Drivers Really Hate Those Giant Touchscreens in Cars

It’s the same story you’ve probably heard at the dealership: every new model boasts a bigger, brighter screen that stretches from the driver’s dash all the way into the passenger’s lap. On paper it sounds futuristic, but the reality in the driver’s seat is far less glamorous.

A recent JD Power study, which polled 68,000 owners of 2026‑model vehicles, found that a whopping one‑third of respondents never even bothered to touch the passenger‑area display. Only about six percent said they used it every time they got in the car. The numbers suggest the screens are more decoration than utility.

And it’s not just a matter of neglect. The study showed larger screens were also more likely to suffer from glitches, freezes, and software bugs. In other words, the flashier the display, the higher the chance it’ll act up just when you need it most.

Interestingly, when JD Power examined 40 different tech features, the ones that scored highest were the most invisible ones – smart ignition, climate control that adjusts itself, things that just work without demanding attention. The low‑scoring items? Passenger‑side touch consoles, which have been linked to distracted driving incidents far more often than traditional knobs and buttons.

“The technology customers value most is often the technology they barely notice because it simply works,” explained Doron Hikry, JD Power’s director of customer success. “Smart ignition and smart climate control make everyday driving easier without demanding the driver’s attention, while more automation and additional screens don’t necessarily translate into a better experience.”

Even the much‑hyped Level 2 Plus driver‑assist systems – the sort that let you coast hands‑free on highways – didn’t win universal love. Respondents preferred more modest Level 2 aids that felt like clear assistance rather than semi‑autonomous take‑overs.

What does this mean for automakers? Some are already dialing back, re‑introducing tactile knobs and physical buttons to appease frustrated owners. Volkswagen, for instance, recently announced a return to classic controls after a wave of touchscreen complaints.

Bottom line? Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to car tech. Drivers want tools that help them stay focused on the road, not shiny distractions that demand a second glance. The industry may need to rethink the whole “more screen, more wow” mantra if it hopes to keep customers satisfied.