2020 Mazda CX-5 Cabin Air Filter Replacement — Skyactiv-G, 10-Minute Glove Box Swap

I've done this replacement on the second-gen CX-5 more times than I can count — it's one of the cleanest filter access designs Mazda ever put together. No tools, no screws, no frustration. The filter sits directly behind the glove box, and the glove box drops in about 10 seconds. Here's exactly how I do it every time.

Overview

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 uses the second-generation platform introduced in 2017. Every 2020 CX-5 — whether you have the 2.5L naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G or the 2.5T turbocharged version — uses the same cabin air filter location and the same replacement procedure. Engine choice doesn't matter here at all. The filter is behind the glove box, and the job takes under 15 minutes.

Mazda recommends replacing the cabin filter every 30,000 miles or 24 months under normal conditions. If you drive in stop-and-go traffic, near construction sites, or through heavy seasonal pollen, shorten that to 15,000 miles.

Tools & Parts Needed

Item	Part Number / Spec
Cabin air filter (OEM)	Mazda KJ01-61-J6X
Denso aftermarket	Denso 453-2069
FRAM aftermarket	FRAM CF12157
Wix aftermarket	Wix 24705
Tools required	None
Job time	10–15 minutes

My recommendation: The Denso 453-2069 is the best value — it's OE quality at about $18. If you have seasonal allergies or drive on dusty roads, step up to an activated carbon filter; FRAM makes a CF12157C carbon version for around $28 that noticeably reduces interior odors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Drop the Glove Box

Open the glove box fully. On the right interior wall you'll see a small plastic damper rod — a thin rod about 6 inches long that clips into a bracket and prevents the box from swinging too far. Pinch the end of that rod and pull it free from its clip. Let it hang.

Now squeeze the sides of the glove box inward with both hands. The plastic walls flex just enough to let the side pivot tabs pop past the frame stops in the dashboard. While squeezing, let the box swing all the way down. It pivots on its bottom hinge and hangs vertically. The filter housing is now fully exposed.

First-timers always pause here because it feels wrong. The flex is designed — Mazda builds this release into the plastic. Don't force it; just apply steady inward pressure on both sides while lowering.

2. Remove the Old Filter

The filter housing has a flat door held by a small latch tab on the bottom. Release the tab and the door opens downward. The filter is stacked flat inside.

Pull the filter straight out. Before you toss it, note the airflow direction arrow on the edge — this tells you which way air flows through the element. On the 2020 CX-5, the arrow points toward the passenger compartment (toward you). Match this on the new filter.

While the housing is open, look inside with a flashlight. Leaves, pine needles, and bugs are common, especially if you park under trees. Wipe out any debris with a dry rag.

3. Install the New Filter

Slide the new filter into the housing with the arrow matching the direction of the old one. It should drop in flush with no resistance. If it binds, back it out slightly and realign — the housing channels are narrow and a slight angle will catch the edge.

Close and latch the housing door.

4. Restore the Glove Box

Lift the box back up toward closed position. Squeeze the sides inward again so the pivot tabs can clear the frame stops. Once the tabs are seated, release — the box will click to its normal open position. Reconnect the damper rod. Close and test.

Common Mistakes

Flipping the airflow arrow on reinstall. This is the number-one mistake on CX-5 cabin filter swaps. The 2020 CX-5 filter housing is oriented so the arrow isn't immediately obvious when you're holding a brand-new filter. Flip it wrong and the filter media works backwards — it still blocks particles, but efficiency drops and it loads up faster. Before removing the old filter, snap a photo with your phone showing the arrow direction. Takes two seconds and eliminates any guesswork.

Pro Tips

• Replace on a schedule tied to pollen season: fall install before cold/wet season, spring install before pollen peaks.
• If the old filter looks gray-brown with debris packed into the pleats, you're overdue. A collapsed or fully-loaded filter restricts airflow so much that your HVAC fan works harder and the system cools less effectively.
• The carbon-activated versions eliminate the "wet dog / musty" smell that haunts CX-5s with the recirculate mode on in summer.
• Check the HVAC drain tube on the same visit — if you see water on the passenger floor mat, the drain is clogged, not the filter.

Save Money with OwnerDrop

I saved roughly $60 per visit by doing this myself instead of letting the dealer replace it. That's not a lot per job — but it's 15 minutes and zero tools, and the dealer is charging you pure labor markup. Every basic service you own keeps more money in your pocket.

For more Mazda cabin filter context, the 2017 Mazda CX-5 cabin air filter guide covers the same second-gen platform procedure. If you're also maintaining your engine air filter, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 cabin air filter replacement includes both cabin and engine filter specs for the Skyactiv-G.

Get the full step-by-step repair library at OwnerDrop — use code FIRST15 for 15% off your first order of $99+.