A few years of cars that hid everything inside a touchscreen produced plenty of complaints. Designers are now returning knobs and switches for the controls drivers use most.
In this article
- What went wrong
- The safety rating angle
- What manufacturers are doing
What went wrong
Changing the temperature or the fan speed through a menu takes your eyes off the road for longer than turning a dial. Gloves and cold fingers do not work well on glass.
| Control | Best as | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hazard lights | Physical switch | Needs instant access |
| Volume | Knob | Quick adjustment |
| Climate temperature | Dial or buttons | Less distraction |
| Navigation | Touchscreen | Needs a map |
Figures are approximate and change as rules, prices and technology change.
The safety rating angle
From 2026, Euro NCAP assessments reward cars that keep key functions on physical controls, such as indicators, hazard lights and wipers.
A dial never needs a software update.
What manufacturers are doing
Several brands have promised to bring back buttons in their next generation. Others use a hybrid approach, with a touchscreen for settings and switches for the basics.
What to watch next
- Test the climate controls on your drive
- Try with gloves if you live somewhere cold
- Check that voice control works well
- Count the taps needed for the defroster
Practical tip
During a test drive, try to turn on the rear defroster without looking. If you cannot, that is worth a note.
Bottom line
A big screen looks good in a showroom. A knob works better on the road.
Specifications, prices and rules change. Confirm current details with the manufacturer or the relevant authority before you buy or repair.
