Table of Contents
Reimagining the In‑Vehicle Experience
When Mazda unveiled the 2026 CX‑5, the focus was not just on styling or performance but on how drivers interact with their cars. Matthew Babuena, a Mazda R&D engineer, explains that the new model brings a fully integrated Google‑built infotainment system that blends voice, touch, and steering‑wheel controls into a single, intuitive interface. The goal is to make the vehicle feel like an extension of the driver’s smartphone, but with the safety and convenience of a dedicated in‑car system.
Google Built‑In: A Seamless Bridge to the Digital World
The CX‑5’s most noticeable change is the inclusion of Google Maps and Google Assistant directly inside the vehicle. Because the system is “native to the vehicle,” users can access the same familiar gestures they use on their phones—pinch to zoom, swipe, and two‑finger tilt—without having to learn new shortcuts. When a driver signs into the same Google account that they use on their phone or computer, favorites, starred places, and planned trips appear instantly on the car’s display.
For example, a quick search for a favorite taco spot pulls up the restaurant’s name, address, and rating, all pulled from the driver’s Google account. The system also supports voice commands such as “Hey Google, set the temperature to 68°” or “Hey Google, play 90s on Sirius XM.” These commands work whether the driver is in the driver’s seat, the passenger’s seat, or even using the steering‑wheel microphone icon.
Multimodal Controls: Touch, Voice, and Steering‑Wheel Integration
One of the key design philosophies behind the CX‑5’s interface is multimodal control. The steering wheel now hosts a dedicated source‑selection button that lets drivers choose between Spotify, Sirius XM, or the car’s built‑in radio without cycling through menus. The same button also reveals a list of available sources, making it easier to switch while keeping the driver’s eyes on the road.
Touchscreen controls remain central, but the system also offers a “small row of icons” above the temperature display for quick adjustments to seat ventilation, heated steering wheel, and airflow mode. If a driver wants a deeper dive into the HVAC settings, a simple flick up gesture expands the full screen interface. This layered approach means that a casual user can tweak the temperature with a tap, while a more engaged user can fine‑tune every setting from a single screen.
Voice control is equally robust. The driver can say “Hey Google, turn up the volume” or “Hey Google, activate 360‑view mode.” The system also supports Android Auto and CarPlay, so users can plug in their phones wirelessly and still access their favorite apps, whether they’re built into the car or added via Google Play.
Customizable Home Screen and App Ecosystem
Beyond the core navigation and media functions, the CX‑5 offers a highly customizable home screen. Drivers can rearrange widgets, remove ones they don’t use, and prioritize the most relevant information. The built‑in Google Play Store gives access to over 300 third‑party apps, including Amazon Prime Video, SoundCloud, Audible, YouTube, and even gaming titles like Beach Buggy Racing 2.
Because the system is built on Google’s platform, it can display real‑time metadata on the gauge cluster. When a new song starts on Spotify or a new channel is selected on Sirius XM, the title and artist appear on the cluster, allowing the driver to keep their eyes on the road while still staying informed.
For safety and convenience, the vehicle’s interior graphics are interactive. Touching the brake icon lights it up, and opening a door triggers a visual cue. When the car is stopped and playing video or gaming content, the screen overlays the entire display, but users can still access climate controls via voice or a quick swipe.
Future‑Ready Design and User‑Centric Philosophy
Mazda’s approach reflects a broader trend toward treating the car as a connected ecosystem rather than a standalone machine. By integrating Google services, offering multimodal input, and allowing extensive customization, the CX‑5 aims to reduce the time drivers spend interacting with the infotainment system—often an hour or more during long commutes—while keeping safety at the forefront.
With the steering‑wheel controls now handling drive‑mode selection, 360‑view monitoring, and parking sensors, drivers can adjust settings without taking their hands off the wheel. The system’s design also anticipates future updates, as the Google Play Store will continue to expand the app library, ensuring the vehicle remains relevant as new services emerge.
Mazda’s design philosophy mirrors the simplicity of a new smartphone. When a driver first turns on the system, a quick‑start guide appears, showing how to connect, charge, and use the main features. The interface is intentionally intuitive, so users who are unfamiliar with the car’s controls can navigate the system with the same gestures they use on their phone, reducing the learning curve and keeping the focus on driving.
Looking ahead, Mazda plans to keep the CX‑5’s infotainment platform flexible. The integration of Google Play means that as new apps and services become available, they can be added without a hardware change. This future‑proofing ensures that the vehicle can evolve alongside the rapidly changing landscape of connected car technology.
In short, the 2026 CX‑5 redefines in‑vehicle interaction by marrying familiar smartphone gestures with a robust, voice‑first, and highly customizable interface. The result is a car that feels both intuitive and powerful, ready to adapt to the evolving needs of modern drivers.