While other manufacturers raced to install a larger tablet-like screen, Mazda stubbornly stuck to smaller screens and its signature rotary controller on the center console. Their philosophy was clear: physical buttons and wheels are less distracting to the driver. But with the arrival of the new generation CX-5 model, that resistance has been broken. Not only have they embraced the big screen, but now they claim that it is the safer choice.
A 180 degree turn
The brand’s entire identity was built on the belief that physical controls were superior for maintaining focus on the road, but that position has completely reversed. Speaking to Australia’s Drive, program manager for the CX-5, Koichiro Yamaguchiargued that the large screen actually reduces the time drivers spend looking off the road compared to a conventional button panel.
“You can control the air conditioner with one finger. If we had to put a physical button, it would be in a lower position. Then the driver has to look down at 15 similar switches. That means you have to look down and select the right button, which actually requires the driver to take his eyes off the road. So it’s better to have that control on the screen and minimize that distraction,” Yamaguchi said.
Moving climate controls to touchscreens has frustrated many drivers, but most manufacturers are doing it today. In the new CX-5, temperature and fan speed controls remain fixed at the bottom of the screen, so they’re always accessible. It’s a good solution compared to some cars where you have to exit apps like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto just to adjust the temperature. Mazda has also retained the physical buttons for defrosting the front and rear windows, which allows for quick activation while driving. Despite the new direction, Yamaguchi noted that Mazda is open to bringing back the buttons if customer feedback warrants it.
A trend that goes in the opposite direction
Still, Mazda’s turnaround comes at a time when the rest of the industry appears to be beginning to doubt the “all-screen” approach. Spurred by customer complaints and safety concerns, several major automakers have announced the return of physical controls for key functions.
Volkswagen, for example, admitted that they had gone too far with digital controls and promised the return of buttons for the most important functions, including volume and air conditioning. Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai are following a similar path, returning physical buttons and switches for safety reasons. They seem to have realized what numerous studies have already shown, which is that using a touchscreen requires significantly more time and cognitive effort than using a button you can find and press without taking your eyes off the road, relying on muscle memory.
What do the safety standards say?
The biggest blow to Mazda’s new philosophy could come from new safety regulations. The European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) has announced that from 2026 vehicles will have to have physical controls for key functions in order to achieve the highest five-star safety rating. This includes turn signals, warning lights, wipers, siren and SOS call. Similar measures are being introduced by the Australian ANCAP.
This decision is based on research that shows that hunting for functions in the on-screen menus significantly increases the risk of accidents. While Mazda claims their system is intuitive, they are facing a growing wave of resistance coming from both regulators and the competition.