2024 Mazda CX-90 Long-Term Update: Ours has a touchscreen, yours may not

Mazda does things its own way, even when the majority of the automotive industry has agreed to do it the opposite way. Take our long-term CX-90 PHEV’s infotainment system, for example. In most circumstances, it does not operate as a touchscreen. But then in other cases, it does. This is just another example of Mazda's long and testy relationship with touchscreens. Let me explain.

Simply put, our CX-90's screen will only accept touch inputs while using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (which you can actually disable for in-motion driving for some unknown reason). You will note I underlined «our.» That's because only the Premium Plus trims and every Turbo S trim have this capability, and we have a PHEV Premium Plus. If you have a different trim, the display is not a touchscreen. This functionality also aligns with the touch-capable screens measuring 12.3 inches while the touch-less ones measure 10.25.

Being able to use touch control while in Apple CarPlay is a big benefit and a significant reason to step up to a higher trim. But also, c’mon, Mazda. Why are we gatekeeping touch controls to upper trim levels? It’s not a luxury feature by any means, so it just feels wrong to treat it as such. Worse, the cheaper Mazda CX-50, CX-5 and Miata all come standard with touch control despite not offering the CX-90's big, 12.3-inch screen. The CX-5 and CX-50 even have a 10.25-inch screen, just like the lower CX-90s. 

The above said, if you have a CX-90 without touch controls, all is not lost. Mazda has programmed the menu shortcut buttons surrounding the rotary control knob to operate CarPlay and Android Auto functions, much as it does native systems. I've found this can be quicker and better than using the touchscreen. For example, all that’s necessary to open your default music player is a quick stab of the “Media” button next to the rotary knob. The same applies to quick toggling to your navigation app or phone app. There’s even a “back” button placed intuitively for when you’re trying to navigate through Spotify or other menus. Plus, a quick tap of the “home” button brings you to the CarPlay/Android Auto app drawer of sorts. Importantly, a long hold takes you all the way back