I think we can all agree that if Mazda has "declared war on touchscreens" that bodes well for keeping climate controls as physical buttons, at least in Mazdas

Mazda is right on the touch screen. Once you get used to the wheel, it's far more intuitive and you can do most everything without even looking at the screen. Kudos to Mazda for standing their (correct) ground.

Not having a touch screen is a HUGE plus in my opinion. In fact, I love how small the whole setup is.

I still disagree with the touch screen argument. With a dedicated controller, you can use it from memory without looking at the screen once you have learned it. Car reviewers always say how much easier the touch screens are because they are constantly reviewing a new car every week but the customer is going to own the vehicle for years. Once they have conquered the learning curve of the proprietary controller, they are likely easier to use while driving instead of a touch screen that only has visual feedback.

I’ve found Mazdas user interface with the knob is quick and easy to use. I actually prefer it better than the touch screen. Honestly it’s a non issue and won’t impact your enjoyment of the car.

I just rented a CX-9 for a week. I was surprised by the premium feel of the interior and the use of a knob vs. a touchscreen was a non-issue. After one day, it was easy to use and I knew f I had owned the car vs. rent and personalized the experience, it would be my preference for a UI. I agree with Mazda.

Doug never mentioned the added things Mazda did like this is the first Mazda SUV with a panoramic sunroof and the fact that they strengthened the pillars to be able strap heavy loads to the roof such as roof tents. Adds to the whole ruggedness and I think that's pretty cool. I also agree with Mazda. Have a Mazda 3 and don't miss the touchscreen one bit. I sit in other cars and automatically reach for a non existent knob

I really appreciate how Mazda makes an honest effort to do their own thing - very much a refreshing take on the sea of sameness out there.

As the happy owner of a CX-5 - Mazda is right about the touchscreen. Yes, I had to get familiar with the knob, but my eyes stay on the road, I now know the system and can everything I need with the knob better than the touchscreen. The controls on the center console are right where my hand is. For a car reviewer who doesn't spend enough time with the car to really learn this stuff and have it become routine I can understand how Doug wouldn't like it. When the car is your daily driver for an extended period? It's the best system I've ever used.

11:33 "Touchscreens are just more familiar to the customer." I can understand preferring touchscreens over the alternative, but regardless of whether Mazda is right or wrong, I don't see why that would be the case. Most driving-aged people will have a: - TV, with a remote - Console with a controller - PC with a keyboard and mouse - Laptop with a trackpad People are familiar with touchscreens, sure. They are also familiar with buttons and joysticks.

Been driving a 2016 mazda3 for about a year now and I honestly love not having a touch screen because I never get finger prints on the screen it always looks brand new. Also very happy to see Mazda’s gauge clusters are still analog. Love having a little screen surrounded by analog gauges, makes the car feel more like a car

I got my CX-50 a little over a month ago (polymetal gray ext/terracotta int in the turbo premium trim). I absolutely love the feel of driving the vehicle. One thing I wish Doug would have done is drive it in sport mode. That mode is a lot more responsive with acceleration, there's a big difference between normal and sport. Big. Everything else he said is pretty spot on. It feels fantastic inside (mine also has cooled seats) and the knob system for the infotainment needs is intuitive after a day. I have Android auto and I don't have a single fingerprint on my screen. I never touch it regardless because I like the feel of using the knob for whatever I need. Happy as hell I bought that car.

Mazdas pretty right though about touchscreen infotainments in a car. It's the reason we're not supposed to be on our phones while driving after all it's definitely something I think we should commend them for since they're really thinking about the safety of the driver

I remember back in 2017 when I was working at an auction and I drove a newer Mazda with the updated interiors. It blew me away. Mazda knows how to make a luxurious interior

Had one of these as a loaner last week. I much prefer the non touch system to a touch screen. It is very nice and comfortable and easier to keep my eyes on the road. I love touch screens, but this system is far superior in my experience.

"Even 3/4 of its name, it shares with the CX-5" This is why I am subscribed to you, Doug.

