7 car features that customers want most.

AutoPacific's annual customer survey polled nearly 90,000 people who had purchased or leased a new car.

Heated chair

Photo: Hotcars

According to AutoPacific, 66% of prospective car buyers appreciate the warmth, comfort, and relaxation that heated seats provide. This is especially true for car buyers in colder climates, as car climate control systems take longer to warm occupants than heated seats.

Heated seats use a thermostat that automatically activates a relay when the seat temperature falls below a certain level and deactivates the relay when the temperature exceeds a fixed level. Heat is generated from a coil fitted beneath the upholstery and supplied by the car's battery.

Blind spot monitoring

Photo: Hotcars

Most people drive better with the help of safety technology. Many car buyers realize that no matter how advanced automotive technology becomes or how smart cars are, they will always have blind spots while driving. With 60% of respondents choosing it, blind spot monitoring is the second most preferred feature.

This feature is useful as it provides the driver with an extra set of eyes. Whenever it detects another vehicle in the driver's blind spot, it will emit an audible warning or flash a warning light on the rearview mirror.

Front and rear parking sensors

Photo: Hotcars

Parking sensors are becoming standard on most new car models. These proximity sensors use sound to warn drivers when they get too close to objects in front of or behind the car while parking.

Besides helping amateur drivers park in tight spaces and avoid damage easily, parking sensors also save time for experienced drivers. Front and rear parking sensors differ significantly. In many cases, rear sensors detect objects up to 2.4 meters away, while front sensors detect objects up to 1.2 meters away.

Four-wheel drive

Photo: Hotcars

Traditional all-wheel drive systems, such as front-wheel or rear-wheel drive, are insufficient for many buyers today. 54% of AutoPacific survey participants want their next vehicle to be equipped with either AWD or 4WD. Both systems transmit power from the engine to all four wheels, giving drivers more confidence in adverse weather conditions or rough terrain.

AWD systems are primarily designed for use on paved roads. When snow or ice makes conditions slippery, they transfer extra power to the wheels that need it most, providing better traction and regulating wheel slip. In high-performance vehicles, AWD helps prevent skidding during high-speed cornering. Proponents of 4WD are likely buyers of large trucks and large SUVs.

Lane departure warning

Photo: Hotcars

Lane departure warning is a safety feature that helps drivers take action using both visual and audible signals. 54% of the 90,000 survey participants said they would like a lane departure warning feature in their next car purchase.

In addition to warning the driver, this feature can automatically apply the brakes to reduce the likelihood of a collision if it detects the vehicle drifting out of its lane.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Photo: Hotcars

Today's new car buyers are very tech-savvy, especially the younger generation. Unsurprisingly, 53% of buyers (via AutoPacific) want Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These technological features play a crucial role in enhancing the in-car infotainment experience for drivers.

Thanks to this feature, drivers can play music, manage calls and notifications, and securely access phone apps, third-party apps, and personal data.

Ventilated or cooled chairs

Photo: Hotcars

Ventilated/cooled seats appeared on AutoPacific FADS' list of most desired features. Both the ventilation and cooling systems utilize perforated foam upholstery. They blow air evenly through the small holes in the seat, keeping occupants cool in hot weather.

Both types of seats are environmentally friendly and more efficient than air conditioning. Half of those surveyed by AutoPacific said they would like this feature in their next car purchase.