Mine say it expires 8.17.21. I'm installing the new update now

 

I don't know what you mean by "activated"? My CX-5 came with Nav but my MX-5 did not, it has the same exact Infotainment system as the CX. I purchased a Nav card from Amazon and it worked right away. As soon as I started the car after inserting the SD card the system was working. I didn't even leave the garage and the system displayed the cross street in front of my house.

Are you referring to this from the Mazda Connect website?

"Access to the most current maps will allow you to use your navigation system more conveniently and accurately. To be sure your Mazda Connect always has the latest updates, use the Mazda Toolbox to view and download available updates and content, including complimentary map updates for three years, commencing when the vehicle has traveled 100km (63 miles) with the SD card inserted."

 

Not what I meant. Back in the summer, when I got my card from Amazon, it took about 20+ miles before
navigation became active. Others were having the same situation.
The 'card' was the 2019 version, so a new(er) card may be different.
When I first installed the card, the compass came up right away but vanished when
navigation kicked in.
YMMV.

My 2¢

 

Strange, but as you said it must be something with the newer cards/systems.

 

Mazda infotainment website notes after 62 miles the SD card is locked to the VIN

 

Does any aftermarket card work? 2017 CX9.

 

You need to figure out which specific model SD card you need for your year and model. That should be easy to figure out looking on Amazon.

 

So according to my dealer my last free update is sometime BEFORE my 3 year purchase date anniversary.
So I logged onto "MYMAZDA", etc. and updated my SD navigation card. All is fine - for a few years - and by then I'm hoping to be in a very nice EV compact SUV.