Mazda Fully Embraces a Massive Display and Eliminates Buttons for Its Newest SUV | Carscoops

      The 2026 CX-5 from Mazda eliminates physical buttons in favor of a large touchscreen and AI controls, marking a controversial transition to a fully digital driving experience.

      Mazda's new model features extensive touchscreens, removing all physical buttons. The system incorporates Google Built-In and Gemini voice control. The project leader asserts that the interface is intuitive for users accustomed to smartphones.

      For many years, Mazda held off on embracing the trend of oversized touchscreens and buttonless interiors, believing that tactile controls and non-touch displays provided a safer and more intuitive experience for drivers. However, this approach appears to have reached its limits.

      Recently, Mazda has been introducing touchscreens into its vehicles, but the new CX-5 fully embraces displays and voice commands, demonstrating that even Mazda couldn't resist following industry trends.

      Every 2026 CX-5 in North America will feature a standard 12.9-inch display, with higher trims offering an even larger 15.6-inch version, slightly larger than the Tesla Model 3's display.

      Mazda has removed its familiar rotary dial controller, which was a staple of its driver-centric design philosophy. The separate HVAC controls have also been eliminated, with all climate settings now integrated into the infotainment system.

      This decision is bound to spark debate. Matthew Valbuena, project manager for in-vehicle technologies and HMI at Mazda North America, stated that the key priority for drivers is to concentrate on driving. Mazda aims to minimize visual, manual, and cognitive distractions, believing that a 15.6-inch screen on the dashboard is the solution.

      The updated infotainment system features Google Built-In and the Gemini voice control system, enabling drivers to make adjustments without diverting their attention from the road. Additionally, the CX-5 includes Google Maps as a standard feature and provides access to the Play Store for various app installations, including YouTube.

      “Our objective with the 2026 CX-5 was to create a technology experience that is user-friendly while ensuring that the driver remains focused on the road,” said Valbuena. “Significant research and testing were conducted to develop Mazda’s latest infotainment system, and we believe it will feel familiar to users accustomed to smartphone devices,” he added.

      Mazda has also introduced a new steering wheel design for the 2026 CX-5, prioritizing the inclusion of controls directly on the wheel to help drivers maintain both hands on it. The left-hand controls primarily adjust the audio system and include a function to switch between different gauge cluster displays. The right side features controls for driver-assistance systems such as radar cruise control.

      Whether Mazda customers will embrace this new approach remains to be seen, as it is likely to influence future Mazda models. Some manufacturers, like VW, are reconsidering their commitment to screens and haptic controls. Recently, Subaru launched a new Outback with a smaller screen and dedicated climate control panel, contrasting with the previous model that moved critical functions to the display.