Mazda maintains that the CX-5 large touchscreen offers advantages over traditional physical buttons.
Officials explain that dashboards packed with switches force drivers to divert their gaze from the road more frequently.
Positioned at eye level, the display aims to keep attention focused ahead while handling climate and other tasks.

Mazda has continued to support its choice of expanding the CX-5 infotainment display following the model's recent redesign. While the expansive 15.6-inch screen drew attention, critics focused more on the near absence of physical controls across the dashboard. Although some suggested cost reductions played a role, company representatives highlighted other priorities behind the layout.

Project leads previously noted Mazda's emphasis on lowering driver distraction levels. Feedback from customers also shaped the updated interface, according to statements from North American operations.

Program manager Koichiro Yamaguchi recently elaborated on the approach during discussions with Drive magazine. He pointed out that placing climate functions on screen avoids forcing drivers to look down toward multiple similar switches located lower on the panel.

Mazda Details the Safety Benefits of Screen-Based Controls:

Climate adjustments happen via a simple tap on the display. Adding physical switches would position them lower, requiring drivers to look away and identify the right one among many identical controls. Keeping operations on the screen instead helps limit that visual shift away from the road ahead.

Proponents of buttons often cite muscle memory for quick, eyes-free use after initial familiarization. Mazda has anchored key climate options at the bottom edge of the display for easier access. Yamaguchi indicated that future vehicles might reintroduce more conventional controls if customer input supports the change.

Similar screen-focused designs appear in other recent Mazda models such as the 6e and CX-6e, though those draw from platforms tailored to markets favoring expansive displays.

Motor1's Take: Regardless of preferences for screens or buttons, retaining dedicated climate controls separate from the main display could have satisfied a wider audience. Pairing proven switchgear from other Mazda SUVs with constant touchscreen availability might have struck an ideal balance.

Earlier Mazda research from the previous generation highlighted concerns with touch interfaces causing unintended steering input and requiring visual attention during use. Perspectives within the company appear to have shifted since then.