Car Tech Hits And Misses
No one buys a car expecting to argue with the touchscreen. But bad infotainment can turn a simple drive into a frustrating tech catastrophe. The difference between a thoughtful interface and a confusing one can completely alter the way you drive, and you need to know which cars you can count on. Some cars haven’t learned that lesson. Others clearly have. First up: the ones drivers wish came with a user manual.
1. Tesla Model S (2012–2018)
The NHTSA issued a recall for over 135,000 Teslas due to a failing infotainment screen. The issue involved worn-out embedded memory that disabled climate controls and rearview cameras. For a brand defined by tech, that failure directly compromised safety and driver confidence in smart innovation.
2. Subaru Outback
The 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen seemed promising on release. But reports from thousands of owners revealed ghost touches and unresponsive climate and radio controls. Subaru issued multiple software updates and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), yet complaints persisted. The interface became its most persistent frustration point.
3. Lexus NX
Luxury styling doesn’t make up for tech stuck in the past. Mimicking a laptop touchpad, the car’s infotainment demands too much precision for simple tasks. Drivers often need multiple tries to select anything, making it one of the most user-unfriendly systems in luxury crossovers.
4. Chevrolet Malibu
Infotainment systems shouldn't lag behind budget smartphones, yet that’s what owners of recent Malibus reported. Despite Chevrolet's MyLink interface offering standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, slow boot times, screen freezes, and input delays made even basic functions feel sluggish.
5. Chevrolet Camaro
In sports cars, distraction can be dangerous. The Camaro’s infotainment screen placement forces drivers to divert their eyes from the road. Combine that with screen flicker complaints, delayed Bluetooth pairing, and limited customization, and the tech setup undermines an otherwise performance-focused driving experience.
6. Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford’s EV experiment delivered a modern range and style, but its massive 15.5-inch SYNC 4A screen brought trouble. Early owners encountered black-screen lockouts and vanishing UI buttons mid-drive. Ford pushed over-the-air fixes, yet system instability and touchscreen dependency have remained persistent.
7. Chrysler 300
Old-school charm only goes so far. The Chrysler 300’s outdated Uconnect 4 feels clunky by today’s standards. Slow voice commands, laggy screen response, and low-res visuals make the system feel stuck in the past, even if the leather seats try to distract you.
8. Volkswagen ID.4
European engineering meets American irritation in the ID.4. Its minimalist infotainment approach removed physical buttons, yet the touchscreen proved sluggish and confusing. Owners routinely report menu lag and touch inputs failing to register, especially when trying to adjust climate settings or drive modes.
9. Mazda 3
Mazda went against the grain with its rotary dial interface by removing touchscreen capability entirely when in motion. It frustrates users accustomed to tapping icons. Pair that with a non-intuitive menu structure and sluggish system performance, and the Mazda 3 feels needlessly complicated for a tech-conscious market.
10. Honda Civic
In lower trims of recent Civic generations, Honda’s infotainment offered the basics but not much more. Tiny 7-inch screens and complaints about laggy software marred the user experience. Though higher trims fared better, the base system fell years behind competitors in responsiveness and clarity.
Enough of the glitchy touchscreens and laggy controls—these next models prove that in-car tech can actually be a highlight.
1. BMW 3 Series
The iDrive 8 system in the BMW 3 Series blends rotary control and voice commands with precision. Introduced as a significant upgrade from iDrive 7, it offers customizable widgets and over-the-air updates. The curved dual-display layout responds quickly and integrates seamlessly with mobile platforms.
2. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) sets a high bar in the E-Class. Natural voice control activated by “Hey Mercedes,” high-resolution screens, and augmented reality navigation all work together smoothly. Introduced in 2020, its ability to learn user preferences and adjust settings proactively gives the system real utility.
3. Hyundai Ioniq 5
Released in 2021, the Ioniq 5’s infotainment interface stands out with its ultra-wide dual-screen setup. Menus are logically structured, and the lack of lag is refreshing. Unlike many EVs, Hyundai retains physical climate controls to reduce driver distraction while offering full smartphone mirroring and cloud-based updates.
4. Kia EV6
Drivers of the EV6 appreciate its clean, modern layout and dual 12.3-inch curved displays. Kia’s system pairs speed with style. Crucially, the tactile climate panel and customizable shortcut keys show attention to real-world use, earning it praise from both critics and owners.
5. Audi A6
Audi’s MMI Touch Response system in the A6 features dual touchscreens with haptic feedback. Introduced in 2019, it delivers crisp visuals and smart voice command recognition. Moreover, its ability to store driver profiles and automate frequently used actions adds a functional layer to its futuristic design.
6. Toyota Camry
Toyota refined its Entune system with a focus on simplicity. In the Camry, especially from 2021 onward, menus are intuitive, connectivity is stable, and system crashes are rare. The inclusion of Apple CarPlay with Android Auto as standard marked a turning point in Toyota’s tech reputation.
7. Genesis GV70
The GV70’s infotainment offers multiple control options: rotary dial, touchscreen, and voice. The 14.5-inch ultra-wide display is sharp and non-reflective, which makes it easy to read in daylight. Besides that, customizable ambient themes and profile syncing round out one of the most thoughtfully designed UIs in the premium segment.
8. Porsche Taycan
Unlike many sports sedans, the Taycan packs a four-screen setup. The central screen handles nav and media, while a curved 16.8-inch driver display handles performance data. Smooth transitions and precision inputs make it one of the most technically advanced interiors on the market.
9. Volvo XC60
In 2022, Volvo partnered with Google to revamp its infotainment system. The XC60 now runs native Google apps (Maps, Assistant, Play Store) with zero lag. Voice control is natural, software updates are handled automatically, and integration with other Google devices is seamless.
10. Lucid Air
The Lucid Air’s infotainment suite is called Glass Cockpit and spans a 34-inch curved screen with 5K resolution. The system pairs beautifully with a retractable pilot panel for expanded controls. Fast rendering and deep customization make it a benchmark for how high-end EV infotainment should perform.
