Why Automakers Are Turning Back to Buttons and Dials

Some automakers are moving away from touchscreens due to safety, usability, and customer demand. Find out what drives this return to physical controls.

Not long ago, touchscreens seemed like the inevitable future of car interiors. Sleek panels, minimalist design, and smartphone-like navigation were heralded as the next step in automotive evolution. But by 2024–2025, the tide has started to turn. Buttons are making a comeback — not as a nostalgic gimmick, but as a deliberate design decision by leading automakers.

So what went wrong?

Initially, the move toward touchscreen interfaces made perfect business sense. Digital panels cut down on manufacturing complexity — fewer mechanical parts, simplified logistics, reduced testing. Aesthetically, they offered a “cleaner” interior, and from a marketing standpoint, they suggested cutting-edge tech and premium appeal.

But cracks soon began to show. AAA studies revealed that interacting with touchscreens — like entering a destination or sending a message — can distract drivers for up to 40 seconds. That’s an enormous safety risk. In the UK, researchers at TRL went even further, comparing touchscreen use to driving under the influence of alcohol in terms of slowed reactions.

Consumer fatigue sets in

Beyond safety, many drivers started voicing frustration. “Screen fatigue,” clunky menus, unresponsive interfaces — the list of complaints grew. According to UX researchers and publications like Consumer Reports, what looks good on paper often fails under real-world driving conditions. Adjusting climate control or heated mirrors via multi-layered menus just isn’t practical when your eyes need to stay on the road.

Studies confirmed that the deeper the menu, the more visual distraction it causes. In a moving car, that’s more than an inconvenience — it’s a hazard.

Industry reacts

Major automakers are now walking back the all-digital approach. Brands like VW, Mazda, Hyundai, and Porsche have reintroduced physical controls. Some are opting for hybrid layouts — analog for critical functions, touchscreen for infotainment. Regulatory bodies like Euro NCAP have also weighed in, planning to reduce safety scores for vehicles lacking physical buttons for essential features like hazard lights or wipers.

But regulations aren't the driving force. It’s consumer demand. People don’t want a smartphone on wheels — they want confidence and ease while driving. Physical buttons provide tactile feedback that no haptic screen can truly replicate.

Where do we go from here?

The future likely lies in balance: blending digital and physical elements for a more intuitive, safer, and satisfying driving experience. Carmakers are no longer chasing a tech aesthetic blindly — they’re finally listening to drivers. And in doing so, they’re redefining what “innovation” truly means behind the wheel.