The Mazda CX-90 was designed to lead the Japanese automaker’s lineup as a flagship three-row SUV, showcasing the brand’s premium ambitions. Yet one detail quickly became controversial among journalists and drivers alike. Its infotainment system relied on a non-touch display controlled primarily by a rotary dial. At the time, Mazda argued that touchscreens were distracting and less safe for drivers.
That philosophy carried over to newer models as well. The CX 90, along with the CX 50 and later the CX 70, adopted Mazda’s latest interface built around a center console-mounted controller rather than direct touch input. The concept resembles older systems like Audi’s early MMI setup, which itself moved toward touchscreens years ago as consumer expectations changed.
Now, however, Mazda is reversing course. The upcoming 2026 CX-5 introduces a large touchscreen-focused interface, signaling a clear change in strategy and suggesting the brand recognizes how market preferences have evolved.
Living With Mazda’s Rotary Dial System
After spending time behind the wheel of the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, CX-70, and CX-90 plug-in hybrids, one design theme becomes obvious. All three vehicles feature a tablet-like display mounted high on the dashboard, controlled through a rotary dial and a small number of shortcut buttons on the center console.
In theory, the setup is intended to reduce driver distraction by minimizing the need to reach forward toward the screen. In practice, many drivers find it less intuitive. Navigating menus requires rotating or tilting the dial, while a separate back button lets you move through menu layers. The approach echoes BMW’s early iDrive system introduced in the early 2000s, which was heavily criticized at launch before eventually evolving into a more touch-friendly interface.
For many owners, the result is predictable. They default to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, both of which are available wirelessly in modern Mazda models.
CarPlay Highlights the Limitations
Using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto does improve everyday usability, but it also exposes the limitations of Mazda’s system. CarPlay was designed primarily for touchscreen interaction, not rotary controllers. Mazda adapted the software to work with its dial-based setup, but menu navigation can feel slow and awkward compared with direct touch input.
Ironically, this creates a situation in which a system originally justified as safer can feel more distracting, as the extra steps required to complete simple tasks demand more attention from the driver. Mazda’s physical shortcut buttons for audio and phone functions do help, but they cannot fully compensate for the mismatch between modern smartphone interfaces and rotary control.
Hidden Touchscreen Capability in Current Models
In a surprising twist, higher-trim versions of the CX 70 and CX 90 actually include touch-capable displays. The larger 12.3-inch screen allows touch interaction, but only in limited scenarios. Touch input works when the vehicle is parked and when using Apple CarPlay. Once the vehicle is placed in Drive, touch functionality turns off by default.
Drivers can adjust settings to re-enable some touchscreen use, but only within CarPlay, not within Mazda’s native interface. On top of that, the display is positioned relatively far from the driver, since it was originally designed around rotary control rather than touch interaction. The result is a system that feels more complicated than it needs to be.
The 2026 CX-5 Signals a Major Shift
Mazda’s next move makes its direction clear. The 2026 CX-5 abandons the rotary dial and introduces a new 15.6-inch touchscreen as the centerpiece of the cabin. The company says the layout remains safe because key functions such as climate controls are permanently fixed at the bottom of the display, allowing easier access while driving. That approach mirrors what many competitors already use, including brands ranging from Ford to newer electric-focused manufacturers.
Interestingly, today’s Mazda models with rotary controllers still feature traditional physical climate controls. The buttons and knobs feel solid and provide clear tactile feedback, something many drivers appreciate. The new CX-5 moves away from that philosophy entirely, eliminating most physical controls, including even a traditional volume knob.
A New Era for Mazda Interiors
Mazda is clearly moving away from its long-running rotary control experiment and embracing a touchscreen-dominated future. Whether that decision ultimately improves usability and safety will depend on execution, but it reflects a broader industry trend toward simplified, screen-based cabins.
For U.S. buyers, the change also aligns Mazda more closely with customer expectations in the premium crossover segment, where large touch displays and smartphone-like interaction have become the norm. The era of Mazda’s dial-controlled infotainment system appears to be ending, replaced by a cleaner interface that aims to balance modern design with ease of use.
This article originally appeared on Autorepublika.com and has been republished with permission by Guessing Headlights. AI-assisted translation was used, followed by human editing and review.