I've tested around 30 brand-new cars, trucks, SUVs and even vans in 2026. These models are typically upper trims or final trims loaded with the best features that car brands have to offer.
Some comfort, driver-assistance and safety features stand out more than others during my testing. Here are some of the best car tech features of 2026, based on my testing experience driving some of the most technologically advanced new vehicles on the market.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto customize your daily driving experience
Driving a new vehicle just isn't the same for me without my Google Maps app and tunes. The first thing I do after opening the door to a brand-new vehicle during testing periods is pair my smartphone to the vehicle with Android Auto.
Some vehicles have advanced software systems, but the familiarity of Android
Auto's suite of practical apps makes any new vehicle more comfortable for me to drive. I use Google Maps even when I know exactly where I'm headed because it monitors arrival time and real-time traffic conditions.
YouTube Music is my music streaming app of choice, and I access it in every new car I drive via the touchscreen infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto may seem basic to some drivers, but they haven't always been a standard feature in new vehicles. In fact, many base trim mainstream cars require a wired smartphone connection.
Additionally, some car brands like Rivian and Tesla have bypassed smartphone mirroring altogether.
360-degree surround view makes parking easier
This advanced driver-assistance system gives drivers a panoramic look at their vehicles in real-time. It helps drivers see obstacles and obstructions from every angle.
While 360-degree surround view is particularly useful for off-roading, it also has daily driving applications like parking. It isn't a necessity for new cars, but it's a nice feature to have for long and wide vehicles that can be tough to squeeze into tight spaces.
Front and rear parking sensors do what eyes can't
Front and rear parking sensors alert drivers when their too close to other vehicles, objects or pedestrians. This is my favorite car tech feature when parking in crowded lots.
It takes vehicle safety a step further than 360-degree surround view because the alert noises are an additional layer of protection against accidentally bumping into other vehicles. I find that the larger the vehicle, the more useful it is to have front and rear parking sensors, since larger models like trucks and family SUVs can be more difficult to park in tight spaces.
This feature can also make parking a much quicker process if you use the alert sounds as a guide to understand your front and rear bumper's proximity to other vehicles.
Honorable mentions for best car tech features of 2026
Automotive research site AutoPacific.com says heated seats are the most wanted feature by new vehicle shoppers. Other features in high demand include rearward automatic emergency braking, lane change assist and blind-spot cameras.
Luckily for drivers, several of the most wanted car features for 2026 are standard on mainstream affordable new car, truck and SUV models. Affordable cars that come loaded with long lists of standard tech features include the Kia K4, Chevrolet Trax and Hyundai Elantra.
Reach out to me at CSingh@Gannett.com to discuss your favorite car tech features.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: I tested 30 new vehicles and wouldn't buy a new car without this tech
