[ModernMech]

Mazda had it just right in 2016 with mostly tactile climate controls, paired with the center console dial interface (also tactile). I think their latest models have regressed just a bit with the button climate controls instead of the dials, but that's still far better than touch screen.

[nick__m]

That new central console still looks designed with driving in mind: https://www.mazdausa.com/siteassets/vehicles/2023/cx-5/vlp/g...

[ModernMech]

Yeah, it's still best in class I think; I just bought a new Mazda and did some comparison test driving, and although I'm not as happy with it as the 2016 offering, the 2021 design is still great.

This is the 2016 climate control cluster I preferred: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1225/1056/products/317144_...

What was nice about it was the three dials for all controls.

This is what they have now:

https://cars.usnews.com/pics/size/776x517/images/Auto/izmo/i...

I think this is aesthetically better, but they turned the fan speed and vent settings into push buttons instead of dials. Whereas before I could set this without looking, now I often have to look to verify my settings. So in that sense, I wasn't happy about that change.

[nick__m]

Your preferred model is the one in my CX5, I selected a lower trim level especially for those knobs! It also gave me a good reason to spend a weekend with my dad to sound proof the car and upgrade the audio.