Unwanted Car Features: Auto Reviewer Rips Apart the ‘Dumb’ Additions Every Driver Dreads

Car manufacturers are investing heavily in technology for their vehicles—adding screens, sensors, and smart assistants. While some innovations improve safety and convenience, many of these features miss the mark, especially for everyday drivers.

Kristen Brown, a seasoned automotive reviewer and mom, drives all kinds of cars, from SUVs to family minivans. She shares her insights based on real-life experiences, especially when juggling kids and car seats. Her frank view? Many pricey tech features are unnecessary and don’t cater to everyday needs.

The Downside of Fancy Features

In-Cabin Fridges
Luxury cars now offer in-built fridges, which can cost a small fortune. Brown tested one in a Toyota Sienna. It barely kept drinks cold and was cumbersome to use. "You can’t take it out like a normal cooler," she pointed out.

Built-in Navigation Systems
Most cars today come with large infotainment screens. However, many still have their own navigation systems, which Brown finds redundant. "Just give us Apple CarPlay or Android Auto," she suggests. For electric vehicles, built-in maps can be helpful, but gas cars benefit more from third-party apps.

Voice Recognition
To move away from distracting screens, many brands use voice commands. But Brown reports most systems don’t work well, with frequent misunderstandings. In a recent Kia Carnival, simple commands often failed, making the technology more frustrating than useful.

Ventilated Seats
While some drivers enjoy cooled seats, Brown is skeptical. These seats offer limited air circulation and don’t effectively cool the body. They often come with a hefty price tag, and the fans can break down, leading to costly repairs.

Wireless Phone Charging
New cars increasingly offer wireless charging pads, but they often overheat phones, harming battery health. Brown warns they can create more problems than they solve. Toyota’s models, however, feature a power-off option to mitigate overheating, which she appreciates.

Leading Car Warnings
One feature Brown appreciates alerts drivers when the car in front starts moving, helpful for busy parents who might look away briefly. However, for some older drivers, it feels like an invasion of privacy.

Conclusion

It’s clear that while high-tech features can enhance our driving experiences, many innovations fall short of their promises. Real-life testing by drivers like Kristen Brown highlights the gap between what’s marketed and what’s genuinely useful. As more tech enters our cars, it’s crucial for manufacturers to consider the needs of everyday drivers. For further insights on automotive trends, check out research from trusted sources like the Automotive News.

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