Chevrolet Moved Equinox Headlight Controls to Touchscreen

Owners have voiced frustration after physical headlight switches were replaced by digital menus.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a minimalist car dashboard with a glowing abstract geometric center, representing modern digital control interfaces. — Chevrolet has moved headlight controls to the infotainment touchscreen in its Equinox model, a shift that has sparked criticism over the loss of physical buttons. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you prefer physical buttons over touchscreens for critical vehicle controls like your headlights?

Chevrolet has shifted headlight controls for the Equinox to the vehicle's infotainment touchscreen. The design change has prompted significant negative feedback from users who prefer traditional physical buttons for essential vehicle functions.

Why it matters

The migration of critical safety controls into software menus complicates driver operation and has become a point of contention among vehicle owners. This shift complicates the driving experience by requiring navigation of menus rather than intuitive tactile adjustments.

Headlight activation on the Chevrolet Equinox now requires using the O symbol on the home screen or navigating the Controls & Safety app menu. While the touchscreen handles these settings, high beam functions remain on the turn signal lever.

The players

Chevrolet

An American automobile division of the manufacturer General Motors that produces a wide range of vehicles, including the Equinox.

Euro NCAP

A voluntary car safety performance assessment program based in Europe that sets standards for vehicle safety and control accessibility.

The details

Drivers must now access headlights through an infotainment interface instead of a dedicated physical switch. This design decision has drawn criticism from users in places like Tennessee, who have taken to social media to highlight the functional inconvenience of the new layout.

2025: Euro NCAP published its updated test procedure for driver controls.
2026: Euro NCAP officially added physical control assessments to its protocols.
September 22, 2026: Public reaction to the digital interface reached notable levels.

Roadmap

This transition marks a broader struggle within the auto industry between minimalist digital cockpit design and established safety ergonomics. As automakers move toward software-defined vehicles, they face increasing pressure to balance sleek technology with intuitive, tactile driver interfaces.

Owners must familiarize themselves with the specific touchscreen sub-menus to activate headlights during daily driving. This change necessitates a shift in habits for those accustomed to physical toggles, potentially impacting how drivers interact with vehicle safety features.

The takeaway

Drivers should prioritize getting comfortable with the infotainment menu structure to ensure they can manage safety features without distraction. Manufacturers continue to weigh the aesthetic appeal of digital interfaces against the practical needs of vehicle operators.