Opinions on the new dashboard

I'm wondering what others think about the new dashboard - specifically the "tablet" that sticks up and dominates the dash? I don't get it! How much info does one need to display and why replace tactile switches with touch sensitive icons that are more difficult and less safe ("keep your eyes on the road") to operate?

 

The larger screen size is optional on most trim levels. Some type of screen is required in the USA in all vehicles 2018 MY on up for the rear view camera. I'm a GenXer and don't care about the screen size and infotainment. It's what is wanted by today's consumer and now the screen interface size and operating system has morphed into a 'best infotainment' system war between the manufacturers. Just the way the industry progresses. Some info screens offer a blackout and dimming option if it's too distracting.

 

It's at most 3" larger than the prior generation, beyond my ex girlfriend how many people will really care that much about 3" more of screen?

 

Isn't it the same screen as in the Tundra? Is so then using the same one will help lower manufacturing cost and as mentioned it is optional on the lower trims.

 

The screen doesn’t really stick up, rather the dashboard slopes down behind it, giving the illusion that the screen sticks up high. The top of the screen is the same height as forward section of the dashboard near the base of the windshield. It’s not impeding your vision as all. The section of dashboard behind the steering wheel is also the same height as the screen. The larger screen makes it easier to find things on it than a smaller screen. The volume has a large, tactile knob. What other knob would you use? Radio presets? tune? seek? Honestly, the majority of modern drivers are no longer listening to radio stations.

 

Touchscreen is the solution to all of the stuff that has settings you can tweak. Modern cars and trucks have all kinds of stuff not present a decade ago.

It’s like an electric seat. Once you set your preferences, you aren’t really in all of the settings that much thereafter.

The big screen is nice for maps, media, etc.

 

I don't see how a touchscreen button is different, in terms of safety, compared to a physical button. Both will require taking your eyes off the road to look, touch, and return.

 

Also you should be able to say things like "Hey Toyota, do XX".....and magic happens.

 

I hope you don't look at the pedals to use them. I guess I do look at the shifter sometimes when shifting to reverse. But me and others live differently than your description.

 

I kinda like it. I won’t have to mount my phone anymore to use the map like I do in my old Jeep.

 

I look at the HVAC controls when i adjust as well as rear defog, radio, hazards if needed. Everyone is coordinated different. I could care less if it's a dial, button, or on a touch screen.

 

That's a good strawman argument.

Don't forget the steering wheel has buttons that can control the head unit as well. You can control a lot from there, like changing audio sources from BT to radio, adjusting the volume (although that is a physical knob), change radio stations, play/pause music, etc.

Serious question: What exactly do you think you need to constantly change while driving that you can't do from the steering wheel?

 

And thus why have such a large and distracting screen since most things should be able to be managed from the steering wheel? I never had to look at buttons, knobs and sliders to control basic functions, screens I do. It is distracting and especially bothersome at night.

 

My contacts

 

Is that even a feature on non-touchscreen devices? Serious question, not trying to "trap" you. I'm picturing these old single din/stock radios, like below.

 

Love the screen.

Distraction...naw...most dummies driving looking at their phones than whats on their screen or ahead of them.

 

Should be a little bigger and the have the ability to play youtube videos

 

browser so we can mess around on tacomaworld forums while wheeling the Telluride/Ouray!

 

As long as we never have to select 4wd by tapping on a cartoon of a dirty truck on the screen I’m cool with it.

 

Human performance research disagrees with you. Physical buttons are far faster and take less time to manipulate accurately.