Mazda develops its vehicles to respond like a seamless extension of the driver’s movements. This philosophy carries forward in the all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5, which also introduces meaningful updates across design, functionality, and feature set. Most notably, a new centre touchscreen display represents a shift in how drivers can interact with their CX-5.
While some drivers associate larger touchscreens with distraction, our latest system was engineered with two clear objectives: reduce cognitive load and improve usability. Today, we’ll explain how it works, why the 2026 CX-5 now features a larger centre touchscreen display, and how it supports our mission to create intuitive and joyful driving experiences.
Does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 have a touchscreen?
Yes. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 features a new touchscreen interface that centralises infotainment, climate control, vehicle settings, and more. Enhanced functionality of the steering wheel-mounted controls complements the display; they are intentionally designed to work together. High-frequency adjustments, such as audio system volume and media selection, remain within thumb’s reach on the steering wheel, while broader customization and system controls are organized within the larger, clearer display for intuitive access for both the driver and front passenger.
2026 Mazda CX-5 screen size
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 comes standard with a 12.9-inch centre touchscreen display and a larger 15.6-inch display is available on the CX-5 G25 Akera. Both display sizes allow for clearer icons, improved contrast, and legible menus. These choices are intended to contribute to faster recognition, simplified inputs, and improved “glanceability” overall.
12.9-inch touchscreen
Standard
15.6-inch touchscreen
Available on Akera only.
What’s new with the 2026 CX-5 infotainment screen?
Beyond its larger physical size, the centre displays incorporate a new interface that gives users an intuitive and familiar smartphone-like experience. Users can engage with the system by using familiar tapping, swiping, and pinching motions on the screen to control content. The larger centre screen uses smartphone-like widgets for quicker access, helping you keep your eyes on the road.
Steering wheel-mounted controls also continue to be part of Mazda’s multifaceted and cohesive human-machine interface (HMI) philosophy to minimize distractions. And, Apple CarPlay® integration for your iPhone® and Android Auto™ for your Android™ phone are standard for an intuitive smartphone mirroring experience.
Every element of the interface was developed to present information clearly, make it more intuitive for passengers to use, and reduce the time drivers spend looking away from the road or taking their hands off the steering wheel.
Why did Mazda remove physical buttons and controls?
Modern drivers expect intuitive smartphone-style layouts, with customizable home screens, widgets, and features like pinch-to-zoom navigation. Many are already familiar with touch-first interfaces, so aligning the vehicle experience with this logic reduces the learning curve without sacrificing functionality.
At the same time, the CX-5 is not a “touch-only” vehicle. Frequently used functions such as infotainment, ADAS and Mi-Drive settings remain accessible through tactile steering wheel controls.
What drivers are saying about the touchscreen
While some drivers have expressed nostalgia for the tactile feel of the Commander knob and other physical controls, feedback has been largely positive. Industry journalists have also seen the new infotainment system and screen as a step forward, for example, this article on The Beep.
“A 12.9-inch central touchscreen is standard with a 15.6-inch unit reserved for the Akera, and it is comfortably the best infotainment Mazda has ever fitted. It is crisp, quick and sensibly laid out…”
— The Beep
We recognize that introducing a digital interface represents a significant change. To ease this transition, our updated system was carefully designed with interfaces, integrations, and alternative control methods crafted to minimize the learning curve and make the adjustment as seamless as possible.
How the new CX-5 touchscreen enhances driver awareness, convenience, and more
Safety is not defined by whether controls are physical or digital. Rather, it depends on clarity, responsiveness, menu structure, redundancy, and thoughtful interaction design. With that in mind, the CX-5 interface incorporates larger touch targets, simplified menu pathways, fast system response times, and alternative input options through steering wheel controls.
Clearer screen for faster recognition
Our engineering team has worked to design this interface in a way that reduces driver distractions, not amplify them. The new display is larger, dramatically improving visibility of navigation instructions, the backup camera, driver-assistance alerts, and system notifications. And certain controls, like the HVAC are docked to the bottom of the display to improve at-a-glance readability. Clearer information directly supports quicker comprehension and better decision-making.
Steering wheel still controls core functions
While some of the broader customizations that aren’t adjusted every day are now accessible through the new touchscreen display, frequently changed settings remain available on your steering wheel. Media selection, volume adjustments, Mi-Drive (drive mode select), ADAS settings and other common features are all still managed by buttons and controls on the steering wheel.
Seamless smartphone integration
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 display offers flexible smartphone integration, letting drivers choose Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ to mirror their preferred device.
Designed for touch interaction, the display makes using CarPlay and Android Auto intuitive, reflecting the same touch-first experience drivers already know from their phones.
Responsive interface
The processing speeds of our HMI minimize input lag and confirmation delays. To put it another way, drivers don’t have to wait to watch and check whether a button they’ve pressed registered their click. So whether you’re inputting directions before you leave, changing climate control settings at a red light, or using the backup camera to exit a parking space, you can navigate our system confidently, promptly, and predictably.
Experience our new HMI: Shaped by direct customer feedback
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 touchscreen interface is more than just an aesthetic change; it’s a driver-focused evolution that blends the intuitive usability and design that benefits CX-5 customers. Once you experience the legibility, speed, and flexibility of the new system, its advantages become clear. The new Mazda CX-5 touchscreen display delivers intuitive connectivity, fast performance, and thoughtful design to make your driving experience as practical and seamless as possible.