Bram Van Oost on UnsplashWe spent years and years and years talking about how you shouldn’t ever be on your phone while driving. In fact, multiple pieces of technology were created so you didn’t have to use your hands or avert your eyes while driving. 

Yet, here we are. Big screen in the centre of your dash that has apps, flashes texts, or provides other notifications that you absolutely need to see while on the road. It’s the equivalent of two iPads just stretching across your car. That’s a lot of screen to try and keep your eyes off of.

A AAA Study even showed that infotainment systems are incredibly unsafe for road use, with nearly 40% of U.S.-based drivers using infotainment systems while mobile. Concurrently, a 2024 Globe and Mail study revealed that over 20% of fatal car crashes last year were due to distracted driving, a 5% increase from the year prior. 

Big screens are obviously not the only thing that causes car crashes, but they’re surely not doing anybody any favors. Small screens are one thing, but nobody, nobody, needs a tablet for their car. If you’re looking for a car that keeps its infotainment system at a more respectable size, read on.

Trucks

You’re hauling important stuff, so you must keep your eyes on the road. The 2025 Ford Maverick and Toyota Tacoma, as well as the 2026 Nissan Frontier, Jeep Gladiator, and Honda Ridgeline, all make use of your standard 5 to 8-inch touchscreen.

SUVs

Vadym Kudriavtsev on Unsplash

There are many existing and upcoming SUVs that don’t have imposing infotainment systems. Mazda, Subaru, Honda, Toyota, Chevrolet, and Hyundai all make models with smaller screens. They’re more common among the most basic trims of each vehicle, but sometimes basic is better, don’t you think?

Cars

Cars are probably the most common type of vehicle that is privy to touch screen mania, but that doesn’t mean options aren’t out there. The 2024 Acura and Mazda models are among the most popular for those looking to avoid the big screens. If you have a luxury budget, the Cadillac CT-4 V, the Porsche 718, the BMW X4, and certain Alfa Romeo options are also excellent options.

Vans

If we’re looking at family-friendly vans, your best bet is the 2024 Chrysler Voyager or Grand Caravan, the 2024 Toyota Sienna, the Kia Carnival, or the Honda Odyssey are top choices. 

For those of you looking for more commercial vans, you have a choice between the GMC Savana, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the Ford Transit Connect, or the Nissan Townstar.

At this point in the game, you’re likely not going to find a more modern vehicle that doesn’t have a screen of some sort. Another option is to buy an older vehicle second-hand and update it to suit your needs, but that route can come with its own series of issues.

Regardless, there are options out there for you if you’re concerned about distracted driving (which everyone should be). Some of us much prefer the familiar feel of a button to switching between looking at the road and trying to pick a song from one of our playlists.