Chevrolet Equinox Moved Headlight Controls to Touchscreen
Owners of the new Chevrolet Equinox must now use the infotainment display to adjust vehicle headlights.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Chevrolet has shifted headlight controls for the Equinox to the vehicle's infotainment touchscreen, replacing traditional physical switches. This change requires drivers to interact with the digital display to activate or adjust external lighting settings.
Why it matters
The shift away from physical buttons impacts how drivers manage essential vehicle safety features, particularly during operation. The change coincides with an industry-wide debate over the accessibility of critical driving controls via digital interfaces.
The Chevrolet Equinox now features a digital-only interface for headlights that requires users to select options from the home screen or the Controls & Safety app menu. While high beam functions remain on the turn signal lever, all other headlight inputs are touchscreen-dependent.
The players
Chevrolet
A major automotive manufacturer and division of General Motors that produces a wide range of trucks, SUVs, and passenger vehicles.
Euro NCAP
An independent organization that performs rigorous vehicle safety testing and sets performance protocols for the automotive industry.
The details
To activate headlights, drivers must tap the O symbol on the infotainment display or navigate through the integrated Controls & Safety application menu. While high beams are still operated by the traditional turn signal lever, the primary light settings have been removed from the dashboard or steering column. This design consolidates vehicle management into the touchscreen, moving away from dedicated tactile buttons for common lighting tasks.
Timeline
In 2025, Euro NCAP published its updated test procedure for evaluating essential driver controls.
Starting in 2026, Euro NCAP officially added the requirement for physical control assessments to its safety protocols.
The Home Front
The transition to touchscreen-reliant vehicle interfaces is increasingly scrutinized by global safety organizations like Euro NCAP. These protocols highlight a growing industry tension between minimalist digital dashboard designs and the need for tactile, reliable driver controls.
If you are considering a new Chevrolet Equinox, test the infotainment interface during a vehicle demonstration to ensure you are comfortable using a screen for headlight adjustments. Familiarize yourself with the Controls & Safety app menu before heading out on night drives or into inclement weather.
The takeaway
The move to screen-based controls represents a significant change in how drivers interact with vehicle lighting. Owners should spend time in a stationary vehicle to master the specific touchscreen menu paths before relying on them during real-world driving conditions.
Further reading
For more on evolving dashboard technology, visit Electric Vehicles.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Motor1.
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Do you prefer physical buttons over touchscreens for critical vehicle controls like your headlights?
