Mazda has long been known for its driver focused philosophy, prioritizing engagement and minimizing distractions behind the wheel. In fact, back in 2019, the Japanese automaker argued that touchscreen displays could be a safety hazard because they force drivers to take their eyes off the road. Today, however, Mazda appears to have embraced a very different approach, defending its decision to replace traditional physical controls with large touchscreen interfaces.
The debate intensified following the launch of the all new Mazda CX-5, which surprised many enthusiasts with an interior dominated by a massive 15.6 inch infotainment display and very few physical buttons. Critics quickly suggested that Mazda’s move was motivated more by cost reduction than user experience.
Mazda’s Argument: Buttons Can Be More Distracting
Speaking with Australia’s Drive magazine, Koichiro Yamaguchi, Program Manager for the Mazda CX-5, defended the company’s new strategy. According to Mazda, a large screen positioned closer to the driver’s line of sight can actually be safer than a dashboard crowded with traditional buttons.
Yamaguchi explained that climate control functions can be accessed with a simple touch on the screen, whereas physical buttons would need to be placed lower on the dashboard, forcing drivers to look down and search among multiple similar controls. Mazda believes keeping these functions permanently visible on the touchscreen helps reduce distraction.
While many automotive experts argue that drivers develop muscle memory for physical controls and can operate them without looking away from the road, Mazda has attempted to address this concern by keeping climate control menus constantly accessible at the bottom of the display.
The Influence Of Chinese Market Trends
The CX-5 is not the only Mazda model moving toward a screen dominated interior. Other vehicles, including the Mazda 6e and CX-6e, have adopted similarly minimalist cabin designs that largely eliminate traditional buttons.
A key factor behind this shift is the growing influence of the Chinese market, where consumers tend to favor large digital displays and touchscreen based controls over conventional physical switches.
A Dramatic Change In Philosophy
What makes Mazda’s new position particularly noteworthy is how sharply it contrasts with the company’s stance just a few years ago.
When launching the Mazda 3 in 2019, Mazda published research stating that reaching toward a touchscreen while driving can cause drivers to unintentionally apply steering input, leading the vehicle to drift from its lane. The company also argued that touchscreens require visual confirmation, making them inherently more distracting than physical controls.
This apparent contradiction highlights how evolving consumer preferences and competitive market pressures have influenced Mazda’s design philosophy.
ArabGT’s View
At ArabGT, we believe Mazda may have gone too far by completely removing physical climate control buttons. The ideal solution remains the balanced approach found in premium rear wheel drive Mazda models such as the CX-60, where dedicated climate controls coexist with advanced touchscreen functionality.
This setup offers the best of both worlds, preserving ease of use and driver safety while still delivering the modern digital experience many customers expect today.
