Mazda is implementing discreet cost-cutting measures on the redesigned 2026 CX-5 to offset tariffs and improve profitability. These changes, which customers may not immediately notice, include alterations to the steering wheel stitching and a likely reduction in physical controls in favor of larger touchscreens.
Steering Wheel Stitching: A Costly Detail Removed
The most notable change confirmed by Mazda CFO Jeffrey Guyton is the adjustment of the steering wheel stitching pattern. Previously, Mazda used a horizontally aligned, curved stitch design which was more expensive to produce. The new CX-5 will feature a more standard angled stitch, aligning it with competitors and reducing manufacturing costs.
“We put money where the customer is going to see it, and we’ve tried to find big cost efficiencies where the customer doesn’t value it as much or won’t see it,” Guyton told Automotive News.
This decision reflects Mazda’s assessment that customers do not prioritize this specific aesthetic detail enough to justify the added expense. The automaker is instead focusing investment on features consumers demonstrably value.
Tariffs and Profitability Pressures
The cost-cutting push is driven by tariffs of 15–25% imposed on Mazda vehicles not built in the United States. These tariffs have squeezed profit margins, forcing the company to seek savings in less visible areas. The CX-5, currently built primarily outside the US, is particularly affected.
Potential for Reduced Physical Controls
While not explicitly confirmed, industry observers speculate that Mazda may have reduced the number of physical buttons and switches in the CX-5’s interior. This would likely be replaced by a larger touchscreen interface, such as the newly available 15.6-inch display with Google software. Although larger screens are a selling point, the shift away from tactile controls has drawn criticism from some consumers.
These changes highlight a broader trend in the automotive industry: manufacturers are increasingly scrutinizing costs amid rising material prices, tariffs, and the push for electric vehicle development. Mazda’s strategy suggests a willingness to make subtle compromises on non-essential features to maintain profitability without sacrificing perceived overall quality.
The full extent of these cost-cutting measures will only be apparent once the 2026 CX-5 is released later this year. However, it’s clear that Mazda is prioritizing financial stability by focusing investment on areas where customers place the highest value.