As a Mazda owner the knob is way better than touch screen. I can use it as a touch screen when Parked but I still prefer the knob

My parents, who are in their 60s, can use the Mazda knob with no problems (including with CarPlay). I don't see it as being a big flaw. Compared to my car, I really do appreciate having the screen in the field of view when I drive their CX-5.

I have the same infotainment on the CX-30 and Love the knob control: it’s super fast to get anywhere in the menus and really doesn’t take long to get used to it. It genuinely feels safer and I don’t miss at all a touch screen.

Coming from someone who has a CX-30 the infotainment system controls become so familiar after such a short time it becomes second nature to use the knobs. While for someone who doesn’t own one but only uses it sometimes (reviewers, rental car users, etc) it may seem more difficult than touchscreen I can say it become so easy and fluid after a short time of daily driving ot!

Mazda are the Nintendo of cars lol, just off doing their own thing. I love this. Also I have a Mazda3 currently and don't miss the touchscreen at all, I prefer the knob.

Odd segment but coolish car. Disagree with your take on touch screens though. A well designed non-touch infotainment definitely decreases road distractions and is more comfortable to use (no reaching to the top of the dash to do anything). Obviously just my opinion but I think it has merit

My buddy chose this over a Genesis GV70. Saved himself almost $20k, and had a far better experience with the dealership

I have the non-turbo preferred plus trim and the interior is still pretty upscale, and the acceleration is perfectly adequate. For a normal person like me that doesn’t drive sports cars all the time, I find it quite fun to drive. It also does well on dirt roads that are in bad shape.

Almost every car journalist / reviewers complain about the lack of a touchscreen because they didn't drive the car not long enough to get used to it. After 1-2weeks I have already developed muscle memory and I guarantee, Mazda's system is easier and faster to do stuff.

I always love when Doug reviews car people can actually afford

I just traded my GLC300 for one of these and I have no regrets! I thoroughly enjoy the styling with my black cladding and 20 inch wheels. I’ve found the infotainment system to be a non-issue. I use Apple CarPlay so it’s always a touch screen except if I’m changing settings in the car. While $40k+ seems like a lot for a non-luxury compact crossover, it’s really not that much more than the competition given how expensive literally everything is these days. The handling is much better than my MB and the heavy steering is no joke, I always feel confident driving it. Not to mention, I know it will be reliable for years to come. It’s a great alternative for those looking to buy a premium crossover. One of my favorite quirky features you can get for the CX-50 is the rooftop tent, in case you ever want to sleep on top of your car!

My 60yo mother just bought a 2021 CX-5 Signature edition last fall. The non-touch screen is simple to use with its main 2 dials, and 3 accompanying buttons on the console. Not to mention the heavenly button operated climate controls. She loves it.

I also agree, touchscreens in vehicles are not the way to go. It's much nicer to navigate without have to reach over to a screen while you are bouncing around and missing the buttons you are trying to hit. It's also much nicer not to have touchscreens in cold climates where many times the screen won't react to people with gloves on and then they are hitting the screen multiple times instead of paying attention to the road.

Mazda's infotainment is the best imo, I've owned the '21 Mazda 3 Turbo Hatch for 2 months now and got used to it in no time I've had a way better time using it than other cars with touch screens

We ordered a CX50 GT turbo , test drove one and was pleasantly happy with the thing and this is coming from a guy who loves big burly V8 trucks and sports cars.

Coming from someone who’s owned two Mazda3s with the commander knobs, they are 100% superior once you spend time and get used to one! No more fingerprints, scratches, fumbling for hard to press buttons, etc. I absolutely love Mazdas system. Audi and BMW have also used very similar concepts in their vehicles and I’ve liked their implementation too.

I’m glad Mazda is going against the grain on the infotainment system. There are many who prefer this type of set up to a touch screen

Doug reviewing normal cars feels right at home for me 😄

Just got a 2024 cx50 and love it. The screen, is perfect. Small and you can turn it off without turning off music or maps on the HUD. The dial is easy to use

I love, LOVE that they are sticking with knobs and not going with a touch screen, this is actually a huge plus and will tilt me towards buying a Mazda over another brand (all else being equal)

Mazda might be right with the non- touchscreen interface. It is starting to be a big thing in Europe. Accidents are happening more often (Up 50 percent in Norway) and experts are questioning touchscreens and lack of buttons.

