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Car owners want tech they can ignore
TechnologyThe VergeAugust 31, 2026

Car owners want tech they can ignore

88% Trust
AI Analysis
MEDIUM Priority

Why It Matters

This news matters because it highlights a significant disconnect between what automakers are developing and what consumers actually want in their vehicles. If automakers continue to prioritize flashy, complex, and often glitchy technology over reliable, subtle, and user-friendly features, it could lead to decreased customer satisfaction, brand loyalty issues, and potentially impact future sales and design strategies across the entire automotive industry.

Key Takeaways

  • Automakers add more tech to cars.
  • Consumers dislike large screens, buggy software.
  • JD Power survey shows preference for subtle tech.

Full Analysis

Automakers are putting more and more fancy technology, like huge touchscreens, into new cars. However, a recent study shows that car owners are actually getting tired of these big screens and software that doesn't work well. What people really appreciate are the helpful features that work smoothly in the background, almost unnoticed. Essentially, car buyers want technology that makes their driving experience better without being distracting or complicated.

Automotive TechnologyConsumer PreferenceCar DesignJD PowerUser Experience

Automakers keep shoving more tech into their cars, despite evidence that consumers are increasingly fed up with huge screens and glitchy software. In fact, the features that car owners appreciate the most happen to be the ones they barely notice, according to the latest tech survey from JD Power. The consumer research firm surveyed 68,084 owners of new 2026 model-year vehicles after 90 days of ownership. The survey touched on 40 automotive technologies covering comfort and convenience; connected vehicles; driver assist; electric vehicles; and smart vehicles. The features that scored the highest were the ones that were the most inconspicuo … Read the full story at The Verge.

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