2020 Mazda CX-5 Cabin Air Filter Replacement Guide — Step-by-Step

I always tell people the cabin air filter is the easiest $10–$20 maintenance job on any modern car, and the 2020 Mazda CX-5 is the perfect example of why. Mazda engineered this one well — the filter is behind the glove box, accessible in about 5 minutes with zero tools. If you've been paying a dealer $50+ to swap this filter at every oil change service, stop.

This guide covers the full procedure for the 2020 CX-5 (both 2.5L SkyActiv-G and 2.5T SkyActiv-G Turbo — same filter, same access method).

Why Cabin Air Filter Matters

The cabin air filter cleans the air that flows through your HVAC system before it reaches the cabin. A clogged filter reduces airflow from your vents, strains the blower motor, and lets more pollen, dust, and particulates through. Mazda recommends replacing it every 15,000–30,000 miles or annually.

OEM vs. Aftermarket: What I Use

• OEM Mazda filter: Part #TK48-61-J6X — dealer price $25–$35
• Wix 24896 — direct fit, solid filtration, ~$12–$15
• K&N VF2002 — washable/reusable HEPA-style, ~$40–$50 upfront, lasts the life of the car
• Fram CF10285 — budget pick, ~$10

The SkyActiv engine family (2.5L or 2.5T turbo) doesn't change the cabin filter spec or access — it's purely an HVAC component. Both trims of the 2020 CX-5 use the same filter and the same glove box drop method.

Step-by-Step: Glove Box Drop Method

Tools required: None.

1. Open the glove box fully.
2. Squeeze the sides of the glove box inward — this flexes the plastic enough to clear the stops and allows the box to drop all the way down.
3. Unclip the damper arm from the glove box frame on the right side — it just snaps out of a small round pin.
4. Locate the rectangular cabin filter housing directly behind where the glove box was. Press the two plastic tabs and pull the cover toward you.
5. Slide the old filter straight out — note the arrow direction indicating airflow (arrow points toward the dash/blower).
6. Slide in the new filter with the arrows pointing in the same direction.
7. Snap the filter housing cover back on — both tabs click into place.
8. Reconnect the damper arm to its pin on the glove box frame.
9. Squeeze the glove box sides and push it back up until the stops engage.
10. Close the glove box normally.

Total time: 3–5 minutes.

How Often to Replace

Condition	Interval
Normal urban/suburban driving	Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
High pollen, dusty roads	Every 10,000 miles
Using a washable filter	Wash every 15,000 miles

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Dealer

	DIY	Dealer
Filter (OEM Mazda)	$25–$35	Included
Filter (aftermarket)	$10–$20	N/A
Labor	$0	$25–$50
Total	$10–$35	$60–$85

While you're in the maintenance mindset, check out the engine air filter replacement guide for the CX-5 — that one also only takes about 10 minutes. Browse all CX-5 and Mazda guides at the OwnerDrop blog.

Get the full guide + every torque spec in the OwnerDrop library — OwnerDrop /pricing.