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Miami Herald
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Tired of Touchscreens? These 6 Cars Offer the Best Physical Controls
If carmakers' return to physical controls isn't evidence enough that screens are distracting, there is also mounting outcry from car buyers, as well as push from safety regulatory bodies like Europe's NCAP (European New Car Assessment Program for the return of essential physical controls. In today's automotive market, big touchscreens and digital interfaces dominate the cabin experience, often at the expense of usability and safety. While these features offer a high-tech aesthetic and access to a virtual library of fancy features, they also increase the time to execute the most basic automotive operations, like adjusting climate and audio. Fortunately, a few automakers still understand the value of intuitive physical controls-dials, knobs, and buttons placed within easy reach of the driver. We laud certain manufacturers in 2025 for their commitment to driver-focused ergonomics, blending modern tech with excellent switchgear that makes life behind the wheel simpler and safer. From compact SUVs to versatile pickups, these vehicles strike an ideal balance between innovation and intuitive operation. The Mazda CX-50 ($30,500) offers one of the most attractive and driver-centric interiors in the industry. Mazda continues to focus on great physical controls, even for its latest vehicles, because at the end of the day, the brand is still about the driving experience. While many automakers are moving toward tablet-style screens and capacitive buttons, Mazda has held the line on usability by preserving a rotary infotainment controller and a smart, well-organized dashboard layout. The CX-50 is a standout, not because it's got the fanciest cabin in the Mazda stable but because its physical controls are nearly peerless. The CX-50 exemplifies how physical controls can enhance the driving experience without sacrificing modern tech. Physical Control Highlights: Rotary Dial for Infotainment: The CX-50's rotary Commander controller, located on the center console between the front seats, allows users to navigate menus without reaching for the screen. It has satisfying action and can be operated without a touchscreen, which Mazda tends to eschew in order for drivers to focus on the road. The knob is right-sized and knurled for easy gripping and operation. There's also a convenient audio knob parked right next to it. Dedicated Climate Control Panel: The CX-50 has grippy temperature adjustment knobs and a simple line of physical buttons for dual-zone climate settings that remain easily accessible on the center stack. They're also precise and well-placed for easy reach while driving. Steering Wheel Controls: Buttons are located above and below toggle switches, and they control audio, cruise, and phone functions without confusion or accidental activation. They're well-placed and hard to mash accidentally, a big bonus. It was high time Toyota built the three-row Grand Highlander ($40,860). It's big, attractive, and tremendously practical. It even comes in a hybrid variant. We continue to marvel at the Grand Highlander's cabin, not just because of its space and comfort but also because it has some of the best physical controls for a 7-passenger family SUV. Toyota's Grand Highlander isn't just a larger variant of the popular Highlander-it's a three-row SUV that impresses with thoughtful design and real-world functionality. In fact, its physical controls are even better than the regular Highlanders. Despite offering a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen in higher trims, Toyota wisely keeps the most essential functions tied to physical controls, and the result pays off for the driver. Toyota's approach is simple: keep tech available, but never let it become a barrier to core vehicle operations. That makes the Grand Highlander a top pick for families seeking ease of use. Physical Control Highlights: Big Climate Controls: The central climate command controls are 100% physical. Two large temperature adjustment knobs are front and center. The row of switches between them manages the remainder, and they're all easily accessible and and Ventilated Seat Buttons: The climate control knobs are flanked by seat heat/ventilation buttons instead of being parked behind layers of menus on the touchscreen. Additional climate control buttons and toggles on the panel make adjustments a cinch. A Simple Audio Knob: A staple feature that Toyota retains, making quick audio adjustments seamless. It's right on the frame of the infotainment screen, adjacent to the driver's right hand. Of course, you can also use the steering wheel audio control, but it's nice to see a physical audio knob right where it belongs. The 2025 Toyota RAV4 ($29,250) is about to get redesigned for next year, but the current model is still a bastion of ergonomic brilliance. It remains one of the best-selling vehicles in America, and part of that success lies in its highly functional cabin with some of the best physical controls in any crossover at any price. The moment we used the rubberized, turbine patterned audio knob grips, we were in love. Though not as luxurious as other entries on this list, the RAV4 delivers consistent, intuitive control placement across all trims, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. Whether you're commuting or road-tripping to the