Overview
The rear tailgate of the Mazda CX-5 (2013–2016) is designed to balance style, practicality, and versatility in a compact SUV. It serves as the gateway to a spacious cargo area, providing easy access for daily errands, travel, or transporting larger items. With a wide and tall liftgate, integrated tonneau cover, and fold-flat rear seats, the CX-5’s tailgate demonstrates Mazda’s focus on functionality and user convenience. Its construction prioritizes durability, safety, and everyday usability, making it suitable for both city driving and weekend adventures.
Dimensions and Cargo Space
The rear cargo space offers 34.1 cubic feet with the seats upright and expands to 65.4 cubic feet when folded down. The tailgate opening measures about 827 mm in height and 1,128 mm in width, with a cargo depth of 982 mm. These dimensions provide ample room for luggage, sports equipment, or other bulky items, making the CX-5 highly versatile for daily and recreational use.
Design and Functionality
The CX-5 employs a full-width, upward-swinging liftgate, allowing easy access to the cargo area. A built-in tonneau cover lifts with the tailgate, concealing items and protecting them from sunlight. Split-folding rear seats (60/40 or 40/20/40) create a flat load floor, increasing cargo flexibility and enabling transportation of longer or bulkier items.
Access and Everyday Use
The tailgate’s wide and tall opening simplifies loading and unloading, even for large or awkward items. The flat load floor, fold-flat seats, and optional middle-seat pass-through allow users to transport long items without compromising passenger seating. The integrated tonneau cover ensures convenience, as it requires no removal when opening the boot.
Materials and Durability
Constructed using a unibody framework with high-strength steel, the tailgate is durable and resistant to deformation. Anti-corrosion treatments protect the panels, particularly in humid or coastal climates. The tailgate design also contributes to aerodynamic efficiency, helping maintain the CX-5’s drag coefficient of 0.33.
Strengths
- Spacious and flexible cargo area
- Convenient loading with wide, tall opening
- Integrated tonneau cover for privacy and protection
- Durable build and corrosion-resistant
- Versatile for a variety of passenger and cargo needs
Considerations
- Heavy or very large items may require careful positioning due to load lip height
- Frequent use may necessitate inspection of seals and tonneau cover to prevent wear
- Coastal or humid environments may require occasional attention to corrosion protection
Conclusion
The 2013–2016 Mazda CX-5 rear tailgate is a well-designed combination of practicality, convenience, and durability. Its spacious and flexible cargo area, wide liftgate, integrated tonneau cover, and fold-flat seats make it highly adaptable for daily tasks, weekend trips, and transporting larger items. With thoughtful design and quality construction, the CX-5 tailgate ensures long-term reliability and usability, making it a standout feature in the compact SUV segment.