Mazda Big Screens: Was It a Mistake for the CX-90?

Mazda proved that big screens were a mistake and ruined its best SUV, the CX-90, with a large touchscreen that replaced the brand’s beloved minimalist interior. The CX-90’s 12.3-inch display, while crisp, forces drivers to use a rotary dial for most functions, creating a frustrating and distracting experience. This article explains exactly what went wrong, why Mazda made the change, and how it affects owners and potential buyers.

The Background: Mazda’s Design Philosophy

For years, Mazda stood apart from rivals by prioritizing driver-focused interiors with small, unobtrusive screens. The MX-5 Miata and Mazda3 (2014-2019) featured a 7-inch display mounted high on the dash, controlled by a rotary knob on the center console. This allowed drivers to keep their eyes on the road, using muscle memory to navigate menus without looking. Critics and enthusiasts praised this setup as a model of ergonomic design.

When Mazda announced the CX-90 for 2024, its flagship three-row SUV, the company promised a premium experience. The interior was designed with high-quality materials and a clean, horizontal dashboard. However, the infotainment system was a departure: a standard 10.25-inch screen and an available 12.3-inch display, both controlled primarily by the rotary dial. The larger screen, positioned higher and closer to the windshield, created a visual barrier and forced the driver to reach forward awkwardly to use the touchscreen (which only works when the vehicle is stationary).

What Went Wrong: The Screen and the Controller

The core problem is the combination of a large screen and a non-touch interface. The rotary dial requires multiple clicks and scrolls to perform simple tasks like changing the radio station or adjusting the climate control temperature. In the CX-90, the climate control is integrated into the screen, so a driver must navigate through a menu to change the fan speed—a task that used to be a simple physical knob.

Additionally, the screen’s placement is too high. Mazda’s earlier small screens were positioned to be in the driver’s peripheral vision, but the 12.3-inch unit sits above the dashboard line, blocking part of the forward view for shorter drivers. The screen also reflects sunlight more than the matte-finish units of earlier models.

Another issue is the loss of physical buttons. The CX-90 has a volume knob and a few steering wheel controls, but the climate and audio settings are buried in the touchscreen. When driving, you must take your eyes off the road to use the rotary dial, which is counterintuitive to Mazda’s “Jinba Ittai� (horse and rider as one) philosophy.

How It Affects Daily Use

Owners report that the infotainment system is the most frustrating part of the CX-90. Simple tasks like adjusting the temperature or switching from Apple CarPlay to the radio require multiple steps. For example, to change the fan speed, you must press the “Climate� button on the dash, then use the rotary dial to highlight the fan icon, press to select, then rotate to adjust. This takes about five seconds—too long while driving.

The system also has a learning curve. New owners often find themselves fumbling with the dial, and even after weeks, many still miss the old physical controls. The voice control system can help, but it often requires specific phrasing and is not always responsive.

Why Mazda Made This Choice

Mazda’s decision was driven by market trends and cost. Large screens are a selling point for many buyers, and automakers are under pressure to offer Tesla-like displays. Mazda also wanted to create a more upscale, minimalist interior, similar to luxury brands like Volvo and Genesis. However, Mazda’s execution failed because it retained the rotary dial as the primary input, which is not intuitive with a large screen.

Another factor is software integration. The CX-90 runs a custom infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These apps are designed for touchscreens, so using them with the rotary dial is clunky. For example, to select a song in Spotify, you must scroll through a list, which is tedious and dangerous while driving.

Common Problems and Complaints

• Screen glare: The glossy display reflects sunlight, making it hard to read in bright conditions.
• Slow response: The system can lag when switching between menus, especially when using CarPlay.
• Unintuitive controls: The rotary dial is not as precise as a touchscreen for map pinch-to-zoom or scrolling through long lists.
• No physical climate controls: Adjusting the temperature or fan speed requires multiple steps, which is a safety concern.
• Screen placement: The high position blocks forward visibility for some drivers.

How to Choose: Should You Buy a CX-90?

If you are considering a CX-90, test the infotainment system thoroughly before purchasing. Spend at least 15 minutes using the rotary dial to set a destination, change the radio, and adjust the climate. If you find it frustrating, consider the CX-90’s competitors, such as the Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade, which have more traditional touchscreen interfaces with physical buttons.

Alternatively, you can wait for Mazda’s future models. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 have been updated with a new 10.25-inch touchscreen that is easier to use, but the CX-90 has not received this update yet. If you are set on the CX-90, you can learn to use voice commands and the steering wheel controls to minimize distraction.

Comparison: CX-90 vs. Competitors

The CX-90’s infotainment is a major drawback compared to its rivals. The Kia Telluride has a 12.3-inch touchscreen with physical climate controls and a rotary gear shifter, but the screen is touch-capacitive and supports wireless CarPlay. The Hyundai Palisade offers a 12.3-inch display with a user-friendly interface and physical buttons for climate. Even the Toyota Grand Highlander has a more straightforward layout.

Mazda’s system is not the worst on the market—that title belongs to some older Lexus models—but it is a step backward from Mazda’s own previous design. The CX-90’s interior quality is excellent, but the infotainment system undermines the overall premium feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the CX-90’s screen touch-capable?

Yes, the 12.3-inch screen is touch-sensitive, but the touch function only works when the vehicle is stationary. While driving, you must use the rotary dial. This is a safety feature, but it is frustrating because many drivers prefer to use touch while moving.

Can I add physical buttons to the CX-90?

No, there is no factory or aftermarket option to add physical buttons for the climate or audio. Some owners use the steering wheel controls and voice commands to reduce reliance on the screen, but the system is what it is.

Will Mazda fix the infotainment in a future update?

Mazda has not announced any software updates that would change the interface. The hardware is fixed, so the only improvement would be software tweaks, but the rotary dial will remain the primary input.

Is the CX-90 still worth buying despite the infotainment?

If you value driving dynamics and interior quality, the CX-90 is an excellent SUV. However, if you prioritize infotainment ease-of-use, you may be disappointed. Test it yourself and decide if the annoyance is acceptable.

Does the CX-90 have wireless CarPlay?

Yes, the CX-90 supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, using these apps with the rotary dial is awkward, as they are designed for touchscreens.

What is the best way to use the CX-90’s infotainment safely?

Use voice commands for navigation and calls, and pre-set your audio and climate before driving. Also, use the steering wheel controls for volume and track changes. Avoid scrolling through menus while moving.

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