country, the RAV4 ensures you don't have to guess which part of the screen adjusts your fan speed. Physical Control Highlights: Rubberized Climate Knobs: Large, textured knobs with integrated temperature displays make them easy to operate-even with gloves. They're large and protrude dramatically for no-brainer grip. The set temp is clearly displayed right next to them with hot and cold bars for easy interpretation. A great traditional shift knob: We love that there's no shift buttons for the transmission. Instead, Toyota keeps a right-sized physical shift knob that's not too stubby nor too tall. It's still doesn't take up a lot of real estate, so there's room for the drive mode selector. Physical Drive Mode Selector: No screen controls here. Just a large, easy-to-use drove mode control knob that toggles between Eco, Normal, and Sport modes. Push the center of the knob to go back to Normal without even looking. The sixth-generation Honda CR-V ($30,100) is a marvel and not just for its handsome exterior and wonderful hybrid variant. Honda's latest CR-V cabin redesign embodies the same great thinking behind its sheetmetal with one of the best-executed interiors in its class. The look, the feel, and the ergonomics just make sense. The interior is refreshingly analog in the best way, offering an ideal mix of screen-based features and physical switches. While we wish the infotainment system was better, the physical controls shine through. It seems like nothing escaped scrutiny because it's echelons better than its predecessor. The CR-V interior feels familiar and functional, which is a welcome change in a market drifting toward overly complicated interfaces. Physical Control Highlights: Separate HVAC Controls: Real knobs and push buttons govern the climate system, laid out cleanly beneath the central honeycomb patterened vents. The triple knobs that are well-sized and nicely spaced control temperature and fan speed. They don't require any interpretation when driving, and they actuate with precision. The line of climate buttons occupies the lower row, and they're big and simple, just the way we like 'em. Tactile Audio Controls: On the left portion of the infotainment screen frame lies physical audio controls: a volume knob, tuning buttons, and a home and back button for easy operation. .Conventional Gear Selector: Unlike its own Pilot and Passport stablemates, the CR-V gets a real PRND shift lever. It's much more intuitive than the pushbutton setup in other Honda SUVs, and you don't even have to look at it to shift. It's so simple, it's brilliant. The redesigned 2025 Hyundai Kona ($24,550) bears almost no resemblance to its predecessor. The second-generation model has taken a huge leap forward in style and technology, yet it retains an emphasis on tactile control to the same degree, but with way better looks. Even in higher trims with dual 12.3-inch screens, Hyundai balances the digital with superb analog controls, making the cabin accessible for drivers of all ages and tech comfort levels. The center stack is awash with clean knobs and buttons, as is the center console. We think it's even better than the revised interior of the pricier Tucson. The Kona's success lies in not overwhelming the driver with unnecessary complexity. It provides just enough buttons to make control intuitive without feeling cluttered. Physical Control Highlights: Dedicated HVAC Panel: A panel of actual buttons controls temperature, airflow, and fan speed independently of the infotainment. The Kona's climate buttons are simple, easily reached, and fuss-free. Superior Audio Controls: The clean line of audio controls is spaced perfectly above the climate control panel. The contoured buttons and backlit knobs provide quick control of audio functions, and they look as good as they work. Intuitive Column-Mounted Shift Lever: Hyundai uses a stalk for gear shifts. While it doesn't move up and down like an old-school version, it's large grooved rectangular shape rotates forward for drive, back for reverse, and pushes in for park. Easy peasy. It's way better than most column-mounted versions. Who would've imagined Ford would revive an old nameplate from a '70s compact car and turn it into a hot-selling compact pickup truck? The 2025 Ford Maverick ($28,145) is everyday practical with its 54-inch bed length, great storage choices, and up to 42 mpg city from the hybrid model. It also has some of the easiest physical controls found in any truck, and Ford did them right by not making them complex or overwrought. Although the 2025 Maverick upsizes its formerly 8-inch infotainment screen to a much larger 13.2-inch version, it still makes use of great, knobs and buttons to control climate and audio. Whether you're hauling lumber or navigating city streets, the Maverick's physical controls allow you to focus on the task at hand without fiddling with screens or menus. Physical Control Highlights: Simple HVAC Interface: There are two large climate control knobs, one for fan speed and the other for temperature with an easy readout embedded within. Between those knobs are buttons for seat temperature and other climate adjustments. They're right below the big center vents and within easy reach. They're also big just like a proper pickup truck's should be. Easy Audio Control: Parked just below the infotainment screen are excellent audio controls. Knobs and a line of buttons make for quick audio adjustment. The fact that they are angled upward toward the