We understand that the car always has AWD available, but only activates automatically when required. We assume that the off road option is for more extreme conditions and actually converts to a 4WD when we activate it. Is this about correct and anything else we should know, We do realise that these systems only help in traction in getting going!

 

Per Mazda:
Off-road traction assist feature: "It can potentially help the driver when adventuring on uneven terrain. When the diagonal wheels lose traction, off-road traction assist will stop reducing the engine torque and increase the brake force on the wheels without traction. This transfers power to the wheels still on the ground to help allow the vehicle to regain traction and continue the drive. G-Vectoring Control Plus and front-wheel drive are standard, while Mazda’s predictive i-Active all-wheel drive is available on all trim levels.”
Whether it actually works as intended is anyone's guess. If you ask ten drivers who have it, you'll probably get ten different answers.
I personally have not noticed any difference with my traction control button on or off.
Sport mode button is definite difference as you can hear and feel the higher RPM mode and shifting.

 

Jeep uses a similar type of system on the Grand Cherokees that don't have the limited slip differentials which only came with the V8 models. I have it on my GC and it works extremely well on that vehicle and almost as well as having the LSD. Can't speak to how it works on the CX5 though.

 

I'm not sure but I dont think ours has the traction control on/ off button, just the off road option near the trans lever?

 

Sounds right, and my 2020 only has the traction control button with the sport switch near the center console auto-shift stick.

 

I don't have a switch there. Just the 'Sports Mode/Normal/off road' switch. I seem to remember looking that up before, and my base model does not have another switch. The small 6 button panel to the left of the the wheel, only has the Lane control button active. My manual shows that the traction assist is located there, but not on mine.

 

It could possibly say TCS (like below) though I personally have not seen one that does.
It is definitely to the left of the steering wheel, your owner's manual should confirm that.

 

Hi all. Have a 2021 CX-5 Grand touring. 2.5 NA. AWD
I am currently running pirelli scorpions. (Highly recommend).
We just had our yearly big snow here in Arkansas USA. All I can say is my CX-5 preformed superbly. Please note that we don't have the snow removal the East Coast does. Use of the manual mode made driving awesome. Even on the ice. However it works my AWD preformed as needed. The only hassle was getting past the the big 4WD trucks going up hills as they were spinning there tires, stuck LOL. Good motoring to all and be safe in this winter weather. To our Aussie brethren. Enjoy your summer 🌞 ​​​​

 

We had a pretty big one this past weekend (about 15"). So far, the only problem we have had getting around is the six foot pile of snow the city plows left at the end of the driveway. Once we dug past that, the CX5 on CrossClimate 2's has done great.

 

That's fantastic! Happy to report my 2025 CX-5 (my second CX-5) has started without a problem after spending a weekend in my driveway at -26C and drove in 10" of snow without having to worry about changing from regular D to off road. Tires are 7 year old michelin X-Ice. So far so good.