Master Your Mazda CX 5 2023 Radio Station Change

Master changing radio stations in your 2023 Mazda CX-5 by using the steering wheel controls or the central touchscreen for intuitive tuning. Save your favorite stations as presets to instantly access them, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable drive.

Key Takeaways

• Use Steering Wheel Controls: Change stations safely without taking hands off the wheel.
• Utilize the Touchscreen: Tap presets or browse stations on the central display.
• Set Preset Stations: Save favorites for instant access with one touch.
• Employ Voice Commands: Use voice control to change stations hands-free.
• Manual Tuning Option: Use tuning knobs or buttons for precise station selection.
• Navigate Mazda Connect: Access radio functions through the infotainment system menu.

Master Your Mazda CX 5 2023 Radio Station Change

There’s a special kind of new-car magic in the Mazda CX-5. You settle into that supportive driver’s seat, breathe in that (admittedly fleeting) new-car scent, and press the engine start button. The cabin comes to life with a gentle hum and the centerpiece of it all—the 10.25-inch widescreen display—glows to life. It’s sleek, modern, and promises a world of connectivity.

But let’s be honest. That first moment with a new infotainment system can also be a moment of mild panic. “How do I…?” becomes the unspoken question. You just want to find your favorite morning talk show or that perfect road trip playlist on satellite radio, but the sea of menus feels more intimidating than liberating. You might find yourself poking at the screen (which, spoiler alert, isn’t a touchscreen while driving) or twisting knobs aimlessly, longing for the simple “seek” button of yesteryear.

If that’s you, take a deep breath. You’re not alone, and mastering your Mazda CX 5 2023 radio station change is easier than you think. This guide will walk you through every single method, from the intuitive to the advanced. By the end, switching stations will feel like second nature, letting you focus on the joy of the drive. Let’s demystify that brilliant screen and get you tuned in.

Getting Acquainted With the Mazda Connect System

Before we dive into the radio station change mechanics, it’s crucial to understand the brain behind the operation: the Mazda Connect Infotainment System. Unlike systems that rely heavily on touch, Mazda employs a philosophy they call “Commander Control.” It’s designed to keep your eyes on the road and your hands in a stable, comfortable position.

The system is operated primarily through a large rotary dial (the Commander Knob) and a set of shortcut buttons on your center console. The screen itself is not a touchscreen when the vehicle is in motion, a safety feature that encourages using the physical controls. Once you embrace this method, you’ll find it’s incredibly precise and satisfying to use.

The Heart of the Operation: The Home Screen and Radio Hub

Your journey always starts from the Home screen. You’ll see tiles for Audio, Navigation, Phone, and Settings. Using the Commander Knob, you can scroll through these tiles. A firm press down on the knob selects the highlighted option. For our purposes, you’ll want to select “Audio.” This is your Mazda CX 5 2023 radio command center.

Understanding the On-Screen Layout

Once in the Audio menu, the screen will show you your current source (like FM, AM, or SiriusXM). On the left, you’ll typically see a vertical list of options or station presets. On the right, you might see more detailed info like song title or category. Navigation here is simple: turn the Commander Knob to scroll up and down lists, and press it to select.

Method 1: The Commander Knob – Your Primary Tool

This is the core method for changing stations and navigating all audio functions. It’s elegant and becomes instinctive with a little practice.

Step-by-Step: Tuning to a New Station

Let’s say you’re on FM and want to browse.

• Step 1: Ensure “Audio” is selected from the Home screen.
• Step 2: On the center console, to the right of the Commander Knob, you’ll see a button labeled “FM/AM” or sometimes just a musical note icon. Press this to switch between FM and AM bands.
• Step 3: Now, to manually tune up or down the frequency, you use the silver toggle switch located directly in front of the Commander Knob. Push this toggle switch to the left or right. You’ll hear a brief audio preview of each station as you scan.
• Step 4: When you hear a station you like, stop toggling. The audio will stabilize on that frequency.

Using the “Seek” Function for Stronger Signals

The toggle scan is great for browsing, but if you want to jump to the next strong signal, use the Seek function. With the radio screen active, look for the “Seek” option on the screen. Use the Commander Knob to highlight it and press down. Alternatively, you can often push the silver toggle switch forward or backward (like a button) to engage seek. This is a quick way to skip past static-filled frequencies.

Method 2: The Power of Presets (Your Favorites List)

Scrolling through static every day is no way to live. Setting presets is the key to a seamless radio station change experience.

How to Save a Radio Station Preset

This is simpler than programming an old car radio.

• Step 1: Tune to the station you want to save using the methods above.
• Step 2: On the screen, you will see a list of numbered slots (usually 1-12 or 1-15). These are your preset slots.
• Step 3: Using the Commander Knob, scroll to and highlight an empty (or occupied—you can overwrite it) numbered slot.
• Step 4: Press and hold down the Commander Knob. You’ll hear a confirmation beep and see the station information fill that slot. That’s it! Your station is now saved.

Accessing Your Presets – The Fastest Way

To change to a preset station, you have two super-fast options:

1. On-Screen: Simply go to the Audio screen, use the Commander Knob to highlight your desired preset number, and press the knob to select.
2. Using Physical Buttons: Look at the row of buttons on the center console, near the gear selector. You’ll see six numbered buttons (1-6). Press and hold one of these while on the radio screen to save a station to that number. To tune to it later, just a short press will instantly switch the Mazda CX 5 2023 radio to that preset. For presets 7-12, you first press the “Fav” (Favorites) button, and the screen will change to show a second bank of presets assigned to those same 1-6 buttons.

