I've test driven over 20 brand-new cars, trucks and SUVs in 2026 for USA TODAY Cars including best-selling models and models that top segment ranking lists. I drive new cars on a weekly basis and there are key characteristics I look for in every new vehicle from the moment I step foot inside its cabin.
From EVs to gas guzzlers with V8 engines, there are some universal qualities drivers can look out for in a test drive. Knowing what to look for and how to properly analyze a vehicle during a test drive can be the difference between choosing your next daily driver that'll last decades, or leaving a vehicle on the lot.
Here's what I look for in a vehicle as a consumer advice expert who regularly tests new cars.
Screens are the first thing I interact with as a test driver
When I step into a new press vehicle
for the first time, the infotainment screen and instrument panels are the first things to catch my eye. The modern touchscreen infotainment system has become a focal point of new vehicles, used for everything from navigation to streaming and toggling driver assistance and safety features on and off.
If you buy a new car, chances are you'll interact with the infotainment system every time you drive, especially if you're a music lover or rely on navigation apps like Google Maps regularly. I personally use Google Maps to drive even when I know exactly where I'm going because it helps monitor traffic, travel conditions and clearly displays an arrival time.
One of the biggest red flags for a new vehicle is a buggy infotainment system (which I've personally encountered). Some vehicles feature software and hardware that makes response time slower, causing awkward pauses while using touchscreen controls.
Additionally, some drivers appreciate the tactile feel of physical buttons, so a vehicle's infotainment system and available buttons could make or break the test drive experience for car buyers. Smartphone connectivity is also an important feature to test when first entering a vehicle, since many drivers use this feature on a daily basis.
Driving dynamics and ride quality: How does it feel behind the wheel?
After interacting with a vehicle's infotainment system and connecting my smartphone to access maps and music streaming, the next thing I do is take it for a spin. I look out for how easy or difficult it is to switch gears and how the vehicle's acceleration feels on the road. Is it sluggish or immediately responsive?
Next, I test how precise the steering is and how it handles on turns. If the steering is responsive and the vehicle is easy to control, it often improves the entire driving experience, especially when combined with solid power output. The Toyota GR86 is an example of a vehicle with near-perfect steering.
Ride quality is how stable and comfortable a vehicle feels over different types of terrain and bumps. A vehicle with a smooth ride quality has controlled movement after hitting bumps and provides absorption. A vehicle with a rough ride quality has a cabin that rattles when encountering potholes and bumps. Ride quality is key for commuters and drivers with families.
Value: Is it really worth the money?
After using a car's infotainment system, testing out its driving dynamics and checking out its standard features, I assess whether the vehicle presents adequate value for the money. New cars are expensive compared to the past, but some models still have strong value propositions despite rising new car prices.
A vehicle with a strong value proposition has an affordable starting price, generous standard features and performance specs that drivers can be comfortable with for long-term ownership (like decent power output and gas mileage).
The vehicles with the strongest value propositions tend to offer more than their rivals in terms of standard features, specs and overall driving experience. The 2027 Kia Telluride is a prime example of a vehicle with a strong value proposition.
Why the 2027 Kia Telluride has a strong value proposition
- Affordable starting price ($39,190)
- Three-row seating
- Over 20 safety, driver assistance tech and connectivity standard features
- Redesigned exterior and cabin
After test driving over 20 vehicle in 2026 and hundreds of vehicles in my career, I've learned that every vehicle is unique. Even if two cars look identical, they can feature different software or have their own quirks. There's no better way to truly get to know a car than getting behind the wheel yourself with a checklist in mind.
Reach out to me at CSingh@gannett.com to let me know what you look for in a test drive.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at CSingh@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What I look for when test driving new cars
