MINE IS BIGGER THAN YOURS: Screen Size Replaces Horsepower In Automotive Envy

A couple of decades ago, the only screen in most cars was a small display that showed what radio station you were listening to. Things have changed drastically since then and screen size is shaping up to be the latest battleground in the automotive industry.

That’s clearly visible in the pickup segment, where Ram shocked everyone with a 12-inch touchscreen that debuted in the redesigned 1500. Ford is expected to follow suit by offering a 12-inch display in the 2021 F-150, and the automaker has already confirmed their SYNC 4 infotainment system has been designed to accommodate displays ranging from 8- to 15.5-inches.

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CANADIANCOMMENTS - 11/29/2019 1:20:08 PM

+3 Boost

Distracted driving at its finest. Maybe you can get gauges as an optional extra. These panels won't last as long as the vehicle that's for sure. If buying used an extended warranty will be your best friend.

skytop - 11/29/2019 1:32:20 PM

+3 Boost

Driving distraction and danger with these interfering screens.

TomM - 11/29/2019 2:04:04 PM

+2 Boost

I have a rear facing screen in my Chrysler Mini-Van above the front seats - from which I can show movies to those in the rear of the car - and it has NEVER been used. These screens on the Dash cannot show entertainment - that is illegal - so what they do show is all sorts of information - at some point the car will diagnose itself and we won't need a $4000 scanner to do it - but until then - it is just information overload- most of which will never be seen by the driver.

However - I do admit - the ability to change radio channels VOCALLY is not a bad idea - and should spread to more of the screens. This keeps my hands on the steering wheel = mostly a good thing.

SanJoseDriver - 11/29/2019 4:11:51 PM

-4 Boost

They can show entertainment when the car is in park, which is pretty nice. Part of the use case is also rendering the environment around the car for self driving or driver assist functionality, in this case the more screen real estate the better.

MDarringer - 11/29/2019 8:10:49 PM

+2 Boost

If you want BB out of your life, vote Republican.

PUGPROUD - 11/29/2019 4:36:17 PM

+2 Boost

A screen is a screen is a screen. It may be the future but it sure doesn't make for a beautiful engaging interior.

MDarringer - 11/29/2019 7:59:47 PM

+1 Boost

I say if you're going to do a "mine is bigger than yours" move, it helps to be able to see it.

absent - 11/30/2019 11:03:58 AM

+1 Boost

The bigger the screens the less I'm interested in the car.
No haptic controls for me either, they look horrible when used, dirty with smudges and invisible in sun glare.My ideal for the dashboard design?
Mulsanne.

MDarringer - 11/30/2019 12:22:18 PM

0 Boost

When I climb into the Interceptor or one of the TVRs, I am comforted by the mechanical simplicity.

Question: When the screen dies and that part is no longer in production, is the car totaled?

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 12/1/2019 7:38:28 PM

+1 Boost

@MD-Good question. That MB screen would be a ton to replace. Insurance companies should be taking note. And if it goes on the fritz and is blank, could you drive home? Immediate tow?

MDarringer - 12/1/2019 10:15:03 PM

+1 Boost

Watch those rates climb. Either that or put in that wear and tear is not covered as a total-able reason.