I suppose that "gauge" is better than the goofy little light in my 2014, but given that lack of scale, I am betting it's still a classic modern non-linear dummy gauge that jumps up to normal and only goes into the red once you're already overheated.
I'm always amazed that manufacturers have the sensor data available (as stated, you can get it with OBD reader), but refuse to present it in any truly useful form. I almost pulled the trigger on an aftermarket gauge for my CX-5 right after I bought it, but decided I had better things to do.
The myth that cars have dummy temperature gauges needs to die.
Cars are equipped with a fancy piece of plastic with some wax inside called a thermostat This thermostat helps the engine warm up quickly and keeps the engine at the correct temperature once it gets there.