A new Swedish driver-distraction test reveals that completing common infotainment tasks behind the wheel now takes longer than it did four years ago.
The study, conducted by Vi Bilägare, measured how far drivers traveled while performing a set of routine actions at a steady 68 mph (110 km/h) on a closed airfield.
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On average, drivers covered 813 meters (2,667 feet) before finishing the tasks, up from 756 meters (2,480 feet) in 2022.
That translates to roughly two extra seconds with reduced focus on the road.
Touchscreens Not the Main Problem
Perhaps the most surprising finding is that touchscreens themselves are not the primary issue.
The Volvo XC60, equipped with a touchscreen, completed the test in just 485 meters (1,591 feet), suggesting its interface is intuitive and fast.
In contrast, a 2016 Volvo V60, which relies solely on physical buttons, needed 863 meters (2,831 feet) to finish the same tasks.
The Mazda CX-60 fared even worse, taking 37 seconds and covering 1,137 meters (3,730 feet).
Its touchscreen locks out while driving, forcing the driver to use physical controls, and the cabin contains 50 buttons—the highest count in the 2026 test.
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The Tesla Model Y, which has only four buttons and relies almost entirely on its screen, performed better than many vehicles with more physical controls.
The screen-focused Mercedes CLA took 35 seconds overall, partly due to a 19-second startup lag from unlocking to display response.
