What are the most useful interior accessories for a Mazda CX-5?

Question

So I finally did it and traded in my old 2016 Mazda3 for a brand new 2024 CX-5 Turbo and man the jump in quality is actually insane I was expecting a nice upgrade but this thing feels like a literal Lexus or something with the way the dash is laid out and that Soul Red paint is just glowing in my driveway. I have been a Mazda person for like a decade now so I know my way around the command knob and the way the UI works but this new interior is so much more delicate than my old car and I am low-key stressing about keeping it mint.

I already noticed that piano black plastic around the gear shifter is like a magnet for dust and scratches I literally wiped it with a microfiber once and I swear I see tiny swirls already which is driving me crazy because I'm usually so careful with my stuff. I live up in Seattle so I am dealing with constant rain and mud from my weekend trips to the Cascades and I really need to get this thing protected before I ruin the carpets or the leather. I have about 500 dollars set aside for bits and pieces and I am looking for stuff that actually fits perfectly like it was meant to be there. I am already looking at some 3D Maxpider mats because I heard they look cleaner than the bulky WeatherTech ones but I am curious about what else is actually worth the money for the cabin.

Like is the center console organizer a must have because the deep bin is kind of a mess right now and I keep losing my keys at the bottom. Also has anyone found a good way to cover that piano black trim without it looking like a cheap sticker? I really want to keep that premium feel while actually being able to use the car without a panic attack every time someone gets in with muddy boots. What are the absolute must-have interior accessories you guys have found for the current gen CX-5?

peukvfioph · Accepted Answer

You might want to consider prioritizing floor mats to save your carpets from mud. I would suggest being careful with the piano black too, it's super fragile. These are the best value options:

3D MAXpider Kagu All-Weather Floor Mats for Mazda CX-5

Vesul Center Console Organizer Tray for 2017-2024 CX-5 Make sure those mats are locked in properly so they dont interfere with the pedals.

Melem · Answer

^ This. Also, those 3D Maxpider mats are a solid choice because they use a three-layer structure with an XPE foam core. It actually dampens road noise slightly compared to the hollow sound you get with the harder plastic brands... definitely worth the extra cash for the cabin refinement. For that piano black trim, dont bother with the cheap plastic covers from Amazon. They look bulky and ruin the lines of the console. The technical fix is a pre-cut interior PPF kit. Look for Xpel Interior Protection Film for 2017-2024 Mazda CX-5. Its a clear, 8-mil thick polyurethane film. The cool thing is its self-healing, so if you do get swirls, a bit of heat from the sun makes them disappear. Its basically invisible once installed correctly and preserves that factory look without the stress. Also, since you have the 10.25-inch display, the factory anti-glare coating can actually be scratched pretty easily if you use a dirty microfiber. I recommend the Spigen Glas.tR Slim Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Mazda 10.25-inch Infotainment. It has a 9H hardness rating and the oleophobic coating helps with the fingerprint smudges which show up like crazy in direct sunlight. If you are doing trips to the Cascades, the Mazda OEM All-Weather Cargo Tray with Seatback Protection is a must. Most aftermarket trays only cover the floor, but the OEM one has pieces that velcro to the back of the seats. That way when you drop the seats for your hiking gear, you dont get mud all over the carpeted seat backs. It keeps the whole cargo area sealed off from moisture.

mxzsqsospe · Answer

Congrats on the Turbo! That Soul Red is honestly a religious experience when the sun hits it. Since you're stressing about keeping it mint while doing the Cascades thing, you absolutely need to look at door sill protectors. People always forget about those till they see a huge scratch from a hiking boot! I love the Mazda Genuine Accessories 0000-8T-R11 Door Sill Trim Plates because they are stainless steel and look so much classier than the bare paint. They basically pay for themselves in peace of mind alone when you have passengers climbing in and out. Also, if you want that Lexus vibe to go all the way, you gotta swap those basic rubber pedals for the Mazda Genuine Accessories BHN2-V9-093 Aluminum Pedal Set. It sounds like a small thing but man, it makes a massive difference every time you look down. They are super durable and way easier to scrub clean when they get caked in Seattle mud compared to the grooved rubber ones that just trap dirt forever. They arent even that expensive considering the quality jump! Between those and the sills, you are still gonna be way under that 500 buck limit and your interior will look way more bespoke. Just makes the driving experience feel that much more special... honestly wouldnt drive mine without them now.