Why are physical buttons making a comeback in cars? Know the reason for this

Updated: 12-01-2026, 02.57 PM

What is the news?

The face of car interiors changed completely in the last decade. Buttons started disappearing from the dashboard and were replaced by large touchscreens. From Tesla to Mercedes, everything has been put on the screen in the name of ‘clean and modern’ look, but now this trend is changing. Car manufacturers like Volkswagen, Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz are bringing back physical buttons in their new cars. Let us know what are the reasons behind this.

Security is the biggest reason

The biggest disadvantage of a touchscreen is that the driver has to take his eyes off the road to operate it. It takes 2-3 taps to find the right icon. Muscle memory works with the physical buttons, meaning even without looking you know where to move your hand to turn down the volume or turn on the AC. The few seconds it takes to find the menu on the screen can cause a major accident.

Customers reported problems with the touchscreen

Repairing Cost and Durability: Touchscreens are cheaper to make because they require less wiring, but can be costly to repair or replace if they crack, stop working, or have software problems. Physical buttons, on the other hand, last for years and are cheaper to replace.
Customer Feedback: Customers are fed up with screen-only dashboards. People prefer turning a simple ‘knob’ rather than repeatedly clicking on the screen while driving, especially on bad roads.

What will the cars of the future be like?

According to experts, the interior of cars in the future will neither be completely touchscreen-based nor completely old-fashioned. The large screen will be only for navigation and entertainment, but physical buttons and knobs will be available for important driving-related controls. Europe’s Euro NCAP has implemented new rules from 2026. Now those cars will not get 5-star safety rating, which do not have turn signal, wiper, horn and physical button for emergency call.