A 50-Button Mazda Lost A Screen Distraction Test To A Four-Button Tesla

A recent comparison of ten vehicles has revealed a surprising result for Saudi drivers: a Mazda model equipped with roughly 50 physical buttons proved more distracting than a Tesla with just four buttons. The study, which measured how quickly and accurately drivers could adjust infotainment functions, found that the tactile controls didn’t automatically guarantee safer operation. This challenges the common assumption that physical buttons are always superior to touchscreens for reducing driver distraction.

For Saudi car buyers, this finding is particularly relevant when choosing between traditional sedans and modern electric vehicles. The Mazda in question is likely the Mazda3 or CX-30, both sold in the Kingdom and praised for their intuitive rotary controller and physical switchgear. These models compete with the Hyundai Elantra and Kia Cerato for compact sedan buyers, and with the Honda HR-V in the crossover segment. Meanwhile, the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, also available in Saudi Arabia, rely heavily on a central touchscreen and steering wheel controls.

The key takeaway for shoppers is that button count alone isn’t a reliable measure of distraction. The study noted that the Tesla’s streamlined interface, though requiring more screen taps, allowed drivers to complete tasks with fewer total glances away from the road. The Mazda, despite its many buttons, sometimes required a longer sequence of presses to reach the same function, increasing total distraction time.

Saudi buyers should test both approaches during their evaluation. When sitting in a Mazda, try adjusting the climate or audio without looking down. In a Tesla, practice using voice commands and steering wheel scrolls for common tasks. The best choice depends on your personal adaptability and whether you prefer a dedicated physical control for each function or a minimalistic screen that can be operated quickly with practice.

Ultimately, this comparison reminds us that automotive technology is evolving rapidly. While physical buttons once offered a clear safety advantage, modern touchscreen systems are closing the gap—and in some cases, overtaking them. For Saudi drivers navigating busy city streets like Riyadh’s northern ring road or Jeddah’s coastal highways, minimizing any form of distraction should remain the top priority, regardless of the control layout.