What's The Niftiest Feature Or Technology In The Latest All-new Vehicles You've Driven?

One great thing about hustling in and out of the latest vehicles is that we do get to see the latest and greatest from all of today's automakers. And, given how important technology is, there's a greater emphasis on delivering better experiences from all angles.

An example of just one way manufacturers have spiffed up rides is with hip nighttime lighting. We're not just talking about LED headlights and taillights anymore folks. And we're not talking about interior ambient lighting. More like the "puddle lights" that greet occupants as they walk up to/depart their vehicle. Land Rover uses a silhouette of the model. In BMW's M vehicles you get the "M" logo and tri-color stripe. The Ford Mustang uses that iconic logo. You get the gist.

It's nifty.

But, what about other features and technology? Have YOU come across anything else in all-new vehicles you've driven?

One example that I found particularly smart was with the Kia Telluride. In its head's up display, it displays the Blind Spot Detection System's logos on each side of the car if you have someone in your way. In addition, it has traditional blind spot indicators in the mirrors. It's just a thoughtful inclusion to the head's up display so that you do not have to look to the mirrors or await a warning chime/sound.

Another cool feature was the Blind Spot View Monitor. When you engage your signal, the blind spot on the side of the vehicle that's turning is displayed right in your instrument panel. This has similarly been done before on Honda vehicles, however, it would display in the infotainment display that's centrally located. Although Kia's method is smaller, your eyes remain focused on what's ahead of you. This is particularly helpful in cities where bicyclists and motorcyclists split lanes.

All that said, I've got to ask: What's the NIFTIEST features or technology you've come across in the latest, all-new vehicles YOU'VE driven?

valhallakey - 8/15/2019 2:19:53 AM

+2 Boost

None of these are all that new but I like the car play features, the cameras all around to make sure in tight situations you don't curb your wheel and run flat tires.

Car4life1 - 8/15/2019 9:45:27 AM

+2 Boost

I’m also a fan of the 360 surround camera with a birds eye view, and the other feature I love has Been available for awhile but Mercedes Active Multi Contour seats that inflate bolsters/cushions to keep you in place during cornering has been my favorite feature for a while.

It’s hilarious how unsuspecting passenger’s react to it, the girlfriend yelled “omg your car is hugging me” on her first ride

2ndbimmer - 8/17/2019 10:49:29 AM

+1 Boost

Yea, I remember the active seats in my 2008 BMW 5 series.

TomM - 8/15/2019 6:58:56 AM

+2 Boost

I remain a fan of backup cameras, anything that increases my ability to see situations and cars around me especially when you cannot see the front or rear of some vehicles today.

I also like the ability to change a radio channel (And other operations) VERBALLY. It takes longer to do so - but I do not have to look down to do it.

Run-Flat tires are a mixed bag - I would still prefer a real spare tire in the cars I own. Temp spares are better than nothing - I guess. But Run-Flat tires are a really mixed bad BECAUSE when you have a flat - you can drive the car for a while -although it does not drive well. However - you can only drive so many mile before you need a replacement - something that is hard to find in many areas especially at night on a week end.

But my favorite new feature is the YODA hand - that tells the Policeman that he doesn't have to stop or ticket my car - he should look elsewhere!

valhallakey - 8/15/2019 1:03:58 PM

+2 Boost

I like a run flat so I don't need to pull over on a busy road worrying about damaging an expensive rim. I don't have them on the hot rods due to weight etc.. But on an SUV they are fine. BTW where can I get that Yoda hand option. I should have got that long ago.

MDarringer - 8/15/2019 8:14:19 AM

-2 Boost

I'm hoping TomM gets a Tesla.

TomM - 8/15/2019 3:35:15 PM

+2 Boost

For you!

PUGPROUD - 8/15/2019 9:45:17 AM

+2 Boost

In stop and go traffic radar and speed cruise control makes a great difference.

atc98092 - 8/15/2019 10:17:48 AM

+2 Boost

Auto rear braking saved me from backing into another car that was backing out of another driveway. Subaru has a great safety package, and I believe they make it available on just about every model they sell.

focal - 8/15/2019 11:18:40 AM

+4 Boost

I'm still in awe with the manual transmission. An active driver who basically stays engaged in the process and enjoyment of driving. The rest of the features I don't really need but appreciate when it's standard fare.

qwertyfla1 - 8/15/2019 8:05:04 PM

+1 Boost

Crank windows to be green and save energy!

TomM - 8/16/2019 6:10:41 PM

+1 Boost

Actually - opening windows results in aerodynamic losses - that make using air conditioning actually cheaper than opening the windows.

2ndbimmer - 8/17/2019 10:48:31 AM

+1 Boost

Nothing really wows me. I do like my Apple Car Play because my wife will yell at me if I glance at my phone while driving. So as soon as I go anywhere and she knows I am in the car, she texts me and expects an immediate response. If you don't want me texting in driving, why text me while I am driving? So the ease of Apple Car Play works wonders.

t_bone - 8/19/2019 7:24:26 PM

+1 Boost

Blind spot detection enhanced mirrors - good for drivers who think the side mirrors are for seeing things behind them.