Mazda proved big screens were a mistake — then ruined its best SUV with one

Mazda spent years proving that modern car interiors didn’t need to revolve around giant touchscreens. The outgoing CX-5 was the perfect example, pairing a neatly integrated display with physical climate controls, a rotary controller, and a cabin that felt far more upscale than its mainstream price suggested. It was modern without being distracting, and technology complemented the driving experience rather than dominating it.