5 Recommended Car Seats for Mazda CX 5 In 2024

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Written by: Fatima O. Millers, CPST

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If you are struggling to find a suitable car seat that fits well and keeps your little one safe in the Mazda CX 5, you’re not alone. 

One major issue that many parents face with this car model is finding a car seat that works well in rear-facing mode. Due to limited space in the back seat, it can be a challenge to find a car seat that is both compact front-to-back and practical. 

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best car seats to use for the Mazda CX 5, taking into account factors such as safety, ease of installation, and compatibility with the car’s dimensions. 

So, if you’re in the market for a new car seat for your Mazda CX 5, read on for our top picks.

In a Hurry? These are the best car seat for Mazda CX 5

Best Convertible

best car seat for mazda cx 5 extend2fit

Compact front-to-back

Comfortable

Easy to use

Best For Infants

best car seat for mazda CX 5 chicco fit2

2 stages limits

Easy to use & Install

High-quality

Best HBB Booster

best booster car seat for Tesla Model S

Fits well

LATCH connectors

Comfortable

Chicco Fit2 (Best infant car seat for Mazda CX 5)

best car seat for mazda CX 5 chicco fit2
  • Car seat dimensions: D28″ x W17″ x H24″
  • Car seat weight: 11 lbs
  • Orientation & limits: forward facing (4-35 lbs)

Chicco Fit2 is Chicco’s new infant car seat that fits children in 2 stages, infant and toddler. The seat works well with the base in the center seat of the Mazda CX 5.

Also, the seat sits in a more upright position and can go in either behind the driver or passenger, as long as they’re not super tall.

When compared to the famous Chicco Keyfit 30 which is another good option for the Mazda CX5, the Chicco Fit2 is equipped with a ton of extra features and can be used until the child is 2 years old.  

Some of the safety features are the anti-rebound bar, an adjustable headrest, plus a European belt path routing.

The Fit2 car seat is made of Italian fabrics that give it a high-quality feel and a sleek finish. 

What we love

  • Upright design 
  • 2 stages feature (up to 35 lbs)
  • European belt path routing
  • Good Italian fabric

What can be improved

  • Heavier than other infant car seats

Graco Extend2fit (Best Convertible Car Seat for Mazda CX 5)

best car seat for mazda cx 5 extend2fit
  • Car seat dimensions: D21.5″ x W19.5″ x H23.5″
  • Car seat weight: 29.9 lbs
  • Orientation & limits: Rear-facing (4-50 lbs), Forward facing (22-65 lbs)

Graco Extend2fit is the most compact convertible car seat front-to-back.

We tested the Extend2Fit in the Mazda CX 5, and we figured that if you want the best fit for a rear-facing position behind the driver or passenger, just set the recline to 4 and skip the extension panel.

With the Graco Extend2fit, you can rear-face your little one up to 50 pounds. The NHTSA recommends rear-facing for as long as possible. It’s the best way to keep the child safe. 

The only drawback of the Extend2fit is that it has to be on recline 4 if you want to forward at 40 pounds or less, which makes it super bulky front to back.

However, the Extend2fit 3-in1 does not have that rule. So if you are planning to forward face before 40 pounds get the 3-in1 instead.

What we love

  • Compact front to back
  • Extended rear-facing (Up to 50 lbs)
  • Comfortable 
  • Easy to install 

What can be improved

  • Square cup holders
  • Awkward recline for forward facing before 40 lbs
  • Covers can be a pain to remove and attach

Graco Slimfit3 LX (Best Slim Car Seat for Mazda CX 5)

best car seat for mazda cx 5 slimfit3 lx
  • Car seat dimensions: D20.7” x W16.7” x H24.5”
  • Car seat weight: 19.2 lbs
  • Orientation & limits: Rea-facing (5-40 lbs), Forward facing (22-65 lbs), HBB (40-100 lbs)

It’s tough to squeeze three car seats in the backseat of your Mazda CX 5, but your best bet would be to go for the Slimfit3 LX car seat from Graco. 

The Slimfit3 LX, also called the True3Fit LX, is actually the narrowest car seat you can find. It’s specially designed to fit 3 across side by side comfortably. 

if want to fit three car seats in your Mazda CX 5, the Slimfit3 LX is definitely worth considering.

The Graco Slimfit3 LX is not only slim but also a good investment car seat that can last from your child’s toddler stage all the way through to his or her older years.