driver makes operation that much easier. One of Best Rotary Shifters: Some might malign non-traditional shift knobs, but the rotary version on the Maverick is one of the best. Its easy-trip trim and satisfying click make it intuitive to shift gears without even looking. The center park button is also a cinch to use. Final thoughts In an era of increasing digitization, physical controls offer a tactile and distraction-reducing alternative to fully touchscreen-based interiors. The Mazda CX-50, Toyota Grand Highlander, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Kona, and Ford Maverick prove that automakers can-and should-strike a balance between innovation and usability. These six vehicles demonstrate that physical controls still play an essential role in making driving safer, easier, and more enjoyable. We can't wait to see what other automakers will bring to the table when they return to physical controls of their own. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Volkswagen brings back buttons: 'It's not a phone, it's a car'
Volkswagen has heard the complaints loud and clear. The company's design chief, Andreas Mindt, confirmed in a recent interview with Autocar that physical buttons will return to VW's next generation of electric vehicles. The decision marks a shift away from the touch-heavy controls that have frustrated drivers in recent years, with Mindt promising, 'We will never, ever make this mistake anymore.' While touchscreens offer versatility and sleek aesthetics, they have come at the cost of usability. Many drivers have criticized VW's reliance on touch-sensitive controls, particularly for essential functions like climate control and volume adjustment. Mindt emphasized that Volkswagen is committed to ensuring its cars remain intuitive and easy to operate, stating, 'It's not a phone: it's a car.' This isn't the first time VW has acknowledged the issue. CEO Thomas Schäfer made a similar promise in 2023, admitting that the company's earlier approach was difficult to use. However, this time, there's a concrete timeline: the transition will begin with the launch of the ID.2all, Volkswagen's upcoming compact EV, which is expected to enter production later this year and go on sale globally in 2026. VW won't be eliminating touchscreens altogether — they remain necessary for navigation, infotainment, and backup camera functions. However, critical controls like volume, temperature adjustments, and hazard lights will have dedicated physical buttons in all future VW models. 'They will be in every car that we make from now on. We understood this,' Mindt assured. The move is a direct response to customer and critical feedback, acknowledging that the driving experience should prioritize tactile, easy-to-use controls. The ID.2all — often described as the spiritual successor to the Volkswagen Golf — will be the first model to reflect this philosophy. In the U.S., customers may have to wait until at least 2027 to experience these improvements firsthand. If VW follows through on its promise, it could regain goodwill from drivers frustrated by the industry's shift toward touch-sensitive everything. Volkswagen's decision to reintroduce buttons isn't happening in isolation. A growing safety movement is pushing automakers to rethink their reliance on touchscreens. Starting in 2026, the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) will require physical controls for five critical functions — turn signals, hazard warning lights, horn, windshield wipers and the emergency call (eCall) system — for a vehicle to earn a five-star safety rating. The move comes in response to studies showing that touchscreens increase driver distraction, forcing motorists to take their eyes off the road for extended periods. 'The overuse of touchscreens is an industry-wide problem,' said Matthew Avery, director of strategic development at Euro NCAP. While these regulations don't yet apply in the U.S., they could influence future safety standards and consumer expectations globally. Some automakers, including Mazda and Toyota, have resisted fully touchscreen-based interiors, maintaining physical buttons for key controls. Volkswagen's decision aligns with this growing shift, potentially positioning the company as a leader in a new wave of driver-friendly car design. For now, driving enthusiasts can celebrate: buttons are back, and hopefully this time, they're here to stay.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Physical buttons could make a comeback thanks to a new safety regulation
Over the past decade, automakers have increasingly replaced physical buttons and dials with sleek, minimalist touchscreens. From adjusting the climate control to activating windshield wipers, drivers of modern vehicles often have to navigate digital menus instead of simply pressing a button. While this trend has been driven by cost savings and aesthetics, safety regulators and consumers alike are pushing back. A growing body of research suggests that touchscreens increase driver distraction, leading to higher accident risks. In response, the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) is introducing new safety rating criteria in 2026 that will require physical controls for key driving functions to achieve a coveted five-star rating. This move underscores a broader shift in the industry, as automakers are being forced to reconsider the balance between high-tech features and practical in January 2026, automakers