Drivers are increasingly frustrated with car infotainment touchscreens, with a recent study by automotive consumer platform What Car? revealing how distracting these systems can be. The research, which tested 21 new car models, found that simple tasks like changing the radio station can take up to 81 seconds, a significant period for a driver to have their eyes off the road.
A general guideline suggests that drivers should not be distracted for more than 3.5 seconds at a time. For its assessment, What Car? adopted the 12-second task time limit set by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The study evaluated four tasks: changing radio stations, adjusting interior temperature, activating the driver's heated seat, and setting a navigation destination.
Using eye-tracking technology, the study measured cognitive workload and attention levels in real time. The Honda HR-V SUV and Suzuki e-Vitara were found to have the most distracting infotainment systems, both receiving only one star from What Car? judges. The Honda HR-V's nine-inch touchscreen was noted for being unresponsive and difficult to use, with a total task time of 100.8 seconds and high distraction and mental effort scores. The Suzuki e-Vitara's system was described as glitchy and slow. IMAGE2
Other vehicles ranking in the bottom five for least distracting systems included the MG IM5's ISmart Connected Suite, Ford's Ranger pick-up with its Sync 4A system, and the BYD Sealion 5's 12.8-inch touchscreen. These systems were criticized for issues ranging from voice control unreliability to slow manual functions and increased time spent looking away from the road. IMAGE4
Conversely, the study highlighted systems that proved less distracting. The Renault 4's OpenR Link system, featuring integrated Google, was ranked as the least distracting, earning a full five-star rating. Drivers were able to complete tasks quickly with minimal time looking at the screen. IMAGE6
Other top-ranking systems included the Mercedes-Benz GLB, which utilizes AI from Google and Microsoft, and the Tesla Model Y, praised for its responsive interface and effective AI Grok voice command. IMAGE5 The Volkswagen T-Roc MIB4 and Mini Cooper Electric also received high marks for their voice control capabilities.
Beyond ranking individual systems, the study emphasized the effectiveness of voice control. Performing simple tasks via good quality voice control was found to be 96% faster and significantly less distracting compared to using a poor system. However, a survey indicated that 85% of motorists desire more physical buttons in their vehicles, suggesting a continued preference for traditional controls. IMAGE3
Despite the potential of voice control, consumer confidence remains a barrier, with many drivers hesitant due to past unreliability. While 71% of drivers frequently use radio functions and 70% use navigation, only 27% rely on their car's voice control. Experts suggest that car manufacturers must prioritize developing efficient and user-friendly voice control systems to encourage adoption and reduce reliance on distracting touchscreens.