Mazda has a new infotainment system that ditches the Commander knob launched a decade ago for a larger touchscreen instead. At the time, Mazda Connect was the company’s vision for controlling the infotainment screen in a way that was “designed for a less distracting and more intuitive in-vehicle operating system.” Now, it’s gone.
No-nonsense, though, the new Mazda Connect with Google Built-In, which debuts in the 2026 CX-5, doesn’t abandon that philosophy, according to Matthew Valbuena, Mazda’s project manager for in-vehicle technologies and human-machine interface. As Valbuena points out. Motor 1the CX-5’s new technology aims to keep drivers focused.
“Mazda’s driving philosophy is the same,” says Valbuena. “We focus on minimizing driver distraction.”
Photo by: Anthony Alaniz / Motor1
Mazda does this by giving drivers multiple ways to control various vehicle functions, with the steering wheel and voice recognition playing an important role in the experience. The wheel has dedicated buttons for the available 360-degree camera, M-Drive, and media source selector, which Mazda displays in the gauge cluster along with the current track whenever it changes.
The HVAC controls are on the touchscreen, unfortunately, but at least they’re always pinned to the bottom of the screen. That said, you can still use your voice while keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Valbuena compared the company’s two infotainment systems to the iPod Classic and iPod Touch. “Both can do the same thing, but the iPod touch has more flexibility and can do more things than the iPod classic,” he said.
‘Mazda’s driving philosophy is the same. We are focusing on reducing driver distraction.’
And it’s the future flexibility of the Google-based system that appealed to the automaker, given that a lot has changed in infotainment since 2013. Mazda Connect and its dials debuted before the launch of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, two touch-based operating systems, and integration issues arose when Mazda added those features.
Neither was designed to be used with a dial, and the second-generation Mazda Connect launching in 2019 lacked touch capability. After receiving feedback, the automaker fixed it with the CX-50, but the infotainment landscape and customer expectations continued to grow.
Photo by: Anthony Alaniz / Motor1
It’s also touch-based, with Google built-in providing access to more than 350 in-vehicle apps, and Mazda didn’t want the hardware to limit the vehicle’s capabilities. “Trying to control this large variety of apps with a single command knob would be very difficult,” Valbuena said.
Therefore, Mazda tried to find a balance according to its philosophy.
“While our approach to solutions may be different from what we’ve done before, the goal is the same – how do we give the driver the connectivity and features they’re looking for, but in a safe way that doesn’t distract them from driving,” he added.
Photo by: Anthony Alaniz / Motor1
Mazda also wanted to reduce the learning curve for using its infotainment system. With the majority of adults owning a smartphone, they are accustomed to touch-based systems.
“We didn’t want this overly complicated user experience that required reading a large owner’s manual,” Valbuena said. “We wanted to kind of take that leap and go explore, and this system provides that.”
Valbuena would not specify whether the new system will be applied to other models. Mazda, like other automakers, does not discuss future product plans. But he did say that consumers will “see both (Mazda Connect and Mazda Connect with Google built-in) for a long time, but the option is there.”
The company is confident of its new system, introducing it first in its best-selling vehicle. Valbuena believes that “consumer sentiment will fuel demand for its promotion through the lineup.”
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Source: Mazda
