Vehicles are basically just big screens at this point. Most cockpits have a large screen spreading across the entire dash or a huge infotainment screen right in the center. What started with just EVs attempting to inspire the “future” has become the new standard.
Despite carmakers continuing to push screens on drivers, opinions haven’t changed. Drivers have continued to demand physical buttons and knobs, no matter how hard the industry attempts to normalize screens. A recent study reported by Auto News found that car buyers are fine with advanced displays, connectivity, and even AI, but only if they also get their physical buttons back.
And they want the screens smaller. The huge center console appears lazy and cheap, leaving the cabin feeling empty and lifeless. Most drivers would rather use their phones for navigation. The massive screens feel like a distraction, another big complaint. Buttons are actually far less dangerous, letting you just quickly click, turn, and press rather than scroll.
“With apps for your phone, the goal is to grab your attention. But apps for your car should not require your attention,” Scout User Experience Manager Nicole Johnson said. “Between looking at the screen and looking out the windshield, there is a three-second cognitive load and attention residue from switching tasks.”
“People play with smartphones while they are watching TV, so why would they put away that comfortable experience to interact with an unfamiliar screen in a car?” added Mazda North American Operations Project Manager Matthew Valbuena. He added that the “sweet spot” is to reduce visual, manual, and cognitive distractions for the driver.
Automakers are bringing back buttons
As the backlash continues, automakers are looking at ways to bring back buttons without fully removing the infotainment system (they need to advertise on it, after all). Volkswagen has been a strong proponent of physical buttons, famously saying “cars aren’t phones” a few years ago. It will bring buttons back to future models for the “five most important” functions: volume, fan, seat heating, cabin temperature, and hazard lights. Volkswagen’s Scout brand will also bring back buttons and switches on its simple pickup truck.
Porsche has also brought back buttons after customer outcry. While the carmaker says it’s for safety reasons, it also pleases purists who want to feel a connection to their vehicle. Hyundai is also comitted to physical buttons, bringing them back in a variety of models in 2025. There are still big screens, but this at least brings some balance. The hideous Ferrari Luce also has physical buttons, with an unfortunately wasted beautiful interior with thoughtful knobs and switches.
I’m sure more brands will join them as customers continue to demand physical buttons.
“The issue is not anti-technology sentiment. It is a demand for better interaction design, especially in the repeated tasks of the daily drive,” Alexander Edwards, CEO of Strategic Vision, told Auto News. For this reason, drivers want smaller screens with more clarity and less scrolling. And they want buttons.
“This whole generation of cars from many manufacturers is going to age horribly,” said one driver on Reddit. “Your screen freezes/blacks out, and you just lose nearly all functionality? No changing fan speed, temperature, or volume unless it’s the steering wheel?”
Added another: “Literally everyone wants physical knobs and buttons back. I will never buy a car where I have to fidget with a touchscreen to adjust something like AC or turn down the volume.