Considering that a lot of the vehicles Doug has reviewed has had the dial infotainment control, you would think he’d be used to it

I cannot emphasize enough how stunning this car is ❤ Wish we had it in S.A 🇿🇦

A+ vote FOR the touchscreen. I have a 2020 CX5. I read all the knocks on the touchscreen before buying, and I have to say I’m now a fan. No more reaching towards the dash. That movement is hazardous because you’re moving your body and eyes away from the road. With the wheel, you may have an extra click but you’re not distracted from the road. It’s like using a computer mouse. You pick it up quickly.

2:53 biggest deal about platform which you don't mention is that CX-5 has multi-link rear suspension, while CX-50 has torsion bean (which is very questionable for this car class) 18:58 if you don't fill up this car's gas, most likely they've filled regular gas instead of premium. Mazda says this engine gives 256hp only with premium has, while it is only 220hp with regular. I'm quite sure most owners fill regular these days with 5$+ gas price in California

Mazda's lineup has always felt strange to me. They keep their offerings relatively slim compared to other manufacturers, but then come out with models like this that are barely differentiated from similar models while having huge gaps in their overall offerings

I find the knob way easier than touchscreen, lets say you are driving on a bumpy road and trying to use the touchscreen you end up touching every other setting other than the one you want to touch whereas the knob you just select it and click it, simple, fast, convenience and easy to remember

I have a CX-9 with touchscreen, and knob. Always use the knob and always with Apple CarPlay and can do it comfortably in a normal driving position with my arm on the arm-rest. The buttons around the knob work with car play to switch between maps, music, Home Screen etc, and physical knob for volume/track change is right there too!

I drove a Mazda3 from 2017 and 2020 and I can't disagree more with you in regards of the infotainment screen. I guess the learning curve is steeper then a "conventional" touchscreen but once you are used to it you don't want to go back. Furthermore, there are physical buttons for everything (air conditioning, seat warmer, windshield whispers) and with Android auto and Carplay you barely need to play with the infotainment system anyway. I whish more manufacturers adopted Mazda's philosophy. *edit: spelling. Plus sad to learn that this vehicle is not coming to Europe.

I was shocked at how good the CX-5 was when I bought mine after years of RAV-4s and CR-Vs. Also the control knob does not bother me at all.

Thank you for this review. Please, please make more reviews of "normal" cars! I mean current models, not only for enthusiasts but also for people considering their next car.

Great Review Doug! The Mazda Cx-50 Positions itself as the more "Do it all" younger brother of the CX-5. Based on the small product architecture of the Mazda3 and Cx-30 it provides a familiar and engaging driving experience compared to the disconnected feel of most of its competitors. The Cx-50 carries the stylish exterior and interior of the CX-5 and takes it up a notch. The biggest notable differences being: Improved passenger and cargo space, Sharper cameras, wireless carplay and android auto, partial touch screen capability, and trail worthiness!

Actually, Doug, you don't have to argue with Mazda over the touch screen issue. Science has already proven Mazda right. There are several studies done that prove touch screens are notably less safe than switches and knobs, and the lower the screen, the more dangerous. Some even named Mazda's system the safest. Feel free to Google it, the studies are everywhere. And I'm not a Mazda fanboy, but this was a major reason I bought my wife a Mazda6 back in the day. Great review though as always.

I work new sales at a Mazda dealership, and the CX-50 is my absolute favorite out of our lineup. Not counting the Miata of course!

Mazda is one of the best mainstream brands on the market imo. They make some really great vehicles.

I’m a cx5 owner test drove the cx50. I like the the new proportions which improve handling. The new moon roof is fantastic but I think the vehicle design is doesn’t look like a Mazda. It’s like they hired GM and Ford designers to give it a “rugged look” the unique Japanese’s Mazda look is missing. That Tim burton stitching is an eyesore, don’t like the vertical ac vents, the fake vents in the front and back of the vehicle.

