Mazda touch screenAn official statement came from the senior managers of the brand about its infrastructure and the future of physical buttons in cars, which is a game-changer and divides the branch into two. The Japanese automotive giant, which until now has persistently maintained physical buttons and circular control systems in the cockpit in order not to distract the driver, has made a radical change in its new generation vehicle designs. Company managers argue that the control system provided through digital panels is actually much more reliable compared to classical buttons.

In the introduced new 2026 model Mazda CX-5 model, the brand positioned a horizontal and huge digital panel on the console, reminiscent of Tesla models, and completely eliminated almost all mechanical buttons, including sound and temperature settings.

“Physical Buttons Take the Eye Off the Road More”

Contrary to the general belief in the automotive world, Mazda manager Yamaguchi argues that having too many physical buttons on the console is not as reliable as it is thought. Stating that in classical buildings, drivers have to look down to find the right button, the manager states that trying to choose between 15 different similar buttons takes the driver’s eyes off the road and causes a significant distraction.

Arguing that gathering the controls on a single, clear digital screen minimizes distraction, Yamaguchi emphasizes that this new console architecture increases driving safety.

While some manufacturers in the automotive industry are trying to bring back the buttons they removed in their new generation vehicles in order to increase safety, Mazda’s defense of digital panels with an opposite argument has started a new debate in the industry.

The Door is Being Kept Open According to User Feedback

In the statements made by the company’s North American operations, it was stated that market research conducted revealed that the majority of consumers now want to see larger digital panels in their vehicles. But with a radical transition Mazda touch screenFocusing on its architecture, the brand adds that they will not turn a deaf ear to the voice of their loyal user base.

Stating that they attach great importance to feedback from drivers, officials say that if they receive significant complaints or negative feedback in practical use, they are completely open to the idea of ​​​​including physical buttons in the cockpit in the future. It is already a matter of great curiosity how this major design transformation, which started with the new 187 horsepower CX-5, will affect the brand’s global sales charts and user satisfaction.