Must-Have Car Features: Don't Drive Home Without Them

[kimona]

Advanced Safety Features (in order of importance to CR):

1. Automatic emergency braking: No Thanks
2. Forward-collision warning: No Thanks.
3. Blind-spot warning/alert: I have this on my GMC Terrain, and while I still actually look before changing lanes, it does assist when someone is in your blind spot.
4. Rear cross-traffic warning: No Thanks
5. Lane-keeping assist: No Thanks.

I would add back-up camera... which I've found to be a helpful safety feature.

Convenience Features:

Knobs for volume, tuning, and power for the audio system: We prefer physical knobs, because touch-screen-only controls for these functions are distracting to use when driving. I would agree. Good idea.

Automatic day/night mirrors: Haven't cars had this manual feature for years? I think I can manage to switch from day to night on my own.

Power driver’s seat with height-adjustable lumbar support: These have a greater range of adjustments than manual ones and help reduce fatigue.

I always found my 2007 and 2014 Yaris driver's seat comfortable. Can't say the same about other Toyotas. My Camry seat was backbreaking!

My Buick Encore and GMC Terrain both have power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support. Got to admit, most comfortable driving experience ever! Love this feature.


So, I guess there are a few features I like, but for the most part I like a pretty basic car. I like to drive and actually focus on my driving.

[justanotherdrunk]

Originally Posted by kimona

I would add back-up camera... which I've found to be a helpful safety feature.

yep

first thing i notice when i jump in the non daily driven yaris is the missing backup camera

[kevinj93]

Originally Posted by kimona

5. Lane-keeping assist: No Thanks.

Unfortunately there are a lot of people on the roads here in Sydney who don't seem to be able to remain in their lane while negotiating mild curves on multi lane roads.

Unfortunately there is no safe following distance assist.... Maybe this could be added instead of autonomous braking.

[kimona]

Originally Posted by kevinj93

Unfortunately there are a lot of people on the roads here in Sydney who don't seem to be able to remain in their lane while negotiating mild curves on multi lane roads.

Unfortunately there is no safe following distance assist.... Maybe this could be added instead of autonomous braking.

Lane-keeping assist is a must for the many drivers who regularly drift out of their lanes as they focus on their cell phones.

Safe-following distance assist? Now, there's an idea for all the idiots who insist on tailgating, but of course they wouldn't acknowledge the warning anyway.