Euro NCAP urges return to physical car buttons in new 2026 tests
Euro NCAP’s latest assessments praise accessible physical controls in the Audi Q7 and Kia EV2, while criticising touchscreen dependence in the Xpeng X9.
The European vehicle safety-testing organisation Euro NCAP has highlighted a shift back towards physical buttons and switches for essential driving functions, following the release of its latest 2026 vehicle assessments. The 12 October announcement is relevant to Northern Ireland motorists because buyers can encounter very different control systems even in cars with similar headline safety ratings.
Euro NCAP compared the Audi Q7, Kia EV2 and Xpeng X9 under its updated testing protocols. It praised the more straightforward use of physical controls in the Audi and Kia and raised concerns about the level of touchscreen dependence in the Xpeng. The issue is not whether screens belong in cars at all; it is whether everyday safety-related tasks can be performed without requiring unnecessary eyes-off-road interaction.
What the safety body actually found
Euro NCAP says it has been pressing manufacturers to retain accessible physical inputs for common functions. Its latest commentary describes the Audi Q7 and Kia EV2 as strong examples of designs that maintain useful physical controls, whereas the Xpeng X9 uses touchscreens extensively even for basic tasks.
The Audi Q7 was reported to have scored 90 per cent for driving controls under the relevant assessment. That is a result for a specific category of testing, not a claim that the vehicle has a 90 per cent overall safety rating.
Which controls matter most?
Indicators, hazard warning lights and windscreen wipers are among the driving functions for which Euro NCAP's protocols emphasise physical operation. These controls may be needed urgently or in poor visibility. Having a button or stalk in a familiar position can reduce the need to search through a menu.
A large display can still be useful for navigation, information and non-urgent settings. The distinction is between interactions a driver can perform by touch and those requiring attention to be diverted to several layers of on-screen controls. The ideal layout may vary, but essential tasks should remain simple.
What this means for Northern Ireland test drives
When viewing a car at a local dealership, drivers should spend a few minutes operating its controls before heading onto the road. Find the hazard switch, indicators, wipers, heating and demisting controls while stationary. If adjusting a common function feels confusing in a showroom, it may be more distracting in heavy rain on an unfamiliar route.
For someone moving from an older car into a newer EV or SUV, the learning curve can be considerable. Even motorists comfortable with smartphones may prefer separate controls for climate, lights and safety functions. Dealer handovers should explain the layout rather than assume an owner will discover everything after leaving the forecourt.
Do these findings replace a full safety assessment?
No. Control ergonomics are one aspect of vehicle safety. Crash protection, pedestrian protection, active safety systems, driving-assistance reliability and many other factors remain important. A buyer should review the model-year-specific Euro NCAP result rather than judge a vehicle's overall safety solely by the number of buttons on the dashboard.
It is also important to check that the version being sold corresponds to the car tested. An older generation or different specification may have another interface or safety package. Dealers should avoid applying a newly published assessment to every vehicle carrying a familiar model badge.
A useful change in the car-buying conversation
For Northern Ireland used-car buyers, the development adds another practical comparison to price, mileage, service history and fuel type. The question is not just what technology a vehicle advertises but whether the driver can operate it confidently and safely in ordinary conditions.
Euro NCAP's latest release signals pressure on manufacturers to prioritise usable controls alongside impressive displays. That makes this more than a design fashion story: it could influence what buyers test and ask about before deciding which car suits them.
