Mazda CX-5 2026: Bigger Screen, Google Built-In, and Gemini Voice Control to Keep Distractions Down

Mazda isn’t backing down after the backlash from longtime fans: the redesigned CX-5 really does move away from the brand’s familiar philosophy of physical controls and leans heavily on a large touchscreen. For many loyalists, the shift landed painfully — Mazda had held on to buttons and its signature rotary controller longer than most, and now the cabin looks closer to what you’d expect from a Tesla-style interface.

But the company released a video featuring its HMI project manager and made the message clear: this isn’t about chasing trends. The goal, they say, is to make the SUV easier — and safer — to operate.

Mazda’s core argument is driver focus. The CX-5’s instrument cluster, steering-wheel controls, head-up display, and infotainment system were all redesigned so that the most important information sits closer to the driver’s natural line of sight, cutting down on the number of times you have to shift your eyes off the road. Every trim comes with a 10.25-inch digital gauge display with updated graphics. It can show navigation guidance, incoming calls, or be simplified into a more minimal layout.

As for the infotainment system itself, buyers can choose between 12.9-inch and 15.6-inch touchscreens. Google built-in comes standard, along with full voice control. Mazda calls out a deeper integration with a Gemini-based assistant — meaning you can speak naturally to set navigation, adjust the climate, change radio stations, or send messages, all with fewer touches. Steering-wheel buttons are divided logically too: media controls on the left, driver-assist features like adaptive cruise on the right.

Sales of the 2026 Mazda CX-5 are expected to begin early next year.