Kia has confirmed that it will continue using physical buttons and switches, even as it adds more advanced technology and larger touchscreens to its cars. The South Korean carmaker says core everyday functions should remain easy, fast, and safe to use without forcing drivers to dig through touchscreen menus.
Why is Kia keeping physical buttons?
Kia, through its Head of Interior Design, Jochen Paesen, reportedly confirmed that the future Kia cars will be easier to use, reducing frustration and distraction while improving everyday comfort and safety. He explained that some functions must be found instantly and without error. This is why Kia continues to prioritise physical buttons, such as climate control (air-conditioning & heating), volume, and basic driving settings.
He said drivers should not need to scroll through several menu screens to find simple controls. According to Kia’s global market research, drivers share very basic expectations when it comes to accessing everyday functions.
Kia is keen on keeping their focus on easy, safe, and intuitive control layouts. Its cars will keep physical buttons on the steering wheel and centre console for important functions and use touchscreens mainly for less critical features.
The move also comes as safety bodies increasingly focus on driver distraction, with updated ANCAP safety testing criteria already in effect from 2026.
MORE: 2026 Kia EV6 facelift pricing revealed for Australia
Kia’s view on touchscreens and technology
Kia still wants to add more advanced features and new technology, but says it is trying to solve a big challenge: How can a car move from being something people must learn to use to something that actually helps them naturally? The South Korean carmaker believes technology should reduce steps, not add complexity.
Kia Interior Design Head, Mr Paesen, added that Chinese brands bring new ideas forward, even if some features are more about novelty. They are pushing new ideas, trying new things, and it helps the car industry learn what works and what doesn’t.
MORE: 2026 Kia EV4 prices detailed for Australia
Other car brands are bringing buttons back
Many other car manufacturers removed physical buttons and replaced them with touchscreens and touch-sensitive (capacitive) controls, and received strong criticism.
In 2023, Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schafer said removing physical buttons and adding capacitive steering wheel buttons and sliders was a bad decision. He added that it damaged the brand, and physical buttons will return in new models and facelifts.
Honda also switched back to physical dials for AC in the latest Jazz/Fit model because customers found touch controls hard to use, and drivers had to look away from the road.
With growing scrutiny around driver distraction and with the updates in the ANCAP safety assessment from 2026, other car brands are reconsidering touchscreen-heavy layouts, particularly for the core car functions.
Comments
New Comment