What are your must-have features in a new car? Here in Maine where I live, heated seats and all-wheel drive (AWD) top the list for many shoppers. Now, a recent study from research firm AutoPacific shows that Mainers aren’t alone in wanting those features.
AutoPacific surveyed more than 19,000 drivers who intend to buy a new vehicle within the next three years. The study covers more than 160 vehicle features, including 25 new options for 2026. Of those, respondents listed heated seats, parking sensors, and other safety systems among the top 15 most wanted features.
The survey also asked about the overall importance of those features among respondents who said they wanted them. All-wheel drive, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, power front passenger seats, and heated seats were the four most important features to those potential buyers.
Respondents were more accepting of driver-assistance features in this year’s survey, which AutoPacific attributes to more widespread safety regulations that require them in new vehicles. Lane change assist, blind-spot monitors, and other features became more popular, with buyers ages 32-49 (Generation Y) more likely to say they trust these technologies than other generations.
Some buyers may be skeptical of newer autonomous driving technologies, but the survey showed that people who have used those systems are more likely to want them in their next vehicle. Current users are also surprisingly satisfied with the features, with 91% saying they liked the ease of use and 89% saying they were happy with the reliability of autonomous technologies.
The study becomes more interesting given that General Motors no longer offers smartphone mirroring technology like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on new electric vehicle models. Others, such as Tesla and Rivian, don’t offer that tech in any new vehicles.
