Overview
- Mazda confirms the next CX-5 drops the rotary infotainment controller and physical climate controls in favor of on-screen controls anchored to a persistent bottom bar.
- The central display grows to 15.6 inches, with U.S. models set to feature Google Built-in, while Australian availability of Google services is unconfirmed and local deliveries are expected around mid-2026.
- Steering-wheel switches and an embedded voice assistant remain to handle common tasks without relying solely on touch input.
- Mazda cites simplicity and the breadth of smartphone-style apps as reasons a single command knob no longer suits modern interfaces.
- Some reviewers report the redesign eliminates all hard buttons, including a traditional volume knob, a detail not confirmed by Mazda.