Americans Welcome AI Technology in Their Vehicles, Yet Some Features Frustrate Them | Carscoops

      A recent JD Power study has identified which AI-driven features are favored by drivers and which remain frustratingly unclear.

      According to the findings, vehicle owners show a strong preference for advanced climate control systems, while Genesis has achieved top honors for innovation for the fifth year in a row. Additionally, buyers are increasingly interested in in-car payment systems.

      Artificial intelligence is progressively embedding itself into daily life, impacting everything from mobile devices to essential services. The automotive sector is no different, with AI technologies influencing how individuals engage with their vehicles.

      The latest JD Power research indicates that while some AI features are positively embraced by consumers, others require further refinement to genuinely enhance the ownership experience.

      As part of its expanded U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study, JD Power examined seven AI technologies that should ideally improve the driving experience. One standout success is the smart climate control, which autonomously regulates heating, ventilation, and air conditioning for optimal comfort and efficiency.

      Improvements in Comfort

      The study revealed that owners utilizing these intelligent systems report 6.3 fewer issues per 100 vehicles (PP100), marking a significant advancement. These systems also offer a necessary alternative to the growing trend of integrating climate controls into touchscreen menus rather than physical buttons. JD Power’s broader research supports this finding, showing that smart climate controls contribute positively to overall vehicle quality and customer satisfaction.

      Other promising AI technologies include smart ignition and driver preference modes. In-vehicle shopping and payment systems caught attention as well, with 62 percent of owners showing interest. Currently, most usage involves payments for fuel, tolls, parking, or EV charging, although previous iterations have struggled with cumbersome menus and a limited range of apps.

      The study suggests that future developments could thrive if automakers prioritize straightforward, quick transactions directly related to the driving experience.

      Valuable Features

      Blind spot cameras have emerged as a highly valued technology, with 93 percent of drivers using them regularly and 74 percent desiring this feature in their next vehicle. Vehicles equipped with blind spot cameras tend to sell faster than those without, highlighting the technology's importance.

      Features Needing Improvement

      Conversely, several other AI technologies could see enhancements. For instance, JD Power noted that car wash modes, which are becoming more common, have significant room for improvement. These modes set up vehicles for car washes, but many owners find this feature buried in the infotainment system, with 38 percent expressing the need for clearer usage instructions.

      Recognition technologies also face challenges, exhibiting the highest problem rates in the study. Biometric authentication reported over 29 issues per 100 vehicles on average, while touchless or concealed controls and direct driver monitoring faced more than 19 issues each.

      “Smart technologies not only seem to meet driver needs but also alleviate some complexities and cognitive burdens associated with digital systems,” said Kathleen Rizk, senior director of user experience benchmarking and technology at JD Power. “Ultimately, vehicle owners—and thus automakers and suppliers—care most about the usefulness of the technology and whether it enhances their driving experience.”

      Which Brands Excel in Technology?

      The study also evaluated automakers based on their overall technology utilization. Genesis topped the rankings for the fifth consecutive year, with Cadillac and Lincoln following.

      In the premium segment, the average score rose to 671, including Tesla and Rivian, though both were excluded from the rankings as they did not fulfill the study's award criteria. Nevertheless, Tesla achieved an impressive score of 873, with Rivian at 730, according to JD Power.

      In the mass-market category, Hyundai scored highest for innovation, followed by Kia, and surprisingly, Mitsubishi, which outperformed GMC, MINI, and Toyota.

      Conversely, Stellantis brands like Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler fell to the lowest ranks, with Jaguar holding the bottom position among premium brands. While Tesla received a considerable score of 873, JD Power noted its significant performance within the study.