Mazda added a new Signature trim level to the CX-5 for 2019, adding some new upscale interior amenities and more horsepower to the compact SUV. We tested this new range-topping trim and found its cabin luxury-like in terms of design and feel, but punishing when it came to backseat accommodations for car seats.
How many car seats fit in the second row? Two
2019 Mazda CX-5 Specs & Reviews
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Solid
- Latch, grade A: The two sets of anchors sit in slits in the upholstery; they were easy to find and use. The three top tether anchors sit on the seatbacks. They're clearly marked and have good clearance for fuss-free connection.
- Forward-facing convertible, grade A: After removing the head restraint, the convertible fit well. We had no trouble with installation.
So-So
- Booster, grade B: The booster fit well after we raised the head restraint. The buckle stalks are recessed, however, which could make them tricky for kids to use independently.
Skip It
- Infant seat, grade C: Although the seat was easy to install, we had pretty major fit issues. Our 5-foot, 6-inch-tall front passenger's knees were up against the dash.
- Rear-facing convertible, grade C: Again, this seat went in easily but didn't fit well; our front passenger didn't have a comfortable amount of legroom.
Grading Scale
Solid indicates an A grade for optimum ease of use and fit. So-So indicates B or C grades for one to two ease-of-use or fit issues. Skip It indicates D or F grades.
A: Plenty of room for the car seat and the child; doesn't impact driver or front-passenger legroom. Easy to find and connect to Latch and tether anchors. No fit issues involving head restraint or seat contouring. Easy access to the third row.
B: One room, fit or connection issue. Some problems accessing third row when available.
C: Marginal room plus one fit or connection issue. Difficult to access third row when available.
D: Insufficient room, plus multiple fit or connection issues.
F: Does not fit or is unsafe.
About Cars.com's Car Seat Checks
Editors Jennifer Geiger, Jennifer Newman and Matt Schmitz are certified child safety seat installation technicians.
For the Car Seat Check, we use a Graco SnugRide Classic Connect 30 infant-safety seat, a Britax Marathon convertible seat and Graco TurboBooster seat. The front seats are adjusted for a 6-foot driver and a shorter passenger. The three child seats are installed in the second row. The booster seat sits behind the driver's seat, and the infant and convertible seats are installed behind the front passenger seat.
We also install the forward-facing convertible in the second row's middle seat with the booster and infant seat in the outboard seats to see if three car seats will fit; a child sitting in the booster seat must be able to reach the seat belt buckle. If there's a third row, we install the booster seat and a forward-facing convertible. Learn more about how we conduct our Car Seat Checks.
Parents should also remember that they can use the Latch system or a seat belt to install a car seat, and that Latch anchors have a weight limit of 65 pounds, including the weight of the child and the weight of the seat itself.
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