Why Physical Buttons Are Making a Comeback in Cars (and What It Means for Your Stereo)

Large touchscreens took over car dashboards over the last decade, often replacing the knobs and buttons drivers had used for years. Now the trend is starting to reverse, and safety testing is one of the reasons.

What Euro NCAP now expects

Euro NCAP says its 2026 testing protocols reward cars that keep a direct physical control for basic driving functions, instead of hiding them inside a touchscreen menu. The functions it names are indicators, windscreen wipers and washer, hazard warning lights, the horn and the eCall emergency button.

These controls are scored in the Safe Driving part of the assessment. Euro NCAP's examples show a wide spread: the BMW iX3 scored 100% and the Audi Q7 90%, while some newer models scored as low as 20% or even 0%. A low score here does not automatically block a top rating, because crash avoidance and post crash safety also count, but it shows that the way controls are laid out now has a measurable effect.

What about the stereo?

The Euro NCAP list does not include audio volume, so there is no rule that says your stereo must have a knob. Even so, the same logic applies. Changing volume, skipping a track or answering a call are things drivers do constantly, and a physical control lets you do them without looking away from the road.

What to look for in a car stereo

• A real volume knob or dedicated buttons. You can find them by touch, which is the biggest practical advantage.
• Steering wheel controls that still work. Check that the unit supports your car's steering wheel buttons, or that a compatible adapter is available.
• A responsive touchscreen. If you do prefer touch, look for a bright, fast panel that is readable in sunlight.
• Voice control. CarPlay and Android Auto both support voice commands, which reduces how often you need to touch the screen at all.
• Shortcuts for the basics. Volume, mute and a home button should never be several taps away.

Our take

Touchscreens are not going away, and they are very good at navigation and media browsing. But the most frequent actions work better with something you can feel. When you choose a stereo or a new car, try the controls while sitting in the driver's seat, and ask yourself whether you could use them without looking.

Source: Euro NCAP press release on the return of physical buttons for basic functions in its 2026 tests.