What Do American Drivers Want in Their Next Car? Top Automated Driving Features Revealed

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From the invention of the wheel to steam-powered vehicles and Ford’s revolutionary Model T, the evolution of automobiles has been nothing short of phenomenal. In recent years, rapid advancements in automated driving technology have transformed the driving experience, prompting a new wave of innovation in the auto industry.

But what do American drivers actually want in their next vehicle? A recent survey by YouGov sheds light on this very question, highlighting that practicality and safety features remain far more important to consumers than flashy futuristic tech.

The Rise of Automated Driving: From Tesla to the Mass Market

Automated features are no longer just a luxury. Brands like Tesla, led by CEO Elon Musk, are pushing boundaries with claims that cars may soon be summonable from virtually anywhere, not just within parking lots. Tesla’s Cyber Lab and new updates to its Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities have reignited interest in autonomous tech.

As carmakers race to build smarter vehicles, it’s crucial to understand which features truly matter to customers—and which ones they can do without.

Survey Insights: What Features Are Already in Cars?

YouGov’s survey explored both the current presence and future demand for automated driving features among American drivers.

Here’s what’s already common in today’s cars:

• Parking and rear-collision warning systems – Present in 31% of vehicles

• Adaptive cruise control – Found in 29% of vehicles

• Blind-spot monitoring – Installed in 27%

• Lane-keeping assist and forward collision warning – Found in 23%

These findings show that while the full self-driving dream is alive, most drivers are currently using mid-level automation tools that improve safety and convenience.

What Features Do People Actually Want in Their Next Car?

When it comes to buyer preferences, the survey revealed a clear pattern: safety-first features win the race.

• Parking and rear-collision warning: Considered essential by 93% of respondents

• Blind-spot monitoring: Rated important by 92%

• Automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning: Chosen as necessary by 83%

These features don’t just make driving safer—they also reduce stress and improve confidence, especially in congested urban areas or while parking in tight spaces.

New Car Buyers: What Are Their Priorities?

For people looking to purchase a new vehicle, expectations are higher, but still grounded in practicality:

• 44% rated blind-spot monitoring as a must-have

• 39% valued parking and rear-collision alerts

• 34% prioritized forward collision warning systems

Surprisingly, only:

• 24% considered automatic emergency braking essential

• 25% saw adaptive cruise control as important

• And just 21% saw any value in hands-free driving

These numbers suggest that while new buyers welcome tech, they don’t want to give up control completely. The emphasis remains on driver assistance, not driver replacement.

Why Hands-Free Driving Isn’t Gaining Popularity

Despite being heavily marketed, hands-free driving systems—where the car controls speed, steering, and braking without driver input—are still viewed with skepticism.

The survey found that:

• 21% of new car buyers do not consider hands-free driving necessary at all

• Most people still want to maintain control, especially in unpredictable driving conditions

This feedback is a wake-up call for automakers, highlighting a gap between what tech companies are building and what consumers trust or desire.

Breakdown of Key Features Explained

If you’re unfamiliar with some of the terms, here’s what these top automated driving features do:

1. Hands-Free Driving System Uses sensors and cameras to control the car’s speed, braking, and steering. Driver intervention is minimal or not required unless the system detects unusual behavior.

2. Parking Assist Helps guide the car into parking spots using sensors and cameras. Some systems can fully park the car with little to no input from the driver.

3. Blind-Spot Monitoring Alerts drivers if another vehicle is in a spot they may not see using mirrors alone. Visual or audible cues are used to warn before lane changes.

4. Collision Warning System Detects potential front-end collisions and warns the driver using radar and cameras.

5. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Applies brakes automatically if a crash seems imminent and the driver doesn’t react in time.

6. Lane-Keeping Assist Keeps the car centered within lane markings. Uses cameras to detect road lines and may gently steer the car back if it drifts.

7. Adaptive Cruise Control Maintains a set speed but also adjusts based on the distance to the car ahead, slowing down and speeding up automatically as needed.

A Shift Toward Practical Automation

This survey underlines an important point: While automated driving features are widely appreciated, most users prefer partial automation that enhances safety, not full autonomy.

In other words, drivers are happy to get assistance but want to stay in charge. People trust tools that help with parking, avoid blind spots, or prevent accidents—but are wary of systems that take over completely.

Conclusion: Smarter, Safer, But Still Human-Centered

As we move toward a future of smarter cars and smarter roads, automakers must align innovation with real-world needs. American drivers are clearly saying: “Give us tools that keep us safe—but let us drive.”

For now, features like blind-spot monitoring, parking assistance, and collision avoidance remain the gold standard in vehicle automation. If carmakers want to win hearts and wallets, they’ll need to strike the right balance between high-tech and human touch.