Carmakers are equipping their latest models with fancy touchscreens, but that could cause problems with Europe’s largest car safety authority.
The European New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) is revamping its rating system starting Jan. 1, 2026 to mandate that five of a car’s primary controls — its horn, windshield wipers, turn signals, hazard warning lights and SOS features — will need physical buttons or switches.
Car models will have to comply to get NCAP’s coveted five-star rating. The scheme is voluntary but is heeded by most automakers because it’s closely monitored by consumers.
Belgium-based NCAP says that purely digital controls are a potential safety issue.
I have a 2014 Nissan Sentra (base model), and it doesn’t really have any tech. No touchscreen, no wireless (it doesn’t even have USB audio, only 2.5 mm), and not even cruise control. So 2005 is a lot older than touchscreen dominance.
Ok then. My 2012 Prius had a touchscreen and everything else you mentioned. Op may have just been exaggerating though
Yeah it depends on what you get but there are definitely options in the last 10 years if you dislike touchscreens (I do, I wish there were more newer cars that don’t slurp up data to sell).