CX-5 / Everyday controls

Mazda CX-5: How to adjust the rear seatback angle

2 min readReviewed 25 October 2026

CHECK YOUR CAR2025 Mazda CX-5 US-market digital owner manual; only the equipment and controls described here.

Adjusting the left backrest also moves the center backrest.

THE QUICK ANSWER

Support the rear backrest while pulling its release lever to adjust the angle. After releasing the lever, check that the backrest locks and its red indication disappears.

Step by step

1Support the backrestPark safely and place a hand on the backrest so it cannot move suddenly.
2Adjust the reclinePull up the release lever and move the backrest to the desired angle.
3Verify the lockRelease the lever and gently move the backrest forward and back. It must lock with no red indication visible.

Tick steps as you go. Your progress stays in this tab.

Common questions

Can the left and right sides be adjusted separately?+

Yes. The manual describes separate left and right adjustments.

SOURCES & SCOPE

Where this guide comes from

Written from the official references below, reviewed on 25 October 2026. This is a source-based guide, not a claim of hands-on vehicle testing.

Mazda USA — 2025 CX-5 owner manual ↗

Read our editorial policy

Ready for the next small job?Explore all guides

Mazda CX-5: How to adjust the rear seatback angle

Step by step

Common questions

Where this guide comes from

A little more know-how.

Mazda CX-5: How to adjust automatic wiper sensitivity

Mazda CX-5: How to operate the rear window wiper