Subaru, for one, has learned its lesson. The current Outback is almost all screen and menu driven, with hardly any physical controls. The next generation, which will start with the 2026 model year, brings back a large number of knobs and push buttons. The vertical portrait mode infotainment screen was rotated 90 degrees to landscape orientation, which allows for the return of physical controls beneath it. If the Forester keeps the vertical screen for 2027 I’m going to give up and get an Outback.
The Subaru screens are ridiculous and obnoxious.
Why this is allowed I have no idea. It is very unsafe. The state of Michigan outlaws cellular device usage while driving yet here all the cars are made with devices built in. It’s insane.
My Mazda has a digital display up high and easy to see. everything is controlled by a physical interface. Entertainment, Navigation, and menus from console rocker knob and 4 buttons. Climate by buttons and knobs on the center dash. Entertainment, Voice command and phone on the steering wheel.
I love not having a touch screen interface. Funny thing is Mazda’s biggest complain is infotainment. I guess Gen Z like touch screen and finds it primitive?
Interestingly only the top of the line Mazda’s have a touch interface, and they still have all the button controls.