After installing this kit in my 2017 Mazda CX-5, I can confidently say it’s a game-changer for older Mazdas. The plug-and-play design took me 45 minutes (with YouTube tutorials), and the OEM-like fit surprised me – no rattles or loose parts.

The real magic happens when driving: Siri reads texts aloud while Google Maps displays turn-by-turn directions on the dashboard screen. Though the touchscreen doesn’t work (as advertised), the rotary knob control feels more intuitive anyway – especially when navigating Spotify playlists during highway drives.

One gripe? The “fast charging” claim is exaggerated. My iPhone 14 Pro charges at standard 5W speeds during navigation-heavy trips. Pro tip: Add a wireless charging pad if you need serious power.

After 6 months of daily use, the system boots reliably within 15 seconds of ignition. The initial firmware update was nerve-wracking (bricking risk!), but following the PDF guide carefully paid off. Worth every penny for modernizing my Mazda’s tech without a $2,000 infotainment upgrade.