We also love the no-rethread harness, side-impact protection, and the quality of the car seat in general.

What we love

  • Designed for 3 across
  • Made of a steel frame
  • Wide, smooth belt paths
  • Easy cleaning with Rapid Remove Cover

What can be improved

  • No rear-facing lock-off
  • Rapid Remove Cover snaps are a bit challenging

Peg Perego Flex 120 (Best High Back Booster for Mazda CX 5)

best car seat for mazda cx 5 peg prego flex 120
  • Car seat dimensions: D22″ x W17.25″ x H26.75″ 
  • Car seat weight: 14 lbs
  • Orientation & limits: Forward facing HBB (40-120 lbs)

Peg Perego Flex is one of our favorite high-back boosters from the Peg Perego brand. 

This booster is designed to be as slim as possible, making it easier to fit into smaller cars like the Mazda CX 5. It’s also awesome as 3 across in the Mazda. 

The Peg Perego Flex is also equipped with LATCH connectors, to prevent it from sliding around in the car when not in use. 

Unlike many other booster seats, the Peg Perego Flex 120 does not have armrests that could potentially cover the seat buckle, making it easier for your child to buckle themselves in without obstruction.

And as you would expect from the Peg Perego, the quality of the Flex 120 Booster is nothing short of outstanding. 

What we love

  • Slim design that’s suitable for 3 across
  • LATCH attachments 
  • It can be folded
  • Italian made

What can be improved

  • Pricey for a booster
  • A little bit heavy
  • Does not convert to a backless booster

Graco RightGuide (Best Backless Booster For Mazda CX 5)

best car seats for mazda cx 5
  • Booster dimensions: D12″ x W12″ x H2″ 
  • Booster weight: Roughly 1 lb
  • Orientation & limits: Backless booster (50-120 lbs)

Graco’s backless booster (also called a belt trainer), is super slim and would fit nicely in your Mazda CX 5. 

The RighGuide comes with an optional (required in Canada) seat belt guide adjuster that helps provide the right seatbelt fit for older kids. 

The cool thing is that the Graco RighGuide comes with its own travel tote bag so it’s easy to transport and travel with. 

And even though it’s small, the RightGuide booster is reviewed to be very comfortable and provides excellent support for the kiddos.

Update: The Graco RightGuide was unfortunately discontinued. You can only purchase it from available stock at Walmart. Another option you can consider for your Mazda CX 5 is the Cosco Topside or the Cosco Rise which are slightly wider than the RighGuide but one of them may work.

What we love

  • Lighweight and portable
  • The built guide adjuster
  • Comfortable 
  • Kids can set it up on their own

What can be improved

  • It’s been discontinued (you can only purchase from available stock)

Honorable mentions for the Mazda CX 5

While the 5 car seats we recommended for the Mazda CX 5 are all great options, there are a few honorable mentions that are worth noting as well.

These seats may not have made the top 5 list, but they are still excellent choices to consider for the Mazda CX 5. 

Some of these car seats may have certain features or functionalities that are lacking compared to the top 5 car seats that we listed.

For example, a car seat may be missing a specific safety feature, have a lower weight limit, or be less comfortable for the child

However, it’s worth noting that what works best for one family may not work for another, so it’s important to consider all options when selecting a car seat for your Mazda CX 5.

FAQs

Can you put a car seat in the middle of a Mazda CX 5?

Yes, you can install a car seat in the middle position of the Mazda CX 5. The middle seat is not equipped with LATCH, so you will have to use a seatbelt install instead. 

Can you fit 3 car seats in the Mazda CX 5?

Yes, you can install 3 narrow car seats in the back of the Mazda CX 5. The rear hip room inside the Mazda CX 5 is 55.3 inches, you will need 3 car seats that measure at most 18 inches each. 

Does Mazda CX 5 have ISOFIX?

Yes, the Mazda CX 5  has two ISOFIX points in the two outer rear seats. It also features top tether anchorages on the back of all three seats, and they are easily accessible through the boot.

What is the safest place to install a car seat in a Mazda CX 5?

The safest spot to install a car seat in the Mazda CX 5 (or any vehicle) is where you can get a correct install. And to get a correct install, you have to consider several important factors including, the type of car seat used, the age and size of the child, and the specific features of the car. 

About Fatima O. Millers, CPST

Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Fatima delivers insightful car seat reviews and recommendations. Combining her CPST expertise with an engineering background, her advice is both safe and practical.