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- Denver, CO
Already seeing some complaining from the FB groups about the new infotainment screen just going out completely on some brand new 2026's.
What a dumb design move.
What a dumb design move.
2026 Mazda CX-5: Who’s actually getting one?
- Thread starter Antoine
- Start date
I posted a link to a video in another thread about the 2026 where a mechanic said there area already several TSBs Mazda has put out for the infotainment system.
In addition to having pretty much all functions rolled up into the infotainment system, I'm glad I got a 2025 due to expecting problems with the electronics refresh.
Looks like a flat screen TV on the dash. Won't be long before you'll see people driving and watching movies.
I test drove the new gen CX-5 Preferred today. OMG, what a major improvement!!!
First, the dislikes:
1) It's a bit under powered. It launches well but quickly fades after that. Noticeably weaker than the 2nd gen (but I could live with that since I'm not a hot rodder)
2) Split center console doors, yuck
3) Auto-stop/cylinder deactivation, yuck (but I did not sense it engage/disengage)
4) The center console storage space is smaller than in the Gen 2 (but there is a little bit more space in the glove box now due to an added small shelf)
Now the good stuff:
1) It's considerably larger in the front area, backseat area, and back hatch area
2) Excellent head clearance getting in and out of the vehicle from any seat
3) Drives like a dream. Still feels connected but the bumps and chatter are really buffered
4) Steering is much easier and still feels connected, but a little less so
5) The seats are far more comfortable. They are equally supportive throughout
6) The larger center control screen is not as overwhelmingly big as I thought it might be. It's a perfect size actually. The fact that so much is controlled through it would take some learning time though
7) Since there are no longer any climate controls, that space allows for a small storage slot and it also allows for the cup holders to be forward of the shifter which is better than it was, IMO. The old cup holder space is a now a phone spot, possibly a wireless charger?
8) Lower entry into the hatch storage area so you don't have to lift heavy objects as high now
Most of all, it still feels and sounds/chimes/honks like a Mazda. It's more refined and a little bit more quiet in the cabin. A better driving experience. IMO.
First, the dislikes:
1) It's a bit under powered. It launches well but quickly fades after that. Noticeably weaker than the 2nd gen (but I could live with that since I'm not a hot rodder)
2) Split center console doors, yuck
3) Auto-stop/cylinder deactivation, yuck (but I did not sense it engage/disengage)
4) The center console storage space is smaller than in the Gen 2 (but there is a little bit more space in the glove box now due to an added small shelf)
Now the good stuff:
1) It's considerably larger in the front area, backseat area, and back hatch area
2) Excellent head clearance getting in and out of the vehicle from any seat
3) Drives like a dream. Still feels connected but the bumps and chatter are really buffered
4) Steering is much easier and still feels connected, but a little less so
5) The seats are far more comfortable. They are equally supportive throughout
6) The larger center control screen is not as overwhelmingly big as I thought it might be. It's a perfect size actually. The fact that so much is controlled through it would take some learning time though
7) Since there are no longer any climate controls, that space allows for a small storage slot and it also allows for the cup holders to be forward of the shifter which is better than it was, IMO. The old cup holder space is a now a phone spot, possibly a wireless charger?
8) Lower entry into the hatch storage area so you don't have to lift heavy objects as high now
Most of all, it still feels and sounds/chimes/honks like a Mazda. It's more refined and a little bit more quiet in the cabin. A better driving experience. IMO.
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- Denver, CO
I noticed a huge difference even in launch between my gen 1 and some gen 2 loaners I have driven. If there's a difference between gen 2 and 3 that is noticeable too, then ouch.
I was at the dealership today getting my wife’s CX-50 H a normal service and the new firmware loaded for the hybrid system.
I looked at the new CX-5s and I didn’t care for them. Large and awkward looking. They need more tire under them. The interior is simple which I like but the screen is a deal breaker. It’s just so big. To add it does everything which sucks. I didn’t drive one so I can’t comment on the screen performance.
I thought about writing a check for a new Miata. I love those little cars.
I looked at the new CX-5s and I didn’t care for them. Large and awkward looking. They need more tire under them. The interior is simple which I like but the screen is a deal breaker. It’s just so big. To add it does everything which sucks. I didn’t drive one so I can’t comment on the screen performance.
I thought about writing a check for a new Miata. I love those little cars.
One thing that hasn't been mentioned and it was brought up in some of the online reviews. If you go with the lower trims without the large screen, you'll have to deal with the icons on the display being smaller. Mazda didn't write the software to take into account the need to increase the icon size for the smaller screen.
Yes the icons are smaller but they are of specific, instantly recognizable shapes that anyone into cars would have no issues with. I test drove a Preferred with the (smaller) 12.9" screen. It wasn't as big as pictures make it seem. In fact it is not the main focus of the dashboard, which was refreshing. Only the top level Premium Plus has a bigger center screen at 15.6". THAT, to me, would be distracting...
You're not getting my point. The icons were sized only for the larger screen. With the smaller screen, the icons did not maintain the size they are with the larger screen. While the icons are still recognizable but smaller, it creates another issue where you have to be very precise with hitting the icon with the smaller screen. And this was mentioned in a review I watched, the smaller icons combined with no area where you can rest or grab on to to steady your hand, it can make using the infotainment system frustrating.
