Can the next generation Mach-E please include more buttons?

[CTZ]

I just wish they'd make the button to find the nearest parking lot bigger. I get SO much use out of this button.

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[Womps]

The 4 buttons I don’t like, the ones you have to push to open the doors. Just give me a regular handle.

 

[E. Shore Farmer]

I get the impulse to defend the current control scheme, but it's worth noting that the EU is going to start REQUIRING physical buttons because of emerging evidence that they remain more usable and less distracting.

The automakers like screen-based controls because they're more flexible and cheaper to implement, but it's looking more and more to have a cost. Yes, HVAC controls, at the very least.

I’m with the EU on this one. Buttons you can find in the dark and without taking your eyes off the road. They’re a lot of screens in a modern cockpit, but they’re still a lot of buttons, too. Try hitting the correct spot on a screen at night in rough air or water. Granted, this is a car, but still it’s just basic ergonomics.

 

[Mirak]

As several people have commented... it's the LAG that can be frustrating with the digital buttons. That, and a few features like trunk access got buried in menus. Fix those issues, and most of the concern is alleviated, IMHO.

 

[zvez]

Agreed. And this Sony head unit brings back memories!

too cluttered looks like something out of a 90s car

 

[LincolnLuvr]

Sigh… of COURSE you can. Check out page 369 of the MY21 owner’s manual ?‍?

Voice control takes too long. Toggling a physical control takes half a second. Voice control takes a few seconds and requires first pressing the Sync *button*.

Just can't beat the efficiency and safety of a good old physical control/button.

 

[Mach1E]

Voice control takes too long. Toggling a physical control takes half a second. Voice control takes a few seconds and requires first pressing the Sync *button*.

Just can't beat the efficiency and safety of a good old physical control/button.

I’ve had this car for 2.5 years. Am on the forum daily……. And totally forgot or didn’t know we could change the AC with voice commands.

Still don’t plan on using that feature though. ?‍

 

[phil]

Am I the only one who’s figured out how to use voice controls?

Yeah, I think it's just you.

Which voice commands do you find most useful?

 

[smunro622]

The gear knob, parking brake and hazards need to go in the center console. Rotate the iPad screen horizontal and add buttons that way.

I am expectin/hoping for an interior revamp in the 2026 model.

 

[Electric Goat]

No need for more buttons. I just set it and forget it. Climate control, heated seats and heated steering wheel are all programmed perfectly. I can use my voice for almost everything else.

 

[ThatGuyLando]

They should focus on fixing existing things rather than adding more half working buttons to the car.

I suggest they start with REALLY REALLY basic things like opening and closing doors reliably. Then move on to things like having the car actually turn off features when we set them off, or not reseting all our profile preferences whenever they push a new update out.

 

[phil]

The gear knob, parking brake and hazards need to go in the center console.

Isn't that where they already are?

 

[SWO]

I like the new Rangers HVAC physical buttons setup, although I prefer something cleaner. A similar setup to our 2019 Explorer Sport would be acceptable (+/- for Temp and Fan Speed) in addition to touchscreen adjustability:

I actually liked the controls on that gen Explorer without the upgraded head unit better. It uses a "toggle" type control for temp which easy to not only find in the dark but also adjust with accuracy. Want the temp to go down 3 degrees? Hit it 3 times. Everything else is also laid out well.

 

[Jeff-NoVA]

I don't think that's exactly what's happening. From my understanding, NCAP... basically Europe's IIHS (an independent, non-government entity that rates/scores vehicles on safety and other things), is encouraging manufacturer's to start adding buttons for some items by making it a part of their scoring model for vehicle safety in a couple years.

So "REQUIRING" is a really strong word here. This isn't some EU government regulator or anything. Will manufacturers probably start doing it? Probably? If it can help them get a better score in their tests and be more recommendable, ya, probably.

I suspect IIHS will follow suit if they agree that the evidence supports it. They want to reduce crashes to reduce costs for the insurance industry that they serve. And if that happens, the manufacturers will absolutely get in line if not doing so costs them a top safety pick award.

 

[Jimrpa]

Voice control takes too long. Toggling a physical control takes half a second. Voice control takes a few seconds and requires first pressing the Sync *button*.

Just can't beat the efficiency and safety of a good old physical control/button.

That’s not what you said originally ?
You said “Buttons are never obsolete! Can't operate your hvac if the screen dies.”
I am pointing out that the second sentence is incorrect.
And just how often are you adjusting your climate controls that pressing one button on the steering wheel and saying a short phrase is too cumbersome? ? I rarely twiddle around with climate control while driving.

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