I got one of these a month ago after looking at every other crossover in this price range and I 100% prefer the Mazda system compared to the horrible touchscreens I tried out (Looking at you Subaru). I would also point out that the CX-50 system is a touchscreen. It only works with Carplay which is out main system but honestly the joystick is just more practical.

I know it makes no sense but this car would look so good lowered. Would be like a wide hot hatch

Have had my CX-5 for nearly 8 years and it still feels new, virtually no problems and super cheap to maintain, still a very fun drive too, its a peppy little thing. Have to agree with everyone else too who has interacted with Mazdas infotainment, I prefer the rotary knob. It becomes intuitive and I always miss it when I go to our Touchscreen Accord.

One of the biggest reasons a 2022 Mazda3 Turbo is my dream car is actually because it has no touchscreen. I have worked in the tech field for a few years and the downside to tech in cars is how it ages poorly, touchscreens especially. It dates the car while also distracting you from the road. Because of how simple the display is, Mazda managed to create something that you can't really tell how old it is. I installed a touchscreen on my mazda3 using an aftermarket stereo, and immediately returned it. Having to touch a screen to navigate while driving sucked, I much rather have physical controls and buttons that I don't have to look at, especially since the screen in these cars is in the FOV.

I have a Mazda 6 and never use the touch screen once you learn the buttons is much better and they are nice quality

Audi used an almost identical scroll / click wheel thing for years. I had one for years. It doesn't take long to get used to, and really is much easier to use while driving than a touchscreen.

Hats off for Mazda for fighting against touch screens. They probably made some research and they have proven it's safer this way.

I just bought this in the highest package (all they had available) and I absolutely love it. It feels far more expensive that it was (about $42k). The infotainment system is something I actually prefer. I had touch screen before on my Honda HRV and it drove me bananas. It was always dirty with fingerprints and I couldn’t use it while driving. And it was slow. This system is beautifully designed (though some settings are in unexpected places). I also agree with many other commenters that I like the screen where it is - it’s much easier to see while I’m driving than it would be if it was lower and I love it. I don’t need to touch it. One thing to note - it won’t fit large (bigger than 20oz) cups otherwise it will cover the climate controls. My only annoyance so far.

Doug, the type of guy who is the gold standard of rear seat headroom.

I've had Mazda's for a long time, (Mazdaspeed3, and a newer Mazda 6) and we have a 2016 CX-5 GT. I like the extended length of this cargo floor. The CX-5 cargo floor was too shallow to put anything like a bicycle in without having to remove at least the front wheel, and I even had issues where strollers took up the whole floor of the hatch when the seats weren't down. Makes vacations with kids a bit limiting on space. I think the added length will be great for Costco trips and less height in the cargo area isn't a problem. Mazda's infotainment has always been 'meh', but I don't ever use a touchscreen. I hate fingerprints all over it. The selection knob in the CX-5 works great and becomes more efficient the more you use it. I hate that everytime I start my CX-5, it warns me about using the media system while driving and I have to acknowledge it to even see the screen. (really annoying). All the Mazda's we've had have been super reliable though, so I'll take that over some minor annoyances with a system I don't use that often. One other quirk about the CX-5 is that it's Washer Fluid warnings are very annoying and persistent. If you're low on fluid, it pops up the warning ON TOP of the radar cruise control display and prevents you from seeing anything related to what your speed is set to or what your follow distance is even while you're driving on the highway before you acknowledge that warning......but it pops up every 5 minutes while you're driving! Who is gonna change their wiper fluid while driving 70mph on the highway? In terms of engine response, my CX-5 has sport mode on the 2.5 engine, and throttle response is way better in that mode than it is in the base mode, which really prefers fuel economy. It feels like a very different car on sport mode.

I find the interface with the wheel to be far superior to any touchscreen I've worked with. It's aesthetically pleasing, keeps the screen in plain view during driving, and makes it much easier to run through menus when driving.

