Buttons Are Back: Euro NCAP Says Simple Controls Make Cars Safer

Image from- KIA

Physical buttons and switches are making a comeback in new cars, and Euro NCAP’s latest safety tests suggest that this is good news for drivers. Under its 2026 testing protocols, the organisation is placing greater importance on whether essential driving functions can be operated directly instead of being hidden inside touchscreen menus.

The functions being assessed include indicators, windscreen wipers and washers, hazard lights, the horn and the eCall emergency button. Euro NCAP says these controls should be easy to find and operate without forcing drivers to look away from the road. Touchscreen menus can be distracting and unnecessarily difficult to use while driving.

The Audi Q7 is a strong example of this approach. Its clearly positioned buttons and stalks helped it achieve a 90% score for driving controls, including full marks for essential driving tasks. The Kia EV2 also performed well, showing that practical physical controls can be used successfully in different types of vehicles. Both models received an overall five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

The XPENG X9 presented a sharp contrast. Although it also earned a five-star overall rating because of its strong crash-avoidance and post-crash safety performance, it scored only 20% for its primary driving controls. The vehicle relies heavily on its central touchscreen, which Euro NCAP says may increase driver distraction when carrying out basic tasks.

These results show that modern technology and simple design do not have to be opposites. Advanced driver-assistance systems remain important, but they work best when everyday controls are intuitive and easy to access. Euro NCAP’s message to manufacturers is clear: innovation should improve safety, not make basic driving actions more complicated.

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