The level of technology available on new cars is impressive—and a little intimidating when you think about it. What features do I need? Are they really worth it? Or should I just get a used car instead? Only you can answer these, but here are a few recommendations if you happen to be shopping for a brand-new car. If you think all the electronic whiz-bang features are unnecessary frippery, then you might be better served by a CPO or lightly used car. For those shopping for a brand-new vehicle, cars have entered the future, and so should you. Many of the following features are “optional,” but if you’re buying new, you ought to at least consider taking advantage of what’s available.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control goes by many different names but generally can be described as a speed-matching cruise-control system that will accelerate and slow your vehicle based on the vehicle in front of you. ACC used to only be available on the highest-end luxury sedans, but now you can find it on lowly cars such as the Subaru Impreza.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control is a boon on long drives because it allows you to mentally relax as your vehicle matches the speed of slower traffic as you approach, eliminating those heart-pounding moments when you suddenly find yourself able to read quite a few of the stickers on the back of a tractor trailer. Many systems, such as Mercedes-Benz’s Distronic, are able to cope with stop-and-go traffic, which can help turn the daily commute into a peaceful time. Just put on the right music.
Automatic Emergency Braking
It’s all in the name. Really, if you’re getting a new car, many come with this, but it’s more than worth it if it helps to mitigate or even avoid a collision. The systems use the same sensors as adaptive cruise control, so it’s common to have both systems bundled together.
Blind-Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
The blind-spot monitor has come under fire recently for not being effective, and although we won’t comment on that here, we will point out two features typically bundled with it that are more than worth the extra cost. The blind-spot monitor, in some applications, will actually look far behind your vehicle for vehicles that are approaching you at a much higher speed, allowing it to alert you if someone is flying up in that open lane you’ve just decided to merge into. The other is the rear cross traffic alert, which is a boon in parking lots when you’re backing out and have zero visibility in either direction. The system can alert you if a car is going to cross your intended path, hopefully saving you from those who decide texting and speeding are good joint activities in the mall parking lot.
Keyless Entry/Ignition
One of our favorite small new-car features is passive keyless entry and ignition. Walk up to the car, and it’ll turn on the ambient lights and unfold the power side mirrors. Grab the door handle, and the car unlocks. You hop in and push the ignition button, and you’re on your way. Many cars take this to the next level by allowing separate settings to be paired to two keys, allowing you to have your car resume the correct seat adjustments and display your favorite presets while your significant other can have their own, too. It’s the little things that you appreciate in the day in, day out part of living with the features.
Remote Start
We apologize for being a bit of a broken record, but if you’re going to get a new car, you might as well get one with all the fixins. Remote start is often paired with the passive keyless entry systems, and for regions that get a wee bit colder than Motor Trend HQ (Southern California) it saves you a trip out in the cold to start the car. Instead, it’s warmed up when you get there. Many systems can even be programmed to activate the heated seats when the remote start is used. How thoughtful.
Bluetooth with Streaming Audio
Almost every new car on the market comes with Bluetooth to keep you on the legal side of making phone calls while driving, but not all of those systems support streaming audio from your phone. Radio isn’t dead (yet …), but streaming audio apps and services seem to be proliferating, and if you’re not springing for the fancy infotainment system that runs the app directly, you’ll want streaming audio support.
Split Folding Rear Seats
You might say, “C’mon, split folding rear seats? You’re just splitting hairs now!” But really, in 2015 there are cars that come without split folding rear seats. If you make assumptions, you could be unpleasantly surprised when you attempt to load a long item in the trunk of your new car. Especially check luxury hybrids because they sometimes eschew the folding rear seat. Shop with caution.
HID/LED Headlights
If the new car you’re looking at has optional HID or LED lights, it’s totally worth the upgrade. As we explored in a recent list, there’s a lot of innovation going on in this area in addition to the superior lighting these systems provide over traditional headlights. Many advanced headlights are also adaptive systems, which means they turn with the roadway and can light up curves or turns more effectively.
Internet Connectivity
Whether it’s 4G, 4G LTE, or even the adequate 3G, Internet connectivity is available on quite a few new cars, and if it is, you should make sure to get it. It’s cheesy, but for tasks such as distracting the kids or appeasing the teenagers, you’ll be glad you could offer them a connection to endless entertainment.
Navigation
From finding a place to fill the gas tank to plotting lunch stops on your road trip, onboard navigation is a great companion for a variety of driving scenarios. Buying navigation with your car instead of relying on your smartphone is especially handy for those situations when your service provider’s coverage is a little spotty and you need directions right away. Plus, when your vehicle gets low on fuel, many systems will display a prompt that not only allows you to locate but also commence navigation to a filling station with a single click.
USB Ports
USB ports: useful for playing music from your phone or thumb drive, indispensable when charging your devices, and much easier to use when it’s in a logical position. Not all ports are created equal, so when you’re looking at your new car, check to see if it’s easy to access. Having more than one, not to mention one or two for the rear seat passengers, is always good, too.
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