seeking the highest safety rating from Euro NCAP must include physical controls for five critical functions: turn signals, hazard warning lights, horn, windshield wipers, and the emergency call (eCall) system. The changes come amid growing concerns that over-reliance on touchscreens forces drivers to take their eyes off the road for extended periods. According to Matthew Avery, director of strategic development at Euro NCAP, 'The overuse of touchscreens is an industry-wide problem,' and addressing it is essential for safer driving. Euro NCAP's decision could set a precedent for safety organizations in other regions, potentially influencing regulations beyond initially introduced touchscreens as a way to modernize dashboards, simplify interfaces, and reduce manufacturing costs. Physical buttons and dials require complex wiring and additional materials, whereas a software-based interface can be updated remotely. Some of the biggest names in the industry, including Tesla, Mercedes, and Volkswagen, have gone all-in on touchscreens, eliminating traditional controls in favor of digital alternatives. Tesla, for instance, has famously removed stalks for turn signals in some of its models, requiring drivers to use touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. The Volkswagen ID.7 forces drivers to control air vents through a screen-based climate control menu. Volvo's EX30 buries mirror adjustments and the rear window defroster within a sub-menu. While these design choices might streamline manufacturing and enhance visual appeal, they come at the cost of usability. Many drivers find it frustrating — and even dangerous — to perform basic functions through a screen, especially while moving. Another key motivation behind the touchscreen revolution has been the rise of over-the-air (OTA) software updates. With digital interfaces, manufacturers can roll out new features and fix issues remotely, reducing the need for physical recalls. However, this approach often prioritizes software flexibility over user experience, leading to interfaces that are difficult to navigate while touchscreen-centric designs have proliferated, complaints from consumers, safety advocates, and industry experts have surged. Edmund King, president of the UK's Automobile Association (AA), recently tested the latest Tesla Model 3 and described the experience as 'daunting,' particularly due to the lack of any dashboard dials behind the steering wheel. He noted that 'car controls need to be intuitive for all drivers so they can concentrate on the road ahead rather than the screen to the side.' Research supports these concerns. A report by the European Road Safety Observatory found that drivers engage in distracting activities for about half of all driving time, with infotainment systems being one of the primary culprits. Unlike traditional physical controls, which can be operated by feel, touchscreens require drivers to look at them, diverting their attention from the road. The backlash has also extended to repairability, as some touchscreen systems are costly to replace if they malfunction, creating an additional burden for car the new Euro NCAP safety standards are not legally binding, they hold significant weight. A five-star safety rating is a major selling point, and manufacturers strive to meet these benchmarks to reassure customers and regulators alike. Automakers that fail to comply risk losing their competitive edge in safety-conscious markets. Some manufacturers have already started to shift their approach. Mazda, for example, has resisted the trend of eliminating physical controls, maintaining traditional buttons and dials for key functions. Toyota has also expressed skepticism about fully touchscreen-based interiors, opting for a mix of digital and physical interfaces. Other carmakers may soon follow suit as they adapt to the upcoming regulations. Additionally, some automakers are looking at voice controls as a compromise. Advanced voice-activated systems could allow drivers to interact with vehicle functions without taking their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road. However, voice controls are not foolproof and may struggle with background noise, different accents, or complex commands. Some drivers also find them unreliable or unintuitive, meaning they are unlikely to be a complete replacement for physical pushback against touchscreens marks a pivotal moment in automotive design. While digital interfaces are unlikely to disappear entirely, manufacturers will need to strike a better balance between aesthetics, cost efficiency, and driver safety. The upcoming Euro NCAP rules will likely accelerate this shift, encouraging carmakers to reintroduce physical controls where they are most needed. For consumers, this is a welcome development. Cars should be designed for intuitive, safe operation — not just for a sleek, futuristic look. In the coming years, we may see automakers experimenting with hybrid approaches, integrating physical buttons for essential functions while maintaining digital interfaces for infotainment and navigation. Some brands may even use haptic feedback or contextual controls that dynamically adjust based on driving conditions. As safety standards evolve, drivers may once again find themselves using familiar knobs and buttons instead of fumbling through endless digital menus. And in the end, that could save lives. Love reading Autoblog? 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