The 2026 Mazda CX-5 Ushers in a New Era of Technology

We live in a day and age in which digital displays and HD cameras are as common in cars as crop fields are in East Windsor, Connecticut. However, there’s always room for improvement, which is why you might notice something new when looking for a 2026 Mazda CX-5 for sale near East Windsor.

For years, the Mazda Connect™ infotainment system has been navigated via a tool known as the Commander Knob. With the debut of the 2026 Mazda CX-5 comes an all-new touchscreen system that completely replaces the old Commander Knob.

It’s a major change, but Mazda has made this update with an improved driver experience in mind. In fact, the absence of the Commander Knob is just one of the many changes in the new CX-5.

Let’s take a moment to look at all of the innovation the 2026 Mazda CX-5 has to offer, and why it might be time for you to check out this cleverly engineered compact SUV.

What Was the Commander Knob, and Why Is It Gone?

If you’re new to the Mazda family, the “Commander Knob” may be an unfamiliar term. Essentially, this is the name of the physical dial used to navigate the infotainment system in Mazda models since 2014.

At first glance, a rotary dial interface for your car’s infotainment system may seem as out of place as extra cheese on a New Haven pizza, but there is a reason behind its existence. When the Commander Knob was developed, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto weren’t common in cars. Mazda developed the Mazda Connect™ interface, which made operating the system via turning a dial more intuitive. And the Commander Knob remained.

Over time, Mazda has received feedback about the Commander Knob compared to the now-familiar touchscreen setup. Especially when it comes to integrating smartphone mirroring. With the 2026 CX-5, a touchscreen will now be used to operate the system.

For long-time Mazda drivers, there may be a learning curve when navigating the new touchscreen. However, as Matthew Valbuena, Mazda’s project manager of in-vehicle technologies and human machine interfaces, noted:

“Even though our approach to the solution may be different than what we have done previously, the goal is the same—it’s how do we give the driver the connectivity and the features they are looking for, but in a safe way that does not distract their driving.”

The result? You can feel safe changing your tunes while navigating the Route 5 corridor at rush hour.

What Is In Its Place?

Mazda genuinely put a great deal of thought and detail into its new infotainment system. The Mazda Connect™ system of previous generations has been replaced with an entirely new experience.

Along with the standard 12.9-inch or available 15.6-inch touchscreen display in the 2026 Mazda CX-5, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard.

So is Google built-in, giving you access to real-time traffic and navigation information, along with the ability to sign into your individual Google account to save preferences and locations. You can select music and video streaming apps from the Google Play Store to personalize your dashboard.

Furthermore, once Google Gemini is released to automobiles, Mazda plans to include its integration with the Google built-in system, too, allowing your car to act as your personal assistant.

But the touchscreen isn’t the only way to access the infotainment system. The steering wheel in the 2026 Mazda CX-5 features buttons for selecting media sources, exterior camera views, and more. With a little practice, you’ll be able to operate the system without taking your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel.

What Other Tech Goodies Are in the 2026 Mazda CX-5?

When you think of innovative technology, your mind may not immediately drift towards all-wheel drive mechanics, but this is actually one of the first things that comes to mind when specifically considering the Mazda CX-5.

Each and every 2026 CX-5 includes Mazda’s i-Activ AWD® technology, which uses a system of sensors throughout the vehicle to detect wheel slip or loss of control, which can be handy when you need to get to work or school during a February Nor’easter.

But there’s more, of course. The introductory 2.5 S trim is outfitted with plenty of accessories to both entertain you and give you a little extra peace of mind. The 40/20/40 split rear seat reclines on all trims, and eight speakers distribute music through the cabin. The driver and the front passenger also have independent air conditioning controls.

Safety comes standard in the form of several advanced driver assistance technology features. From Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist to Blind Spot Monitoring and Forward Turn-Across Traffic Braking, the Mazda CX-5 is equally ideal for small-town and highway driving. Traffic Sign Recognition and Mazda Radar Cruise Control, which offers assistance in keeping the speed limit, help keep drivers on their A-game.

But there are also safety tech features that make the Mazda CX-5 a great car for a tight-knit community like East Windsor. Front and rear parking sensors, along with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Pedestrian Detection, are also standard, making warm Saturday afternoons in East Windsor less tense.

What Kind of Cool Tech Comes in Higher Trims?

But there are just the features that come standard on the 2026 Mazda CX-5 base model. With the 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium, and 2.5 S Premium Plus trims, the CX-5 has more and more to offer as you climb the trims.

Some cool tech features, like a wireless charger, become available at the 2.5 S Select trim. However, it’s the 2.5 S Preferred trim where things start getting technologically interesting.

For drivers who believe comfort technology is one of the best advances in the automotive world, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Preferred is equipped with a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support and two-position memory. The 2.5 S Premium and 2.5 S Premium Plus trims extend the power adjustments to the front passenger as well. Also on board are a heated steering wheel and full-color Active Driving Display.

Naturally, the 2.5 S Premium and 2.5 S Premium Plus trims have some of the most brilliant uses of modern technology in the entire 2026 Mazda CX-5 lineup. Some of this adds to the overall enjoyability of the ride, like ventilated front seats and heated rear seats.

The 2.5 S Premium Plus trim comes with the larger 15.6-inch touchscreen as standard equipment. In addition to its infotainment duties, this screen broadcasts views from the 360º View Monitor, which now includes views under the body of the vehicle and with mirrors folded.

There’s also a hands-free lift gate at the S Premium Plus level, allowing easy access to the 33.7 cubic foot cargo area. Those who like to frequent the fantastic array of markets around East Windsor fear not: this space extends to 66.5 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

A New Frontier of Mazda Technology

Though the Commander Knob will surely be missed by many, it’s clear that Mazda has a lot of new ideas in store for its lineup, starting with the 2026 Mazda CX-5. With its new touchscreens, fresh infotainment interface, Google built-in, and so much more to enjoy, you’ll be eager to learn what all the buttons do. And with the comfort and style offered by the 2026 Mazda CX-5, you won’t mind spending the time behind the wheel learning, either.