In the past, many Mazda cars lacked touchscreen capabilities, which were particularly needed for Android Auto and CarPlay functionalities. While the "commander knob" worked well with Mazda's native OS, it wasn't optimized for phone-based platforms, leading to some inconvenience for users.
With the upcoming 2024 Mazda CX-5, this limitation is being addressed, as the 10.25-inch infotainment display will now offer both touchscreen and multi-function commander knob controls. The touchscreen will work seamlessly with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, enhancing the overall user experience.
Mazda plans to roll out this touchscreen upgrade across all trims of the 2024 CX-5. However, it's important to note that this improvement won't affect existing Mazda owners, as some past models already had touchscreens. Still, this move indicates a possible trend toward adopting touchscreen input in future Mazda vehicles.
In the U.S., the 2024 Mazda CX-5 will hit dealerships this fall with prices starting at $29,300. This update is welcome news for those who value seamless integration with Android Auto and CarPlay in their driving experience.
Source: Mazda
