The 2026 Mazda CX-5's 15.6-Inch Touchscreen: A Complete Technology Upgrade

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 arrives with the largest touchscreen ever offered in a Mazda vehicle. This 15.6-inch display offers a fundamental shift in how drivers interact with their vehicle's technology. For buyers who previously found Mazda's infotainment systems restrictive, this generation delivers a smartphone-like experience with Google built-in, wireless connectivity, and straightforward controls that keep attention on the road.

This article explores how the new touchscreen enhances daily driving, what Google integration brings to the cabin, and why the interface feels natural from the first drive. We compare the standard 12.9-inch and available 15.6-inch displays, examine the voice control capabilities through Gemini AI, and detail the steering wheel controls that complement the touchscreen experience.

Display Options: 12.9-Inch Standard, 15.6-Inch Available

The 2026 CX-5 offers two touchscreen sizes. The standard 12.9-inch display appears on the GX and GS trims, while the 15.6-inch screen is available on select models. Both screens support familiar gestures like pinch-to-zoom and swipe, making navigation feel natural for anyone accustomed to modern smartphones.

The 15.6-inch display provides additional screen real estate for split-screen functionality and easier map viewing. Climate controls and volume adjustments remain docked at the bottom of both screens for quick access without navigating through menus. This layout reduces the number of taps required to adjust common settings.

Every CX-5 also includes a standard 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster display. This screen works alongside the centre touchscreen to provide driver-focused information without requiring glances away from the road.

Google Built-In: Navigation, Apps, and Voice Control

Google built-in integration puts apps and services directly on the vehicle's screen. Google Maps provides built-in navigation with real-time traffic updates, eliminating the need for a separate navigation subscription. Google Play allows drivers to download compatible apps directly to the vehicle.

Gemini, Google's AI assistant, enables hands-free control through conversational voice commands. Drivers can adjust climate settings, tune the radio, or send messages while keeping their hands on the wheel. The system responds to natural language, so phrases like "set the temperature to 22°C" or "find a coffee shop nearby" work without memorizing specific commands.

This voice control system addresses a common concern with previous Mazda infotainment setups. Earlier generations required more manual input through a rotary controller. The 2026 system prioritizes voice interaction and touchscreen gestures, reducing the learning curve for new owners.

Wireless Connectivity: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

The 2026 CX-5 supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features on GS and GT trims. The GX trim includes wired connectivity for both systems. This wireless capability eliminates the need to plug in a phone for every drive, allowing the system to connect automatically when the driver enters the vehicle.

Wireless phone charging is also available on the GS and GT trims, providing a convenient spot to keep devices powered without cables. USB-C charging ports are positioned throughout the cabin for passengers who prefer wired charging.

The system switches smoothly between smartphone mirroring and Google built-in features. Drivers who prefer Apple Maps or Spotify through CarPlay can use those apps, while passengers can access Google Play apps on the main screen simultaneously.

Steering Wheel Controls: Hands on the Wheel

Redesigned steering wheel controls give drivers another way to interact with the infotainment system without reaching for the touchscreen. The left side handles infotainment functions like volume and entertainment source selection. The right side manages driving-related functions such as MI drive mode selection and 360-degree view monitor activation.

This layout keeps frequently used controls within thumb reach. Adjusting volume, skipping tracks, or switching drive modes no longer requires taking a hand off the wheel or glancing at the centre screen. The controls work in conjunction with voice commands and touchscreen inputs, allowing drivers to choose their preferred interaction method.

Driver Personalization and Over-the-Air Updates

Driver Personalization, previously available on the CX-90, now appears on select CX-5 models. This feature adjusts the driver's seat, side mirrors, and heads-up display to saved preferences when a specific driver profile is selected. The system links these physical adjustments to individual vehicle settings, creating a personalized experience for multiple drivers.

The Mazda Connect infotainment system accepts over-the-air updates, ensuring the software remains current without requiring dealership visits. These updates can add new features, improve system performance, or enhance existing functions as they become available.

Technology Comparison: 2026 CX-5 Trim Levels

Active Driving Display and Digital Cluster

The CX-5 GS and GT trims include a large windshield-projected colour Active Driving Display. This heads-up display projects essential driving information onto the windshield, allowing drivers to monitor speed, navigation directions, and safety alerts without looking down at the instrument cluster.

The standard 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster across all trims provides customizable layouts. Drivers can prioritize navigation, audio information, or driver assistance system status depending on their needs. The cluster works in coordination with the centre touchscreen and Active Driving Display to distribute information logically across the driver's field of view.

Audio System and Connectivity

The CX-5 GX includes an eight-speaker stereo system with AM/FM/HD Radio support. Higher trims include upgraded audio systems with additional speakers for improved sound quality. All trims include Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio controls, allowing drivers to make calls or stream music wirelessly.

Audio menu voice commands work through both Gemini AI and smartphone assistants when using CarPlay or Android Auto. This flexibility means drivers can use their preferred voice assistant regardless of which system is active.

How the Interface Reduces Distraction

Matthew Valbuena, manager of in-vehicle technology and human-machine interfaces at Mazda, explained the design philosophy: "Our goal with the 2026 CX-5 was to make technology easy to use while keeping the driver focused on the road." The interface achieves this through several design choices.

Commonly used functions remain accessible with minimal interaction. Climate controls stay docked at the bottom of the screen rather than buried in menus. Voice control handles complex tasks like navigation input or message dictation. Steering wheel controls manage frequent adjustments without requiring drivers to reach for the touchscreen.

The system also supports quick gestures for common actions. Swiping between screens, pinching to zoom on maps, and tapping large icons reduce the precision required compared to smaller buttons or rotary controllers.

Real-World Use Cases

For daily commutes, Google Maps integration provides real-time traffic updates and alternate route suggestions without requiring a phone mount or separate navigation device. Voice commands handle destination entry while driving, and the system learns frequently visited locations for quicker access.

On longer trips, wireless smartphone connectivity means passengers can stream music or podcasts without managing cables. The available panoramic sunroof works with the spacious cabin to create an open feel, while the technology keeps everyone connected and entertained.

For families, Driver Personalization allows multiple drivers to maintain their preferred settings. The system adjusts seat position, mirror angles, and display preferences automatically when switching drivers, eliminating manual readjustment.

Reserve Your 2026 Mazda CX-5 at King Mazda

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 will be on sale in Spring 2026, bringing Mazda's most advanced infotainment system to the brand's best-selling crossover. The 15.6-inch touchscreen, Google built-in integration, and wireless connectivity address previous concerns about Mazda's technology interface while maintaining the driving dynamics and build quality CX-5 owners expect.

Reserve your 2026 CX-5 today at King Mazda to be among the first to experience the new touchscreen system. Our team can walk you through voice control capabilities, wireless connectivity, and driver personalization features to help you understand how this technology fits your daily driving needs.