Euro NCAP has been encouraging carmakers to offer more physical buttons instead of purely touch-based switches in their vehicles. Now, under the revised norms that are set to roll out in 2026, Euro NCAP will deduct points for cars without physical buttons. Under the new rating scheme, cars that depend on touch-based controls instead of actual physical switches will find it difficult to score a 5-star rating. While the overall score will be lower, it won’t be impossible to earn 5 stars. To receive a higher score, carmakers will need to offer physical buttons for the horn, indicators, hazard lights, wipers and SOS. A vehicle must meet 60% of the ‘safe driving’ criteria to achieve a 5-star safety rating, which is possible for vehicles that rely heavily on touchscreens. However, it will only get stricter going forward, as cars will have to meet 70% of the criteria in 2027 and 80% in 2028. Last year, Mathew Avery, Euro NCAP Director of Strategic Development, stated that the new Euro NCAP tests due in 2026 would encourage manufacturers to use separate, physical controls for basic functions in an intuitive manner, limiting eyes-off-road time and therefore promoting safer driving.
