The 2023 Mazda CX-50 Is a CX-5 That Stands Out More

I think we can all agree that if Mazda has "declared war on touchscreens" that bodes well for keeping climate controls as physical buttons, at least in Mazdas

Mazda is right on the touch screen. Once you get used to the wheel, it's far more intuitive and you can do most everything without even looking at the screen. Kudos to Mazda for standing their (correct) ground.

Not having a touch screen is a HUGE plus in my opinion. In fact, I love how small the whole setup is.

I still disagree with the touch screen argument. With a dedicated controller, you can use it from memory without looking at the screen once you have learned it. Car reviewers always say how much easier the touch screens are because they are constantly reviewing a new car every week but the customer is going to own the vehicle for years. Once they have conquered the learning curve of the proprietary controller, they are likely easier to use while driving instead of a touch screen that only has visual feedback.

I just rented a CX-9 for a week. I was surprised by the premium feel of the interior and the use of a knob vs. a touchscreen was a non-issue. After one day, it was easy to use and I knew f I had owned the car vs. rent and personalized the experience, it would be my preference for a UI. I agree with Mazda.

I’ve found Mazdas user interface with the knob is quick and easy to use. I actually prefer it better than the touch screen. Honestly it’s a non issue and won’t impact your enjoyment of the car.

Been driving a 2016 mazda3 for about a year now and I honestly love not having a touch screen because I never get finger prints on the screen it always looks brand new. Also very happy to see Mazda’s gauge clusters are still analog. Love having a little screen surrounded by analog gauges, makes the car feel more like a car

Doug never mentioned the added things Mazda did like this is the first Mazda SUV with a panoramic sunroof and the fact that they strengthened the pillars to be able strap heavy loads to the roof such as roof tents. Adds to the whole ruggedness and I think that's pretty cool. I also agree with Mazda. Have a Mazda 3 and don't miss the touchscreen one bit. I sit in other cars and automatically reach for a non existent knob

11:33 "Touchscreens are just more familiar to the customer." I can understand preferring touchscreens over the alternative, but regardless of whether Mazda is right or wrong, I don't see why that would be the case. Most driving-aged people will have a: - TV, with a remote - Console with a controller - PC with a keyboard and mouse - Laptop with a trackpad People are familiar with touchscreens, sure. They are also familiar with buttons and joysticks.

Mazdas pretty right though about touchscreen infotainments in a car. It's the reason we're not supposed to be on our phones while driving after all it's definitely something I think we should commend them for since they're really thinking about the safety of the driver

Had one of these as a loaner last week. I much prefer the non touch system to a touch screen. It is very nice and comfortable and easier to keep my eyes on the road. I love touch screens, but this system is far superior in my experience.

I really appreciate how Mazda makes an honest effort to do their own thing - very much a refreshing take on the sea of sameness out there.

As the happy owner of a CX-5 - Mazda is right about the touchscreen. Yes, I had to get familiar with the knob, but my eyes stay on the road, I now know the system and can everything I need with the knob better than the touchscreen. The controls on the center console are right where my hand is. For a car reviewer who doesn't spend enough time with the car to really learn this stuff and have it become routine I can understand how Doug wouldn't like it. When the car is your daily driver for an extended period? It's the best system I've ever used.

Mazda are the Nintendo of cars lol, just off doing their own thing. I love this. Also I have a Mazda3 currently and don't miss the touchscreen at all, I prefer the knob.

"Even 3/4 of its name, it shares with the CX-5" This is why I am subscribed to you, Doug.

I got my CX-50 a little over a month ago (polymetal gray ext/terracotta int in the turbo premium trim). I absolutely love the feel of driving the vehicle. One thing I wish Doug would have done is drive it in sport mode. That mode is a lot more responsive with acceleration, there's a big difference between normal and sport. Big. Everything else he said is pretty spot on. It feels fantastic inside (mine also has cooled seats) and the knob system for the infotainment needs is intuitive after a day. I have Android auto and I don't have a single fingerprint on my screen. I never touch it regardless because I like the feel of using the knob for whatever I need. Happy as hell I bought that car.

I remember back in 2017 when I was working at an auction and I drove a newer Mazda with the updated interiors. It blew me away. Mazda knows how to make a luxurious interior

As a Mazda owner the knob is way better than touch screen. I can use it as a touch screen when Parked but I still prefer the knob

I have the same infotainment on the CX-30 and Love the knob control: it’s super fast to get anywhere in the menus and really doesn’t take long to get used to it. It genuinely feels safer and I don’t miss at all a touch screen.

Coming from someone who has a CX-30 the infotainment system controls become so familiar after such a short time it becomes second nature to use the knobs. While for someone who doesn’t own one but only uses it sometimes (reviewers, rental car users, etc) it may seem more difficult than touchscreen I can say it become so easy and fluid after a short time of daily driving ot!