The in-car CD player, a feature that's been around for four decades, has officially vanished from new car models, and many drivers aren't happy about it. The last brand to offer a CD player, Subaru, recently removed it from the Forester SUV in 2024, following the industry-wide shift to streaming services like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
While ditching CD players clears up car interiors, it also adds to concerns about distracted driving. Instead of simply popping in a CD, drivers now have to navigate infotainment screens to change songs or switch playlists. This growing trend of touchscreen controls is raising safety alarms, with experts warning it could increase the risk of accidents.
Euro NCAP, a safety organisation, plans to penalise cars without physical buttons for key functions like hazard lights and wipers starting in 2026. Their concern is that touchscreens require drivers to take their eyes off the road more often, undermining efforts to reduce distractions.
Despite this shift, CDs aren't quite dead yet. Data from the Digital Entertainment and Retail Association shows that CD sales were up by 3.2% in early 2024. And many car owners have voiced their frustration over the lack of CD players in new models, with some even saying it's one of the things they miss most.
As cars evolve to support more tech features, the trend towards touchscreen controls may continue, but it’s clear that not all drivers are on board with the loss of the good old CD player.
Would you prefer your new car to have a CD player? Let us know your thoughts in the comments...