Method 3: Steering Wheel Controls – Keep Your Hands on the Wheel

This is the ultimate in convenience and safety. Your steering wheel has all the controls you need for most listening.

Audio Source and Volume

On the right side of the steering wheel, you’ll find a cluster of buttons. The center of this cluster is a rocker switch for volume up/down and a button to mute audio. To its right is a “Source” or “Media” button. Pressing this cycles through your available audio sources: FM, AM, SiriusXM, Bluetooth Audio, etc.

Changing Stations and Tracks

To the left of the volume switch is another rocker switch, marked with up/down arrows. This is your multi-purpose skip button.

• When listening to FM/AM Radio: A quick tap up or down on this switch triggers the Seek function, jumping to the next strong station.
• When listening to Satellite Radio or Streaming: A quick tap skips to the next or previous channel or track.
• Holding the switch up or down often activates a fast-scan or fast-forward/rewind function, depending on the audio source.

Using these, you can perform a complete radio station change without ever taking a hand off the wheel.

Method 4: Using Voice Commands for Hands-Free Control

The Mazda CX 5 2023 features a sophisticated voice command system. It’s perfect for when you know exactly what you want.

Activating Voice Command

Press and hold the “Talk” button on your steering wheel (it has a little person speaking icon). You’ll hear a prompt.

Key Voice Commands for Radio

After the beep, speak clearly. Here are some commands that work:

• “Tune to FM ninety-four point nine.”
• “Play SiriusXM channel twenty-five.”
• “Switch to AM radio.”
• “Go to preset five.”

The system is quite good at recognizing natural speech and frequencies. If you use SiriusXM, you can often say the channel name, like “Play The Highway.”

Advanced Tips, SiriusXM, and Troubleshooting

You’ve got the basics down. Now let’s elevate your audio mastery.

Managing SiriusXM Satellite Radio

The process for changing stations on SiriusXM is identical to FM/AM. Use the “Sat” button on the center console to enter Satellite mode. Browse categories by turning the Commander Knob, then drill down into channels. Saving presets works the exact same way—a long press on a numbered slot. A great tip is to organize your presets: maybe put news on buttons 1-3, music on 4-9, and sports on 10-12.

What to Do If Your Radio Seems Unresponsive

• Screen is frozen? The most common fix is a simple system reboot. Press and hold the Mute button (steering wheel), the Back button, and the Nav button (all on the center console) for about 10 seconds. The screen will go black and restart. This does not reset your settings or presets.
• No sound? Check the volume knob first (it’s separate from the steering wheel control). Also, ensure the audio is not muted (the Mute button is on the steering wheel). Verify you are on the correct audio source.
• Presets disappeared? This is very rare, but if your car’s battery was completely disconnected, it can sometimes reset memory. You’ll just need to set them again.

Quick-Reference Data Table: Changing Stations at a Glance

This table summarizes your main options for a radio station change in your Mazda CX-5 2023.

Method	Primary Action	Best For…
Commander Knob & Toggle	Turn knob to navigate menus; use silver toggle to scan frequencies.	Precise menu navigation and casual station browsing.
Numbered Preset Buttons (1-6)	Short press to jump to a saved station.	The absolute fastest way to access your top 6 favorite stations.
Steering Wheel Seek Button	Quick tap up/down to seek next strong station.	Safe, hands-on-the-wheel station surfing while driving.
Voice Command	Say “Tune to FM [frequency]” or “Play preset [number]”.	Hands-free operation when you know exactly what you want.

Conclusion: Your Audio, Your Way

Mastering your Mazda CX 5 2023 radio isn’t about memorizing a complex manual. It’s about understanding a simple, driver-focused philosophy. The physical Commander Knob, the steering wheel buttons, the voice commands—they all work in harmony to give you multiple paths to the same goal: great audio with minimal distraction.

Start by spending five minutes setting your presets. Get comfortable with the satisfying click of the Commander Knob. Try a voice command on your next drive. What felt unfamiliar will soon feel intuitive. Before long, changing a station, switching to a podcast via Bluetooth, or finding a new SiriusXM channel will be as natural as adjusting your mirrors. So go ahead—explore the airwaves, curate your perfect drive, and truly enjoy every journey in your brilliant Mazda CX-5.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change the radio station in my Mazda CX-5 2023 using the touchscreen?

Simply tap the “Media” button on the home screen, then select “Radio.” You can browse stations by tapping the left or right arrow keys on the screen or by directly touching the station presets along the bottom.

Can I change the station using the control knob instead?

Yes, this is a common method. While on the radio screen, rotate the Commander Control knob (the large dial near the gear shift) to scroll through stations. Press the knob down to select the highlighted station you want to listen to.

How do I save a radio station as a preset for quick access?

Tune to your desired station, then press and hold one of the numbered preset slots (1-12) on the screen. You’ll hear a confirmation beep, and the station is now saved to that preset button for future use, making it easy to change the radio station later.

Why can’t I get my steering wheel controls to change the station?

Ensure you are in radio mode, not another audio source like Bluetooth. Then, use the right-side steering wheel arrow keys to seek or the up/down buttons to scroll through your saved preset stations.

What’s the fastest way to change between AM and FM bands?

On the radio screen, look for the “Band” or “AM/FM” button, usually located in the top corner. Tapping this will allow you to quickly switch between AM, FM, and SiriusXM (if equipped) to access all available stations.

Is there a simple step-by-step guide to change the radio station?

First, press the “Media” button. Second, select “Radio” from the menu. Finally, use the touchscreen arrows, control knob, or steering wheel buttons to tune to your new station. Remember to save your favorites as presets for even quicker changes later.