After dark, the vehicle was started and the dashboard touchscreen that displays backup camera and other information was moderately bright. The display setting was set to 'Automatic', expecting the screen to dim when ambient light is low. On shifting into forward gear, the screen actually brightens. In the dark. With the inside light too bright, it is difficult to see objects outside of the vehicle. I scraped a mailbox, which I couldn't see as I pulled to the side of the road to turn the display off. Vehicle cosmetic damage, no police report. Cost of repairs at this time is unknown - scratched paint & creased metal along passenger front fender, 2 doors and rear panel. I do not know if this issue has been reproduced; this occurred on a rental with less than 3500 miles on the odometer. It has been reported to the insurance company and will be reported to the rental agency during business hours. There would be no warning as the condition is obvious as one pulls out of a lighted area, which is what happened.