Common new car feature in everything from Porsche Taycan to Audi Q6 and Zeekr 8X proves useless for buyers

Passenger media screens aren’t appealing to most car owners, a recent report into new and emerging car technology has revealed.

Screens in cars are the current big thing, and quite literally, too, with media displays growing larger. The Cadillac Optiq SUV for example has a 33-inch horizontal display. But we’re now in the era of front passenger displays, as well.

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A multitude of screens may look impressive but in reality owners of vehicles that had them found the technology unappealing according to a new report by United States automotive analysts JD Power.  

It was also found that vehicles with passenger media screens experienced more instances of technical problems.

The study found the technology owners placed the most value in was often the kind that was integrated so well into the functions of the vehicle that it was barely perceptible other than making the driving experience better.  

JD Power Director of Customer Success Doron Hikry said, “The technology customers value most is often the technology they barely notice because it simply works.”

“Smart ignition and smart climate control make everyday driving easier without demanding the driver’s attention, while more automation and additional screens don’t necessarily translate into a better experience. 

“For automakers, the opportunity is to prioritise technology that makes driving simpler, not more complicated. The features that solve real problems without adding effort or stress for the driver are the ones resonating most with customers,” he said.

Low on our lists? Controls that were once accessed with physical dials and buttons being replaced by screens. We’re talking about climate control and sound system volume, especially.

Regulators are keeping an eye on some of these features, with EuroNCAP and ANCAP considering expanding on physical control requirements in the future.

A host of other frustrating features in many new cars like electronic doorhandles were recently banned by Chinese regulators, with the changes expected to flow through for cars sourced from China in our market.