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Mazda Adjusts Position on Touchscreens, Asserts They Are More Secure Than Traditional Buttons

By sparta 18/06/2026

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Good morning. This is The Downshift, or TDS for short, The Drive‘s morning news digest that compiles all the major automotive headlines from around the world and puts them in one place.

Here’s a brief overview of what’s trending along with links for complete stories for those craving additional details as we transition into Thursday, June 18, 2026.

🔊 The newest episode of The Drivecast, The Drive’s weekly podcast, is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen to your podcasts.

📱 Mazda, the car manufacturer that previously insisted touchscreens were hazardous and distracting while physical buttons were safer, has reversed its position; Koichiro Yamaguchi, the program manager for the CX-5, stated, “Air conditioning can be operated with a finger, and if we have to include a physical button, it will be positioned lower. Then the driver must look down, dealing with 15 similarly looking switches. This means you would rather have to look down and choose the right button—essentially requiring the driver [to take their eyes] off the road. Therefore, instead, it’s preferable to manage this control on the screen—reducing this change [distraction].”

🐏 Ram is targeting 60% sales growth by 2030 as part of Stellantis’ revival plans; this would position the truck manufacturer ahead of Jeep as the company’s volume leader in North America and make it the most significant brand.

🇺🇸 Jaguar Land Rover is reportedly considering producing vehicles at U.S.-based Stellantis plants, including a U.S.-specific Defender, to bypass import tariffs.

🇺🇸 Ford’s latest Super Duty launch features a Proud to Honor Package that is a rolling homage to America as if America were a stick-on graphics package.

🐴 Ferrari, unsurprisingly, is reportedly encouraging its clients to purchase the Luce EV if they wish to advance and improve their standing on the waitlists for its more exclusive gas-powered models.

🔋 The EPA rating for the Jeep Recon has emerged as 222 miles of range per charge; unsurprisingly, it seems the Recon will not be efficient or possess impressive range, despite its substantial 100-kWh battery pack.

🔌 Telo’s compact electric truck is set to charge remarkably quickly thanks to technology that configures the 400-volt battery pack in parallel, allowing for a 400-kW peak charge rate on an 800-volt charger.

🏎️ The inaugural GMA T.50s Niki Lauda supercar has made its debut, and it’s a showstopper.

🚕 Waymo has recalled nearly 4,000 self-driving robotaxis to prevent them from entering highway construction zones.

🚖 Uber intends to expand its premium robotaxi service to Houston, Texas in 2027.

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**Mazda Adjusts View on Touchscreens, Asserts They Are Safer Than Physical Buttons**

In a notable change in automotive design philosophy, Mazda has recently altered its perspective on the utilization of touchscreens in vehicles, claiming they could be safer than conventional physical buttons. This adjustment aligns with a broader trend within the automotive sector, where manufacturers are progressively incorporating advanced technologies into vehicle interfaces.

Historically, Mazda has approached touchscreens with caution, often preferring physical controls for their tactile feedback and straightforward use while driving. The company has underscored the necessity of reducing driver distraction and maintaining focus on the road. However, recent studies and advancements in touchscreen technology have compelled Mazda to revisit its stance.

Mazda’s refreshed viewpoint is founded on the belief that modern touchscreens, especially those crafted with user experience in mind, can enhance safety by offering a more intuitive interface. The company contends that touchscreens can alleviate the cognitive load on drivers by merging multiple functions into a single display, thus simplifying the interaction process. This could potentially lead to fewer distractions compared to a variety of physical buttons spread throughout the cabin.

Additionally, Mazda emphasizes advancements in haptic feedback technology, which enables touchscreens to mimic the sensation of pressing a button. This innovation can provide drivers with the comfort of tactile feedback, facilitating easier control operation without diverting their gaze from the road. The incorporation of voice recognition and gesture controls further aids this transition, allowing drivers to engage with their vehicles in a hands-free manner.

Mazda’s dedication to safety goes beyond just the interface; the company is also concentrating on the overall design of its infotainment systems. By prioritizing user-friendly layouts and reducing the number of steps needed to access essential functions, Mazda seeks to create a more seamless driving experience. The company believes that a well-crafted touchscreen can bolster situational awareness, enabling drivers to maintain their focus on the road while still obtaining necessary information.

Critics of touchscreens often highlight the risk of increased distraction, particularly if drivers must avert their eyes from the road to interact with the display. In retaliation, Mazda is incorporating features that encourage safer usage, including larger icons, simplified menus, and customizable layouts that allow drivers to prioritize frequently used functions.

As Mazda introduces its revamped infotainment systems in forthcoming models, the automotive community will be monitoring the effects of this shift on driver safety and user experience. The company’s readiness to embrace new technologies while remaining focused on safety illustrates the changing dynamics of the automotive industry, where striking a balance between innovation and driver engagement continues to be an essential consideration.

In summary, Mazda’s alteration in position on touchscreens signifies a significant development in its approach to vehicle design. By adopting contemporary technology and placing safety at the forefront, Mazda aims to improve the driving experience while tackling concerns regarding driver distraction. As the industry progresses, the success of this new philosophy will be evaluated in practical scenarios, influencing the future of automotive interfaces.