Introduction: When Design Fails Function
While we recently celebrated 2025’s best gear shift knobs – those perfectly weighted, precision-crafted masterpieces that make driving engaging – today we’re confronting the opposite extreme. In an era where many manufacturers get shifters so right, it’s baffling how others deliver controls that range from frustrating to downright dangerous.
From buttons that feel like a cheap microwave panel to EV “shifters” that serve no purpose, these are the five worst gear selectors of 2025, ranked by:
❌ Confusing operation (Requires a manual to decipher)
❌ Cheap materials (Plastic that belongs in a toy)
❌ Poor ergonomics (Awkward placement or grip)
❌ Pointless gimmicks (Style sabotaging function)
Whether you’re a driving enthusiast mourning the decline of tactile controls or a casual buyer who just wants to select gears without frustration, these designs prove that even in 2025, some automakers still don’t understand the importance of a good shifter.
1. 2025 Honda CR-V (Automatic) – The Button Chaos
Why It’s the Worst:
Button-based shifting (No physical lever—just a row of identical buttons)
No tactile feedback – Easy to press the wrong “gear”
Feels like a microwave panel – Zero driver engagement
Quote from tester: “I accidentally put it in Neutral at a stoplight because the buttons are too close together.”
2. 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV (Single-Speed Direct Drive) – The Fake Shifter
Why It Fails:
Pretend “gear” toggles (EVs don’t need gears, yet Chevy included a clunky selector)
Plastic feels like a dollar-store toy – No weight or premium texture
Pointless complexity – Just give us a simple drive/reverse switch!
Worst Feature: The unnecessary “L” (Low) mode that does almost nothing in an EV.
3. 2025 Lexus NX (Continuously Variable Automatic) – The Wobbly Joystick
The Problems:
Loose, wiggly lever – Feels like it could snap off
No distinct detents – Hard to tell if you’re in Drive or Sport
Glossy plastic attracts fingerprints – Always looks dirty
Tester Note: “Lexus makes great cars, but this shifter belongs in a rental-spec Corolla.”
4. 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6 (Single-Speed Direct Drive) – The Steering Wheel Swipe
Why It Frustrates:
Steering wheel paddles for Drive/Reverse – No central shifter at all
Accidental shifts – Easy to brush the wrong paddle
No physical backup – If the screen glitches, you’re stuck
Real-World Issue: “I reversed when I meant to drive because the paddles are too sensitive.”
5. 2025 Genesis GV70 (Automatic) – The Rotary Nightmare
What’s Wrong With It:
Unintuitive rotary dial – No tactile feedback when turning
Easy to overshoot gears (Drive ↔ Reverse mistakes happen)
Feels like a volume knob – Zero sporty connection
Tester Verdict: “A luxury brand should know better—this is a downgrade from a traditional lever.”
Comparison Table: The Worst of 2025
| Model | Type | Biggest Flaw | Material | Tester Rating (1-10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda CR-V | Button Auto | No tactile feedback | Cheap plastic | 3/10 |
| Chevy Blazer EV | Fake “Gear” Selector | Pointless in an EV | Flimsy plastic | 2/10 |
| Lexus NX | Wobbly CVT Lever | No detent feel | Glossy plastic | 4/10 |
| Hyundai IONIQ 6 | Steering Wheel Paddles | Accidental shifts | None (digital) | 1/10 |
| Genesis GV70 | Rotary Dial | Overshooting gears | Metal-plastic hybrid | 3/10 |
Why Do Bad Shifters Exist?
Cost-cutting – Buttons/dials are cheaper than mechanical linkages
Over-design – Trying to look “futuristic” at the expense of usability
EV simplification – Some brands forget drivers still want tactile control
Pro Tip: If you hate your car’s shifter, aftermarket companies like Billetworkz offer replacements.
Final Verdict: The Absolute Worst
The Hyundai IONIQ 6’s paddle shifter takes the crown for most frustrating design, but the Honda CR-V’s buttons are a close second. At least the Genesis GV70’s dial looks premium—even if it works poorly.
Which shifter annoys you most? Vote below!
❌ Honda CR-V buttons
❌ Chevy Blazer EV fake gears
❌ Lexus NX wobbly lever
❌ Hyundai IONIQ 6 paddles
❌ Genesis GV70 rotary dial
