Considering that the average cost for a new car in the U.S. is in the neighborhood of $50,000, you might need deep pockets or the stomach to shoulder a hefty auto loan to enjoy that new car smell. One source notes that it cost an average of approximately $48,699 for a new car in June. So, car dealerships aren’t exactly giving them away.
If seeking a new or used vehicle this year, you’ll want something that fits your lifestyle, enhances your driving experience, and gets you to and from your destination comfortably and safely. You can kickstart your creative car-search juices by looking at the most liked vehicles of 2024.
Regardless of what you’re looking for — a family crossover, a commuter vehicle, or your first car — these five features should be on your list of top priorities when car shopping.
1. Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance Systems
Modern cars are safer than ever with sophisticated driver assistance systems. They prevent accidents and alert you by supplementing your focus and reaction time.
Look for these safety features:
Automatic Emergency Braking: Detects things in front of you and brakes when you don’t react in time.
Blind Spot Monitoring: Alerts you if another vehicle is in your blind spot when you’re preparing to change lanes.
Lane Departure Warning: Informs you if you stray out of your lane.
Lane Keeping Assist: Steers the car back into your lane if you cross over the line.
Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a predetermined gap from the vehicle in front and decelerates accordingly.
Driver assistance technology options are often packaged as an upgrade but are increasingly being fitted as standard on most new cars.
2. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enable you to use your phone’s most vital apps — like navigation, messaging, music, and podcasts — directly on your car’s infotainment screen.
It can allow for safer, voice-activated phone use. You’ll also be able to access real-time map guidance.
If you’re always on the go, seamless smartphone integration isn’t just convenient. It helps reduce distractions and keeps your focus on the road.
3. Heated Seats and Steering Wheel
While this sounds like a high-end feature that’s not necessarily a must-have, a heated steering wheel and heated seats can be game-changers. That’s especially true if you reside in an area where it gets cold.
4. Parking Sensors and Rearview Camera
Back-up collisions are more prevalent than you might think, especially in heavy parking lots. According to one source, there are at least half a million backing-up accidents annually in the U.S. 15,000 of those 500,000 or so backing-up accidents result in injuries, while around 210 result in fatalities.
Rearview cameras and parking sensors are therefore features to seek out. Most vehicles that roll off the assembly line after 2018 are required to be equipped with a rearview camera in America. Meanwhile, parking sensors and 360-degree surround-view cameras offer added safety. Rear cross-traffic alerts, meanwhile, inform you about incoming traffic when backing up.
5. Remote Start and Keyless Entry
Keyless entry and remote start are two of the most sought-after new car options. Remote start allows you to, as the name suggests, start your vehicle remotely.
Meanwhile, keyless entry and push-button start eliminate the need to dig into your pocket or purse for your keys. Just walk up to the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket or bag, and the doors unlock automatically. Starting the car is as simple as pressing a button.
As you search for your next car, prioritize features like the ones mentioned above. You’ll thank yourself for doing so each time you get behind the wheel.