Another mod that no-one will probably attempt, but here goes anyway...
The CX-5 comes with an additional 12V power socket inside the center console, but apparently some bean counter at Mazda decreed the CX-50 wouldn't get one. I much prefer to use this for additional phone charging since the wire won't dangle over everything and can easily be stored in the console when not in use. So, I went ahead and bought a socket like this: https://www.amazon.com/Cigarette-Replacement-Auxiliary-Automotive-Motorcycle/dp/B09M6SV7DS (though I actually got mine from AliExpress for $4 shipped
).
The front panel in the console, where the Nav card and USB socket reside, just unclips upward. I drilled a suitably sized hole in the top on the passenger side, such that the cap hinge was exactly centered. Note that, if you get the same socket I did, it needs to be on the passenger side or the wiring spades, which need to be bent for depth clearance, will not fit. (If you cut them down, though, and solder your wires to them, then you can probably fit it either side). Unfortunately, I didn't realize before I tried to replace the front panel in the console, that there's a bridge molding across under the top plate. Doh! So, I had to drill another, open, hole there too. I suggest you use a step drill bit if you have one.
I pulled power from the supply to the rear seat USB charger ports on the back of the console. The rear vent panel just unclips backward and you can access the harness there. Even though this circuit is off a 15A fuse, I was a bit wary of how thin the harness wires are. Since I only want it for a USB charger I don't care, but don't use this socket for heavy current if you do this. I spliced into the white wire for +12 power, and tied the ground to a handy chassis bolt (you'll need to supply the 5mm nut). The wires fed back under the floor of the console to the new socket at the front.
Pictures below worth a 1000 words...
The CX-5 comes with an additional 12V power socket inside the center console, but apparently some bean counter at Mazda decreed the CX-50 wouldn't get one. I much prefer to use this for additional phone charging since the wire won't dangle over everything and can easily be stored in the console when not in use. So, I went ahead and bought a socket like this: https://www.amazon.com/Cigarette-Replacement-Auxiliary-Automotive-Motorcycle/dp/B09M6SV7DS (though I actually got mine from AliExpress for $4 shipped
).The front panel in the console, where the Nav card and USB socket reside, just unclips upward. I drilled a suitably sized hole in the top on the passenger side, such that the cap hinge was exactly centered. Note that, if you get the same socket I did, it needs to be on the passenger side or the wiring spades, which need to be bent for depth clearance, will not fit. (If you cut them down, though, and solder your wires to them, then you can probably fit it either side). Unfortunately, I didn't realize before I tried to replace the front panel in the console, that there's a bridge molding across under the top plate. Doh! So, I had to drill another, open, hole there too. I suggest you use a step drill bit if you have one.
I pulled power from the supply to the rear seat USB charger ports on the back of the console. The rear vent panel just unclips backward and you can access the harness there. Even though this circuit is off a 15A fuse, I was a bit wary of how thin the harness wires are. Since I only want it for a USB charger I don't care, but don't use this socket for heavy current if you do this. I spliced into the white wire for +12 power, and tied the ground to a handy chassis bolt (you'll need to supply the 5mm nut). The wires fed back under the floor of the console to the new socket at the front.
Pictures below worth a 1000 words...
