CX-5 / Everyday controls

Mazda CX-5: How to fold and secure the rear seats

2 min readReviewed 25 October 2026

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

The left seatback also folds the center section. Never pull a remote handle without checking the rear seat area.

THE QUICK ANSWER

Remove occupants and restraints, switch rear heating off if fitted, then release and support the seatback as it folds. When raising it, check the seatbelt routing and locking indicator.

Step by step

1Clear the areaRemove child restraints and items from the seats and cupholders. Turn off rear seat heating and check clearance from the front seats.
2Fold the seatbackSupport it by hand and pull its release lever. Equipped luggage-area remote handles provide another release method.
3Lock it uprightRoute the seatbelt through its guide and raise the backrest until locked. Check that no red locking indication remains and secure all cargo.

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

Common questions

Can a trapped seatbelt be ignored?+

No. Correct the routing before carrying a passenger.

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 fold and secure the rear seats

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