The bigger picture is most people will be buying the lower trim levels. With the absence of physical buttons and the icons being small, you're now creating more distractions where the driver is not paying attention to the road.
This icon issue is a big fail when you're forcing the use of the screen for all functions.
I am a wizard with long, pointed fingertips. My contact patch is the size of a nail tip, therefore the "smaller screen", which really isn't small, will be no problem for me. YMMV.
On your other thought regarding going to touch screen controls in a car, I couldn't agree more with you, but that's where the automotive world (the entire modern world) is headed, like it or not. Me, I am completely against the computer age. It has done nothing but created stress by making each of us capable of doing more things in a given moment. We were doing fine in the 1980s and further back. Now, all I see is zombies of all ages, mostly younger, walking around with their faces buried in their hand held device. Will changing car functions to touch screen control cause more accident? ABSOLUTELY, 1000%!
I have a CX50 and a CX5. My wife likes the CX5 cup holder spots better in the old CX5 because height is never an issue. She can put tall water bottles and drinks in the CX5 without them hitting the dash. I don't like the tall drinks in the CX5 because they hit my arm (straws). I think the best option is putting them on the passenger side in tandem so the don't interfere with the shifter. That won't work when the car is made for left and right drive models like the CX5. The CX50 is a left drive only car because it is for the NA market and China.
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- Denver, CO
Yes, but also no. Other manufacturers have already figured out that putting everything on a touchscreen is bad design and are walking it back. Subaru comes to mind here. Mazda will figure it out too.
Go to any community for manufacturers doing all touchscreen controls and it's all the same complaints between laggy performance, bad firmware bricking the thing, and any other myriad of issues that crop up. I think over time, Mazda will be no different. It's a bad design trend that will hopefully pass in the future.
In the meantime, me who doesn't like it will just keep driving my 2014. There's no way I'd ever be interested in buying a gen 3. If it's not the touchscreen, it's the fact it's a much heavier CX-5 than mine, yet the same exact engine. If I noticed the acceleration difference quite easily with a gen 2, can't imagine how much I'd hate it on a gen 3.
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It would be great if you could start a dedicated thread for your new 2026…I know I’ll be subscribing!Hi everyone!
I bought the PP last Thursday and was in service already the next day! Screen went totally blank after only a few hours of ownership! (Telematic Malfuntion) Nothing they can do, service stated that Mazda is aware of the problem and is working on a fix, then they told me to come pick up the car and just drive it as is!
I know someone here did mention that there has been posts about problems already, this is true, many many people reporting the same.
The problem with sending me home, is that 99% of the controls are on the touchscreen. Plus, you get this loud 3 beeps all the time and the dash has also lit up light as Christmas tree. The service department told me that a fix could be tomorrow or month's from now. After doing some research, I found some other owners who were able to take delivery a couple months ago and they have already been waiting month's for an update. I don't know if this is just specific to the PP or the smaller info screen too? But just about everyone who posts the black screen has a PP. There are some people who initially post that, well there car is fine, only to repost in a few days that they too, have the Black Screen of Death.
Another problem, is they force you to download the App so you can have remote start, and the App doesn't work either! Then they are going to charge you $10 a month after the trial period?? LOL
I wouldn't buy one right now, or maybe buy a 2025 instead or wait until 2027?? My dealer refuses to take it back! Nice of Mazda to use us as their Guinea Pigs!
I bought the PP last Thursday and was in service already the next day! Screen went totally blank after only a few hours of ownership! (Telematic Malfuntion) Nothing they can do, service stated that Mazda is aware of the problem and is working on a fix, then they told me to come pick up the car and just drive it as is!
I know someone here did mention that there has been posts about problems already, this is true, many many people reporting the same.
The problem with sending me home, is that 99% of the controls are on the touchscreen. Plus, you get this loud 3 beeps all the time and the dash has also lit up light as Christmas tree. The service department told me that a fix could be tomorrow or month's from now. After doing some research, I found some other owners who were able to take delivery a couple months ago and they have already been waiting month's for an update. I don't know if this is just specific to the PP or the smaller info screen too? But just about everyone who posts the black screen has a PP. There are some people who initially post that, well there car is fine, only to repost in a few days that they too, have the Black Screen of Death.
Another problem, is they force you to download the App so you can have remote start, and the App doesn't work either! Then they are going to charge you $10 a month after the trial period?? LOL
I wouldn't buy one right now, or maybe buy a 2025 instead or wait until 2027?? My dealer refuses to take it back! Nice of Mazda to use us as their Guinea Pigs!
Mine already went out!
HyFlyer
2019 CX5 sig 2.2 diesel / 2016.5 CX5 touring 2.5na
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- Southwest Ohio
Hmmmmm, I wonder if (even though the screen is blank) would the "voice command" still work for controlling HVAC, radio etc ?
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- MA
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- 2025 CX-5 Preferred in White
where are these posts that you're reading...i would like to read as well
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