking to an upholstery shop, which I plan to do tomorrow, but has anyone actually done that? My understanding is it is not a big deal to remove the cover -- my local Dodge dealer installs those Katzkin covers all the time. I know side airbags can be risky, but the bottoms should be easier. I don't know how ventilated seats complicate the issue though, and I don't know if the bolsters are just foam or mostly metal. The other risk is anything that raises the cushion will alter the position of the lumbar support which might cause other problems.
Mazda really should offer a retrofit solution -- officially sanctioned instructions and new foam. (Not expecting it to be free.) I know the leather wouldn't Here are some instructions I found on the web, although it doesn't mention ventilated seats and I don't follow it very well.
If we can't do this we will probably sell the car, it's that bad. We had planned on buying a used European car but wanted something more reliable, but now regret it. I've also thought about getting some cloth seats from a lesser model, but it sounds like they aren't great either.