Let’s face it, it takes quite a bit of time for any car model to take on a new and exciting form. Most of the time, they would look quite similar year after year. Hence, what really sets a car model apart is what it’s got on the inside.
As you might have guessed, car manufacturers always strive to come up with the most impressive car features to go with their newest models. And in fact, we’ve listed down 10 of the best features that you should look for in 2019:
1.Blind Spot Alert
Often times, when we are backing out of a parking lot, it can be particularly hard to see everything around you. That means there is a chance that you can’t see if there is a pedestrian, object or another car on your blind spot. Because of this, there is a greater risk of hitting something, which can lead to damages to the car and/or something worse.
To prevent this from happening, a lot of newer car models already come with a blind spot alert system. Most of these systems would alert the drive through a visual and/or audible notification. This way, you can immediately break before hitting anything.
2.Power Driver’s Seat With Adjustable Lumbar Support
When you have your own car, it seems so easy to just pack up your stuff and go on a nice, long road trip. After all, it’s a good idea to drive through the countryside and see new sights. However, these long road trips can also cause some pain and stress. In fact, pretty soon, you may begin to feel some discomfort, particularly in the back.
Fortunately, with a power driver’s seat that comes with adjustable lumbar support, road discomfort like this can be minimized. As Consumer Reports has explained, “Those that adjust up and down as well as in and out provide even better back support. This makes long-distance driving easier, and it reduces fatigue.”
3.Heated Steering Wheel
Especially during the winter months, it causes quite discomfort to enter a car and deal with a cold driver’s seat and an equally cold steering wheel. Because of this, you can’t seem to sit well and managing the wheel can be rather challenging. To make things worse, because you’re distracted from the cold, you also tend to be distracted from driving safely.
Fortunately, today’s cars now come with both heated seats and heated steering wheel. With this system, the car’s interior can be warmed much more quickly. You can forget about any winter discomfort and simply focus on the road ahead.
4.Multizone Climate System
In recent times, a lot of car model featured a dual climate system. This simply meant that the driver and front-seat passenger can enjoy different cabin temperatures at any given time during a drive.
Today, however, it seems that car manufacturers recognized the need for temperature control throughout the entire car. Hence, some have decided to introduce a multizone climate system. That means everyone inside the vehicle can be as comfortable as possible the entire time. And as Consumer Reports has explained, “In some models, even rear-seat passengers can get their own climate controls. We’ve found that this can really help to take some stress out of family travel.”
5.Auto-Dimming Mirrors
You may not realize it, but one of the most serious challenges that drivers face on the road is glare. At night, drivers come face to face with the glare coming from an oncoming vehicle’s headlights. At the same time, you also have to deal with the glare on your rearview mirror, due to the headlights from the car behind you. This can be quite blinding and seriously unsafe. Furthermore, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Glare reduces seeing distance because it causes light scatter in the eyes, which in turn reduces the contrast of roadway objects.”
Thankfully, some new car models now come with auto dimming rear view mirrors that reduce glare and help you maintain good visibility at night.
6.Rear Entertainment Systems
Especially when you’re traveling with children, you’re constantly thinking of ways to keep them engaged and entertained. This way, you won’t have to deal with unexpected hissy fits and plain bad mood.
Hence, for any parent, having a car that already features rear entertainment systems can be an incredibly helpful and practical solution. According to Consumer Reports, rear entertainment systems can come in the form of tablets that allow a child to access books, movies, and even games. Even better, it can be easily charged using the available rear USB outlets. With a feature like this, parents can certainly look forward to more peaceful road trips.
7.WiFi Hotspot
Nowadays, you can readily browse online on your phone by activating your data. However, that tends to come with hefty charges. And so, the most cost-efficient way to do a mobile browse is by connecting to WiFi. Typically, free WiFi connections are available in most public places, especially malls. However, did you know that some of today’s cars also come with WiFi hotspots of their own?
As Consumer Reports has explained, “They provide WiFi in the vehicle, allowing passengers to use mobile devices without eating up their cellular data plans. Often, a hotspot service is free for an introductory period, then owners must pay a monthly fee.”
8.Fast USB Charging Outlets
At a time where we all hit the road with several gadgets (phones, laptops, tablets, etc.) at once, it’s a good idea to make sure that your car has more than enough USB charging outlets to go around. This way, you can plug in all your devices at once and have them ready for use by the time you reach your destination.
Unfortunately, not all USB outlets are fast charging. As Consumer Reports explains, “The typical USB outlet in a car charges at 0.5 amperage, which charges a phone slowly. If an app is being used, the phone may lose charge even when plugged in.” Fortunately, a lot of new cars today now offer fast-charging USB outlets.
9.Power Tailgate
Today, the sales of pickup trucks and SUVs continue to be strong compared to other types of vehicles. Perhaps, the main reason for this is practicality. After all, you end up with a car that is bigger, more capable and therefore, more convenient. In addition, pickup trucks also readily come with a cargo bed which allows you to transport any item that is too big or bulky.
That said, one of the features to look for among trucks right now is the power tailgate. According to a report from Forbes, this feature allows for the tailgate to be lowered and raised with just a touch of a button.
10.Keyless Entry
Here’s a question for you. When was the last time that you had to enter your car using your keys? If your answer is recently, then perhaps, it’s time to go with the times and get a car that comes with keyless entry.
Today, a lot of car models now come with this particular feature. With the help of a remote or even FOB technology, you can readily open your car’s doors with just a push of a button. Even better, some car remote controls also allow you to open your car trunk as you are walking towards your car. That means you can easily load up your groceries or other stuff as you get closer.