Culture news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Buttons are back and storage is king when it comes to car interiors
Car interiors are moving away from glossy piano-black surfaces and controls hidden in screens, as drivers push for easier access to frequently used functions. Nissan design manager Hiren Patel says the shift reflects how people use cars on the road, where navigating menus can distract from driving.
The new Nissan Rogue Hybrid illustrates the change, with physical buttons and switches, more storage and rear doors that open to 90 degrees to help with child seats and passengers. Patel says family customers also want wireless charging, surfaces that are easy to clean and uncluttered, and intuitive controls; the design aims to meet these needs while still looking distinctive.
In short
- Drivers are pushing back against screen-only controls.
- Nissan’s Rogue Hybrid brings back buttons and practical storage.
- Its rear doors open to 90 degrees for easier access.
Explained simply
Car interiors are shaped by how drivers and passengers use them day to day. For functions such as adjusting the temperature or changing the audio, physical buttons can be easier to reach than controls buried in menus on a screen, especially while driving.
Nissan is one of the carmakers responding to demand for simpler controls and more practical space. Its design manager, Hiren Patel, says family buyers value storage, easy-to-clean surfaces and features such as wireless charging, as well as room for passengers and child seats.
The debate matters because interior design affects comfort and convenience, but also how easily drivers can use a car’s controls on the road. Carmakers are trying to balance practical features with screens and styling that make their cars feel modern and distinctive.