Enhancements Required for Mazda’s Infotainment System to Achieve Its Maximum Potential

Earlier this week, I detailed how Mazda finally acknowledged that its infotainment system is subpar. The influx of feedback from our comment section, as well as Reddit, was immediate. Some users mentioned they adapted to the scroll-wheel interface after some time, while others were quick to return rental cars when they discovered the system lacked a touchscreen.

Your concerns have been heard. Currently, I’m driving a 2026 CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid. I was also recently in both the CX-70 and CX-50 Hybrid models. Last summer, I took a road trip in the CX-90 equipped with the turbo-six. Over time, I’ve spent many hours with various versions of Mazda’s infotainment system as screens got larger, resolutions improved, and Apple CarPlay was incorporated. Accordingly, here’s my take on how Mazda could have rectified its system.

To begin with, it didn’t need to eliminate the scroll wheel, quick function buttons, or the volume knob. All of these elements could have been retained. As mentioned, Mazdas with the larger 12.3-inch displays do have touchscreens, yet the touch features are disabled unless the vehicle is in Park and outside of the CarPlay interface. Users can navigate into the menu to activate touch functionality while driving, but it remains restricted to CarPlay.

The trouble is that the displays are positioned on the dashboard like tablets, and they are too distant for most users, myself included, to reach comfortably—all of it being the screen. The screen itself isn’t positioned for regular touch interaction since the system wasn’t designed with that in mind.

Mazda’s native infotainment interface isn’t touch-responsive, can’t be modified to be touch-responsive, and truly mirrors earlier iterations of BMW iDrive and Audi’s MMI systems.

Replacing everything with a 15.6-inch touchscreen devoid of a volume knob in the new 2026 CX-5 is the complete opposite and surely saves costs for Mazda. The climate control buttons in current models are fantastic, featuring toggles and buttons that provide a gratifying click.

Mazda could have resolved its infotainment system shortcomings by simply bringing the screens closer to the front-seat occupants, enabling comprehensive touch functionality, and revamping the native interface for a more modern user experience. Hyundai’s tile-based interface, which features iPad-like icons, serves as an excellent starting point. Maintain the scroll wheel and volume knob, as well as the hot keys. Users could utilize them for swift adjustments or for navigating audio in a podcast or music track.

A balanced approach would have involved repositioning the current hardware while providing a modern interface. I understand your frustration, Internet. The problem lies not in the hardware; it’s in the software, screen placement, and Mazda’s all-or-nothing strategy.

Even Cadillac features an iPad-like interface enriched by a screen wheel, volume knob, and function keys in its EVs and the new Escalade. It doesn’t need to be this convoluted.

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**Enhancements Required for Mazda’s Infotainment System for Optimal Performance**

Mazda has positioned itself as a brand synonymous with driving enjoyment and cutting-edge design. However, one aspect that has faced critique is its infotainment system. Though functional, several enhancements are essential for Mazda’s infotainment system to achieve its maximum potential and improve the overall driving experience.

**1. User Interface Improvement**

The existing user interface (UI) of Mazda’s infotainment system tends to be cluttered and counterintuitive. A more refined design featuring clearer icons and a more logical menu arrangement would bolster usability. Streamlining the layout and lessening the number of steps needed to access functions can help drivers concentrate on the road rather than sifting through intricate menus.

**2. Touchscreen Capability**

Numerous competitors have adopted touchscreen technology to facilitate more intuitive interaction. Mazda’s system primarily depends on a rotary controller, which can be unwieldy during driving. Integrating a responsive touchscreen alongside the rotary controller would provide users with greater interaction options, allowing for quicker access to navigation, music, and other features.

**3. Enhanced Voice Recognition**

Voice recognition technology has progressed notably in recent years, yet Mazda’s system remains behind the curve. Boosting the precision and responsiveness of voice commands would enable drivers to manage various functions without diverting attention from the wheel. Improved natural language processing could also support more conversational interactions, rendering the system feel more user-friendly.

**4. Smartphone Integration Improvement**

Though Mazda provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the integration could be more cohesive. Ensuring that these features function seamlessly and are easy to access would empower users to utilize their smartphones’ capabilities more effectively. Furthermore, offering wireless connectivity for these systems would remove the inconvenience of cables and enhance convenience.

**5. Regular Navigation System Updates**

The built-in navigation system necessitates consistent updates to stay relevant. Mazda should contemplate providing more frequent updates or a straightforward approach for users to refresh their maps and software. Incorporating real-time traffic data and alternate route suggestions would greatly improve the navigation functionality.

**6. Customization Features**

Drivers have varied preferences regarding infotainment functionalities. Introducing more customization possibilities, such as adjustable display settings, personalized shortcuts, and customizable home screens, would empower users to adapt the system to their unique needs and preferences.

**7. Enhanced Audio Quality**

The audio systems in Mazda vehicles, while generally commendable, could benefit from enhancements in sound fidelity and speaker placement. Collaborating with premium audio brands to offer upgraded sound systems would appeal to audiophiles and elevate the overall driving experience.

**8. Connectivity and Performance Optimization**

Connection issues can impede the performance of the infotainment system. Guaranteeing a stable and swift connection to mobile networks and Wi-Fi would enhance streaming capabilities and overall responsiveness. Additionally, optimizing the system’s performance to minimize lag and improve load times would boost user satisfaction.

**Conclusion**

Mazda’s infotainment system has the potential to be a standout attribute in its vehicles, but various enhancements are critical for elevating it to the standard of its rivals. By concentrating on user interface design, enhancing voice recognition, refining smartphone integration, and offering more customization options, Mazda can deliver a more user-friendly and enjoyable infotainment experience. As technology continues to evolve, prioritizing these improvements will aid Mazda in preserving its reputation for innovation and driver-focused design.