Cars today come loaded with gadgets and gizmos that sound great on paper but rarely make a difference in real life. Some add weight, others add cost, and plenty just end up being unused. Yet, buyers still demand them because they seem flashy, convenient, or just cool to brag about. Here are 10 features that are mostly worthless but somehow still popular.
Built-In Navigation Systems
Back in the early 2000s, factory navigation felt like futuristic tech. Now, most people use Google Maps or Apple Maps on their phones, which update instantly and don’t cost hundreds to replace when outdated. Despite that, automakers still charge a premium for built-in systems that can’t compete with your smartphone in accuracy or speed.
Paddle Shifters on Economy Cars
Paddle shifters are fun on a Ferrari or a track-ready sports car. But on a base model sedan with a CVT or sluggish automatic? Useless. They rarely improve performance, and the simulated gear changes feel artificial. Still, people love the idea of “manual control” even if it doesn’t add any excitement.
Oversized Touchscreens
Bigger isn’t always better. Huge infotainment screens often distract drivers, collect fingerprints, and make simple tasks more complicated than a button would. Yet, the car-buying public still falls for the “tablet on wheels” look, even if the system lags or crashes.
Fake Engine Noise
Some manufacturers pump artificial engine sounds through the speakers to make their cars seem sportier. It’s basically automotive lip-syncing. Instead of tuning an exhaust or refining the engine, they fake it. Drivers know it’s a gimmick, but some still want the “aggressive” soundtrack without realizing how cheesy it really is.
Automatic Parking Assist
On paper, a system that parks your car for you sounds amazing. In practice, it’s slow, awkward, and usually works worse than just doing it yourself. Few people actually trust it, but many want the bragging rights of having the tech. It’s a novelty that wears off the second you try it.
Rear Seat Entertainment Screens
Once a must-have for family haulers, rear seat DVD or entertainment systems are relics now. Everyone has a phone, tablet, or streaming device that works better. Still, parents pay extra for factory screens, forgetting they’ll be outdated in a year while tablets stay current.
Panoramic Sunroofs
Panoramic roofs look great in photos and feel nice at first, but they add weight, reduce headroom, and are prone to leaks and mechanical issues. Worst of all, most drivers rarely even open them. Yet, car buyers still want that “luxury” glass roof even if it’s more trouble than it’s worth.
Gesture Controls
Some modern cars let you control volume or settings with hand waves in the air, Jedi-style. It sounds futuristic but rarely works as intended, leading to frustrated drivers waving like they’re shooing away flies. Still, people love the idea of it, even if pressing a button is faster and more reliable.
Hood Scoops That Don’t Work
Muscle cars and trucks often sport aggressive hood scoops, but many are just decorative plastic. They don’t feed air to the engine, they just look like they should. Buyers still love the aggressive styling, even though they add zero performance value.
Wireless Charging Pads
The idea is smart: drop your phone on a pad, and it charges. In reality, most factory pads are slow, overheat easily, and stop working if your phone shifts a fraction of an inch. Yet, people want them because they seem high-tech, even though a simple USB cable is faster and more reliable.
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