I said the same thing when Doug reviewed the CX-30 I love the dial. It is super easy to use and I don't even need to look away from the road. You get used to how far to spin the dial and click the buttons without looking. I don't even daily drive the Mazda 3, and it still is intuitive.

The turbo engine only gets 256hp when running on 93 octane, which I don't believe CA has. Otherwise it's 227hp, which is probably what you had during the drive.

I appreciate Mazda for not filling their interiors with screens. Looks nicer and is not lazy.

I own this car and he he’s being dramatic about the infotainment system and the touchscreen. It’s actually quite great once you get used to it. But you have the choice between the knob and touch since there is an option in settings to make it a touchscreen all the time or at least in CarPlay.. it may be for ‘24 models and newer though.. I’m not sure. Props to Doug for all his success. Respect.

I have had a mazda 6, cx5 and now the cx50. The knob is super easy to work with it and I like it.

I do think Mazda is right with their disliking of the touchscreen. It’s just bad from a driver safeness perspective.

I busted out laughing when Doug said "rolling on dubs". That made my day.

Doug, the kind of guy to call 20 years “just a few years”

I've had my CX-30 Turbo (which was at the top of the comparison list) for about a year and a half. I LOVE it. Same power train as it's new big brother, but enough weight difference that mine is very fun to drive. Mazda interior may not be quite on par with a true luxury brand, but it definitely feels nicer than most. I'm keeping mine.

Everyone complains about the "non-touchscreen", however if you live with it daily you get way more used to it! I love the knob setup! I actually went back home where my parents have a 21 Toyota Venza w/ touchscreen and I found it quite weird using it and actually didn't like touching the screen because of how long my eyes were off the road! Mazda is right in the fact that your eyes stay more on the road with the knob setup!

My wife says she wants something wider and longer. Thank you Mazda for coming through.

Just wanted to say, I have a touch screen in my vehicle and my wife has a mazda cx 9. I one thousand percent prefer the knob to control as I just find it easier to use even though I use her vehicle less than mine.

I have a 2020 Mazda 3 hatchback with a lot of features this cx-50 has and I absolutely love it. The infotainment system is incredible and I’ve been so happy with it. I never get finger prints on my screen and it stays clean. I can usually do everything I need in 2-3 quick taps and dial turns. Or you can use voice commands with the integrated apple car play. I feel like it definitely comes down to personal preference though.

Doug: It's a yellow T-shirt kinda day today

I have a 2014 Mazda 3 and it still looks new to me because Mazda designers still produce the same design with very little changes. That's good for me but I don't understand why would people think of buying the new ones!

I just got my new CX50 a couple of days ago-to early to make a real review. HOWEVER, I just want to share a few things. It is a significantly higher quality car than my 2014 Mazda 3. The doors close better, the touch screen works, the Bluetooth actually connects with my iphone, etc. There is a button to open/close the rear hatch. The active cruise control works so good for me. I just drove home yesterday in bad traffic. It was like magic. It came to a crawl, went up to 50 and to a stop-every time. So much less stressful. It does get poor overall gas milage. However, my Mazda 3 never got close the advertised highway mileage. The CX-50 is advertised to get 30 on the highway. I got 31 mpg at 65mph. City driving does get poor gas mileage-as advertised. The seats are great for small people. The screen knob is great for people with small arms.

i have been binge watching these for ages.i thought i was a car guy but you have shown me so many cars i had never heard of.you can tell you would happily do this even if youtube didn't exist or you made no money out of it and it is refreshing to see

Note that CX-5 is made in Japan, where the new CX-50 is a brand new model made exclusively in Alabama. I went for a road trip across the US a month ago in a brand new CX-5 and the car was amazing. The lack of touchscreen didn't bother me at all during my almost 5000 mile trip.

Looks 100 x times better than the oddly proportioned CX-5. I like the traditional, safe, reliable and functional knobs and buttons a lot more than the average EV interior.

Mazda is absolutely right about touch screen! Wheel knob is much more practical, very easy to use. I love it! And if passenger wants to do something on it, its not annoying, you are not distracted with someones moving hand on dash when touching screen!!

