How Does the 2017 Mazda CX-5's Cargo Space Really Measure Up Against Rivals?

The 2017 Mazda CX-5 offers a practical and user-friendly cargo area that holds its own against key competitors like the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape, though its 59.6 cubic feet of maximum space is bested by a few rivals. Its standout feature is a versatile 40/20/40-split folding rear seat that can be dropped easily from the cargo bay.

While official cargo volume specifications—30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.6 cubic feet with them folded—provide a helpful baseline, they don't always tell the whole story about real-world usability. To cut through the numbers, a standardized test was conducted with a set of common items: a 23-inch adult bicycle, a pair of golf bags, and an adjustable cardboard box designed to simulate bulky items like a flat-screen television.

How Did the Mazda CX-5 Perform in a Practical Cargo Test?

The test evaluated how well the CX-5 accommodated specific items compared to rivals like the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, and Honda CR-V. The smaller cargo box, measuring 37 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 41 inches tall, could not fit behind the CX-5's second row. In this particular test, only the Volkswagen Tiguan managed to accommodate this box with the rear seats upright. However, when the test was repeated with the larger, expanded box (70-by-6-by-41 inches) and the rear seats folded, the CX-5 performed well. While the resulting cargo floor wasn't completely flat like in the CR-V or Equinox, the slightly elevated section did not significantly hamper the ability to utilize the full space.

What Are the Standout Practical Features of the CX-5's Cargo Area?

Beyond raw space, the CX-5’s cargo area is enhanced by thoughtful design. The most notable feature is the inclusion of cargo-area releases for the 40/20/40-split folding rear seats. This split configuration allows for immense flexibility, enabling you to fold down just the center section for long items like skis while retaining two full passenger seats, or to fold one or both outboard sections independently. This level of configurability is a significant advantage for active families or those who frequently carry mixed cargo and passengers.

How Does the CX-5 Compare to Other Compact SUVs for Cargo?

When compared directly with its 2017-class peers, the Mazda CX-5's cargo capacity is competitive. The Honda CR-V, for instance, often leads the segment with more cubic feet overall. However, the CX-5's combination of a useful shape, a manageable load height, and its clever folding seat system means it punches above its weight in terms of day-to-day functionality. It may not win a pure numbers game, but it delivers a highly usable and intelligent cargo solution.

For shoppers prioritizing a versatile and well-designed cargo hold, the 2017 Mazda CX-5 remains a strong contender. Its intelligent 40/20/40-split folding seats and practical shape make it exceptionally adaptable for real-world needs. When evaluating, focus on how you'll use the space daily rather than just the manufacturer's cubic feet numbers.