The torque convertor is a fluid coupling, no mechanical connection. If there is no oil pressure ( ie engine off) there is nothing to connect the transmission to the engine & therefore no engine braking/lockup.

 

As stated, I "left it in Drive." Manual transmissions don't have "Drive"

 

You now know what you experienced is normal for all automatic transmissions equipped with torque converters. Yes, no?

 

So that begs the question, how are you turning the car off and/or removing the key while "accidently" leaving it in drive? Either way, this is the normal function of any car with a torque converter.

 

Does the 2016 CX-5 even have a key?

 

Well there's a keyhole on the outside handles of the front doors. So call me crazy, but I'll bet there's a key hidden in the fob just like all previous model years.

 

Sorry, I didn't phrase the question correct (our 2016 Mazda3 has the same thing), what I should have asked is, "Can the 2016 CX-5 be started with a key?"

 

It has a starter button; same as your 3. No key ignition.

 

Thanks, kind of what I was assuming.

 

For future reference, because of Mazda's small relative size, they do a lot of parts/feature sharing from model to model across the line-up. They may introduce a feature on one model first, but soon that same feature (often the same part number!) will appear on other models.