Possibly more than any mainstream manufacturer, Mazda emphasizes the art of driving. While the maker of the world's best-selling sports car can't make all their vehicles handle like that model, they do their best to get as close as possible. That's why, in comparison tests, Mazda models almost always stand out as the most enjoyable to drive. Therefore, Mazda is careful with the technology user interface in its vehicles because it doesn't want it to distract or detract from driving engagement. So, when they introduce new cabin technology, like in the 2026 CX-5, it's clear that they've given considerable thought to how drivers will utilize it and how it can minimize distractions. Team Gillman Mazda shares what they've developed. 

"Our goal with the 2026 CX-5 was to make technology easy to use while keeping the driver focused on the road," said Matthew Valbuena, Manager of In-Vehicle Technology and Human-Machine Interfaces. "A great deal of research and testing went into developing Mazda's latest infotainment system, and we believe it is well positioned to feel familiar to how customers interact with smartphone-like devices." 

Immediately noticeable in the new CX-5 cabin is the 12.9-inch center display, except on higher trim levels, which feature a 15.6-inch display. The displays are carefully positioned to be high enough to minimize eye diversion from the road, while still being close enough to be easily reached. It is also positioned slightly to the right of center to ensure that no part of the display can be blocked by the steering wheel, regardless of the driver's seating position. The bottom of the center display features a fixed row of climate and other frequently used controls, which show easily readable displays when engaged.  

The screens are powered by the Google Built-in operating system, and this allows several good things to happen:  

1. The popular Google Maps app is now on board on all models, which can be used without the presence of a smartphone.  
2. If you have a Google account, destinations that you looked up on your home or work computer with that account can automatically appear in the vehicle's destination history.  
3. The system uses Google Gemini AI technology to significantly improve voice command capabilities. For example, instead of providing a specific address or business name, you can ask, "Give me the name of a four-star seafood restaurant on FM 1960." If you like the suggestion, you can simply say "Direct me there," and it will automatically enter the location into Google Maps and show you the way.  
4. You also have access to the Google Play app store, where you can easily download several vehicle-compatible music, news, and other apps. 
5. When you choose to use your phone, you'll be connected through wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ phone mirroring. 
6. The display acts much like a smartphone interface with similar drag and drop, swipe, pinch, and zoom functions 

In the example above, when the seafood restaurant directions are set, this is where the new digital driver's display lens steps in. The directional graphics can be shown on the display directly in front of the driver, further minimizing eye distraction. Important driving information, such as speed, fuel gauge, and others, remains on the perimeter.  

The steering wheel has also been redesigned. The physical controls on the left mainly handle infotainment functions, including volume, audio source, track forward or reverse, pause/play, which also acts as a mute for radio broadcasts. There are also controls to accept or hang up phone calls, issue voice commands, and change the digital driver display setup. The right spoke is dedicated to driving functions, such as drive mode selection, adaptive cruise control settings, and control of the 360-degree camera view system on vehicles equipped with it. 

None of this is designed to dazzle. Instead, everything has been designed to reduce visual, cognitive, and manual distractions from the road and your surroundings. See for yourself how effective it is by visiting Team Gillman Mazda on I-45, just off the first exit north of FM1960, and test-driving the new 2026 CX-5.