I enjoy the use of the knob. Your arm never has to leave its resting position. Even the volume knob right there is perfect. Hate having to reach for a little volume knob and try to adjust it precisely.

Mazdas are pretty fun to drive, I completely agree Doug. I have a 2012 Mazda speed 3 and the turbo in that car, makes it feel much faster than it really is.

love how one day Doug is in a hyper car then the next... a Mazda

20 mins of info we can get on any KZfaq car reviews but no mention at all of cx5s greatest achievement. That CX5 and Subaru are two no luxury brands that passes ALL current US crash test standards!

I've driven a 2021 Mazda3 Hatchback for almost 3 years now and I've totally had my mind changed on touch screen interfaces in cars. Sure they're nice if they're available, but honestly having the tactile interface with the notched center dial and buttons and stuff makes it so that I can navigate the menus pretty effortlessly without taking my focus off the road. They're done very tastefully, you don't have to move your arm from its resting position, and not having fingerprints all over your screen is also nice.

I was very excited for the CX-50, but I have to say I’m not sold on it. Too many hard plastics inside and out. The CX-5 looks more premium and has a nicer interior.

Should be both knob and touch screen like BMW. The knob is definitely safer and more ergonomic (like using a mouse), and you end up using it like 95% of the time. However, it’s also nice to have the option to just tap something quickly on the screen, like to end guidance on navigation.

Here's the thing about touch screens, when you're on the highway, cruising at kill people speeds, taking your arm off the wheel to touch a flat object that you can't feel for is dangerous. I've used Mazda for awhile now, and what I love is that my eyes never leave the road, I know where the knob is, I know how to navigate it by memory, its easy to touch for.

I am a die hard mazda fan , bought the Lantis , then 1st Gen mazda 6 and finally the CX-9 which I drove all over UAE , it's an excellent car and the knob thing is no effect at all , you easily get used to it. Zoom Zoom forever :)

A big reason why the 256 feels like 216 is that it is probably on regular fuel, providing only ~225 hp. when you put premium it bumps up to the full 256 @doug demuro

I love the dial after using it for a while! It’s intuitive and you don’t have to take your focus off the road. Just like not having capacitive volume or temp controls.

I kind of thought I wanted one of these until Doug says that Mazda is trying to keep buttons and minimise touch screen interfacing. Now I really want one.

My sister has a CX-5, and it's really a comfortable little car. She and both are fans of cloth seats, cause we have both experienced vinyl seats and leather. Getting into a car with both vinyl and leather seats is the same torture when you sit on them when the interior is hot (like when you come back to the car after you have been in the grocery store for half an hour on a hot day).

I just bought one of these. If you run premium gas in the turbo engine, then it’s much peppier and you get the full 25x horsepower. Doug’s model might have had low octane gas in it which is why it felt like low 200’s hp, which is precisely what it was achieving. The lack of touchscreen was my biggest concern, but I got used to the joystick very quickly and frankly I prefer the joystick over touchscreen now. I drove a friend’s RAV4 recently and was very distracted and annoyed with having to use a touchscreen. Note that the touchscreen feature on the CX-50 for CarPlay and Android Auto is only functional when the car is stopped; it is not a touchscreen while in motion. Overall I would rate the CX-50 4.5 out of 5 stars, mostly for a few minor build quality issues being in the first year of production.

Actually there are some reviews out there with the non-turbo engine. The consensus is that the naturally aspirated engine does fine. If all your needs is a daily driver. But if you're looking at doing a lot of towing, the turbo engine is the obvious choice.

I got the CX-50 because the CX 5 had worse seats and teh cabin space was tiny. I found the frame of the car in my blindspot on the driver side compared to teh cx-50 and I love the extra space for my legs which makes it feel better. I had a soul previously and the non turbo CX-50 felt so much more sporty and still fun. It is no slouch at all compared to the sluggish Suburu Forester I tested which the CVT took all life out of it

Mazda is supreme on this issue. Its amazing with android auto. You memorize the clicks to make to get places. Navigating becomes muscle memory.