10 cars that strike the right balance between buttons and touchscreens, according to their owners
Car changing is a big deal
Touchscreens are everywhere in a car, but physical buttons still have their place. Based on the latest Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, these are the 10 cars that get the balance right.
Your car’s controls can make a big difference to your driving experience. Touchscreens offer sleek designs and a wide range of functions, but physical buttons can be easier to use without taking your eyes off the road. Getting the balance right is key to make everyday driving safer, simpler and less distracting.
So, which cars strike the right balance between buttons and touchscreens? Based on feedback from more than 100,000 motorists, the latest Driver Power survey reveals the 10 cars whose owners are happiest with the way their interiors handle the mix of physical controls and digital displays.
- Mazda CX-30
- BMW 2 Series
- Tesla Model 3
- Nissan Juke
- Vauxhall Grandland
- Ford Kuga
- Vauxhall Mokka
- Toyota C-HR
- Vauxhall Frontera
- Toyota Corolla
Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.
1. Mazda CX-30
Taking first place is the Mazda CX-30. This small SUV features a wraparound dashboard, with solid-feeling climate and audio controls below. An 8.8-inch infotainment screen sits on top of the dash, although, oddly, its touchscreen functionality is limited to smartphone mirroring. For other functions, you navigate the logical menus using a rotary controller positioned just behind the gearstick, which is easy to use.
Respondents to the Driver Power survey praised the CX-30’s balance of physical controls and digital technology. One owner described it as “comfortable, reliable and good looking”, praising its “good level of refinement and equipment”. Another highlighted its “safe, secure, stylish” qualities and “responsive handling”.
2. BMW 2 Series
In second place is the BMW 2 Series. This premium coupe gets a large 14.9-inch screen with sharp graphics and quick responses when you tap it. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, too, making it easy to connect your phone.
It doesn’t get BMW’s latest infotainment system, which you’ll find in models such as the iX and 5 Series, but that’s no bad thing. Although BMW has removed the traditional row of physical climate controls, you still get buttons on the dashboard and centre console for key driving and media functions, so not everything has to be controlled through the touchscreen.
Owners seem to appreciate the 2 Series’ user-friendly approach, though. One respondent described it as “very smooth, comfortable and user friendly”, while another praised its safety features as useful.
3. Tesla Model 3
Coming in third place might surprise you, especially given that it has no physical buttons for useful functions such as climate control. But perhaps Tesla Model 3 owners have a different idea of the perfect balance between physical buttons and touchscreen controls: no buttons at all.
Tesla helped popularise the move towards touchscreen controls, ditching buttons in favour of putting almost everything on the screen. To be fair, though, its system is one of the most intuitive around, so it’s hard to complain.
And owners seem to agree. One Driver Power respondent said they “loved everything about the Tesla – especially its technology and simplicity”, while another praised its “technology, entertainment system and its overall connectivity”.
4. Nissan Juke
Just missing out on the podium is the Nissan Juke. This quirky-looking SUV gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s clear, bright and responsive. However, its settings menus can be overwhelming, and it might take you a while to find what you’re looking for. Thankfully, you still get physical buttons for the climate controls.
Driver Power respondents liked the mix of physical controls and a responsive touchscreen. One owner said the Juke “serves my needs well”, while another praised it for being “good value for money, comfortable, and has good tech features”.
5. Vauxhall Grandland
Also making the top 10 is the Vauxhall Grandland. On GS and Design trims, this SUV gets a huge 16.0-inch infotainment screen in the centre of the dashboard. It’s very wide but relatively short, which takes some getting used to and means the sat nav can’t show as much of the road ahead as you might like. The menus are easy enough to navigate, although there’s still a little lag when you tap the screen, which can get mildly annoying.
Thankfully, the Grandland hasn’t gotten rid of physical controls altogether. You still get buttons and dials for useful functions such as climate control and adjusting the volume, so you don’t have to rely on the touchscreen for everything.
Owners liked this mix of touchscreen technology and traditional controls. One respondent praised the “big touchscreen” and the fact that it “still has radio and heating controls”.
6. Ford Kuga
Up next is the Ford Kuga. This SUV comes with a 13.0-inch touchscreen as standard, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The screen looks modern, although Ford’s software can be a little tricky to navigate.
The touchscreen itself is good, but Ford has removed the physical air conditioning controls found in the previous Kuga. That’s a shame, as adjusting the heating and cooling through the screen isn’t as convenient as having dedicated buttons. You do still get some physical controls for the media, though.
Even so, owners praised the Kuga’s technology and overall appeal. One respondent highlighted its “reliability, style, safety and high-spec tech”, while another liked its “great driving experience and technology”. A third praised its “wide range of features, excellent infotainment and great driving experience”.
7. Vauxhall Mokka
Another Vauxhall makes the list, this time in the shape of the small but stylish Mokka SUV. Inside, you get two 10.0-inch screens, one for the infotainment system and the other for the driver’s instruments. The setup looks pretty upmarket, like something you’d find in a much more expensive car, but the software can be slow and clunky to use.
Thankfully, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, making it easy to use your favourite smartphone apps instead. You also get physical controls for some functions, including the climate control, so you don’t have to fiddle with the touchscreen just to change the temperature.
Owners were impressed by the Mokka’s handy features, too. One respondent praised the “good selection of driver aids” and “great sound system”, while another described it as “responsive, easy to drive, comfortable and well designed”. They also liked that it has “all the gadgets you would expect”, including cruise control, automatic lights and windscreen wipers, and Apple CarPlay.
8. Toyota C-HR
Owners praised the Toyota C-HR for its good mix of touchscreen technology and physical controls. All but entry-level versions get a 12.3-inch display that’s easy to use and responds quickly to your inputs.
There are also physical switches for the climate controls, which have a reassuringly solid feel and are easy to operate without taking your eyes off the road. They’re also less fiddly than touchscreen controls.
Owners seem happy with the overall package, too. One respondent described the C-HR as “perfect in every way”, praising the sat-nav and music functions on the screen. Another called it “a brilliant car to drive”, highlighting how it is “smooth and ultra reliable” while also being economical, stylish and “packed full of toys”.
9. Vauxhall Frontera
The Vauxhall Frontera is the third and final Vauxhall to make the top 10. This SUV comes with a 10.0-inch infotainment screen that’s basic but functional. The display is bright and responsive, and the menus are easy to find your way around.
Physical climate controls are a welcome addition, as are the buttons that let you quickly switch off the lane departure and speed limit warning sounds.
Owners seem to appreciate the Frontera’s straightforward mix of touchscreen technology and physical controls. One respondent praised its “well-laid-out dashboard and easy-to-use heater controls”, while another loved its “smooth driving, comfortable interior”, adding that they “absolutely love it”.
10. Toyota Corolla
Rounding out the top 10 is the Toyota Corolla. This hybrid hatchback comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, letting you use the car’s excellent voice control through the car’s screen. The Corolla also retains physical buttons for the climate controls, making it easier to adjust the temperature while on the move.
However, we do find the touchscreen disappointingly slow to respond, with noticeable lag between tapping the screen and anything happening. Even calculating a route takes longer than you’d expect.
Still, drivers rate the Toyota Corolla highly for its mix of touchscreen tech and physical controls, as well as its everyday practicality. One owner praised its “reliability and plenty of extras for driving comfort and performance”, while another highlighted its “fuel economy, reliability, infotainment system and ease of driving”.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
Want to see the latest car content first? Click here to follow us on Reddit, where you can keep up-to-date with all the latest news, reviews, advice guides and videos.