For over a decade, automakers have chased the allure of sleek, minimalist interiors dominated by touchscreens. Yet, despite growing consumer frustration, a surprising number of vehicles still forgo the simple convenience of a physical volume knob in 2026. The trend began with the first iPhones and now continues as automakers stubbornly cling to all-digital interfaces, even as drivers demand tactile controls. This isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about usability and safety.
The Rise of Screens, The Fall of Tactile Controls
The early adoption of in-car touchscreens was clumsy, but the technology has improved dramatically. Now, brands pack climate controls, navigation, and audio functions into single central screens. However, this convenience comes at a cost: drivers spend more time looking away from the road to adjust basic settings. The pushback is real: buyers want buttons, dials, and knobs that don’t require taking their eyes off the highway.
Which Brands Resist the Return of Tactile Controls?
Our analysis reveals over 30 vehicles in the US market still lack a dedicated, rotating volume control. The following brands are the most prominent offenders:
Audi
The A3, E-Tron GT, and Q4 E-Tron all feature questionable touch-capacitive controls instead of a traditional knob. While some may call it modern, drivers often find it frustratingly imprecise.
Ferrari & Lamborghini
Unsurprisingly, both Italian supercar makers—Ferrari (across all models) and Lamborghini (also all models)—prioritize driver ergonomics over convenience, eliminating volume knobs entirely in favor of steering wheel controls. The Urus SUV briefly had a knob before a 2024 facelift removed it for another screen.
Lotus
The Lotus Eletre SUV follows suit, ditching the volume knob for on-screen and steering wheel controls, a common theme among Geely-based vehicles.
Maserati
The Maserati Grecale stands out as an anomaly: while most Maseratis retain physical controls, the Grecale opts for screen-only adjustments, baffling consumers.
Mazda
The latest Mazda CX-5 abandoned its former physical controls for a large touchscreen, with Mazda citing “driver distraction” as the reason. This feels like a weak excuse given the simplicity of a knob.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz continues to omit volume knobs from its EQ models, C-, CLE-, and E-Classes. Despite the brand partially reversing course with tactile controls in newer models, many remain digital-only.
Porsche
The Porsche Taycan persists in using steering wheel controls, refusing to add a physical volume dial even after a facelift. Porsche acknowledges buyer demand for buttons but moves slowly.
Rivian & Tesla
Rivian (all models) and Tesla (all models) went all-digital from the start. Tesla, in particular, has no physical controls for basic functions like windshield wipers.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen has received the most criticism for its lack of tactile controls. The GTI, Golf R, ID.4, and ID. Buzz all feature a poorly designed touch-capacitive slider instead of a proper knob. The company is finally adding buttons back into some models, but the damage is done.
Volvo
The Volvo EX30 is another Geely-based SUV that ignores tactile controls, frustrating drivers who crave simplicity. Fortunately, the EX30 is being discontinued in the US after this year.
Why Does This Matter?
The absence of a physical volume knob isn’t trivial. It forces drivers to rely on touchscreens or steering wheel controls, increasing distraction and reducing safety. This trend underscores a larger problem: automakers prioritizing aesthetics and technological novelty over usability. Consumers are speaking out : they want physical controls back, and some brands are finally listening.
The persistence of touchscreen-only systems in 2026 is a reminder that automotive design sometimes lags behind common sense. While some automakers are course-correcting, many still resist giving drivers what they clearly want: a simple, reliable volume knob.
