Last Updated on January 14, 2025
The automotive industry is an industry that is always evolving with new, modern innovations changing the landscape and product offering available to the consumer. As we start a new year, we continue to see newly manufactured cars/vehicles made with these new features that older manufactured cars would not have had. For all drivers, both experienced and new drivers it’s important to understand what these new features are and how they can enhance their driving experience, particularly when looking at purchasing a car. The main purpose behind a lot of these features can range from enhanced safety to additional comfort and everything in between. In this blog, we’ll explore the must-have car features of 2025 that are impacting the way we drive and the overall driving experience.
What Do We Mean by ‘Car Features’?
Before we get into the specific details, what do we mean when we say ‘car features’? There may be slight variations in a manufacturer’s definition but generally speaking, car features refer to the built-in systems and technologies in a vehicle that enhance safety, comfort, and convenience. They are usually designed to cater to modern drivers’ needs and improve the overall driving experience, giving car product offerings additional selling points in what is already a very competitive market.
Why are Car Features Important for Learner Drivers?
Popular Car Features in 2025
Lane Assist
What is Lane Assist?
Lane assist is a driver assistant system which users sensors and cameras to monitor a car’s position in a road lane and alert the driver when they are close to the lane markings. In slightly more advanced lane assist features, if the vehicle drifts without signalling, the system can gently steer the car back on course.
Why Lane Assist is Important in New Cars
Lane assist is a very important safety feature that can potentially protect both the driver, the vehicle and other road users from being involved in collisions. By helping drivers stay in their lane, lane assist helps reduce the risk of road accidents caused by inattention or fatigue.
Heated Seats
What Are Heated Seats?
Heated seats have embedded heating elements that warm up the seating surface. Vehicles with heated seats integrated into their interior ensure additional comfort for drivers and passengers alike which is particularly useful in cold weather. Most cars allow you to adjust the temperature to your liking, providing personalised warmth.
Heated Seats Benefits for Winter Driving
Winters in the UK can be particularly chilly, often making long drives slightly uncomfortable in the cold weather. By vehicles embedding heated seats into their interior, they enhance comfort during frosty mornings or long drives and reduce driver and passenger fatigue.
Adaptive Cruise Control
What is Adaptive Cruise Control?
Adaptive cruise control goes a step further than traditional cruise control automatically adjusting a vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe following distance from the car in front. This is done by using either a radar or camera system to monitor traffic conditions ahead and adjusts accordingly.
Why Adaptive Cruise Control is Popular in 2025
This relatively new feature enhances both convenience and road safety, particularly on long motorway drives or in stop-and-go traffic. By reducing the need for manual speed adjustments, it helps vehicle users to remain focused, making it a useful tool for both new and experienced drivers.
Wireless Smartphone Integration
What is Wireless Smartphone Integration?
Wireless Smartphone integration refers to a hands-free system, available through platforms like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, that connect your smartphone to your car’s audio system without the need for cables. This feature allows access to navigation, music, calls, and messaging via voice commands or the car’s touchscreen.
Why Wireless Smartphone Integration is Popular in 2025
This feature ensures smooth connectivity whilst keeping the driver’s attention on the road and avoiding any distraction trying to alter their device. It also eliminates clutter from USB cables and wires, whilst offering a safer, hands-free way to stay connected whilst on-the-go.
360-Degree Cameras
What are 360-Degree Cameras?
360-degree camera systems provide drivers with a complete view of the vehicle, by combining images from different cameras around the vehicle. This view is then displayed on the car’s screen, allowing the driver to get a full view of what is around them, commonly used to help navigate tight spaces and often used in car parks.
Why 360-Degree Cameras are Popular in 2025
Parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces can often be challenging, especially for inexperienced drivers. A 360-degree camera system reduces blind spots, enhances visibility, and can help to build driver confidence, making it a useful tool for everyday driving.
Conclusion
A lot of newly manufactured cars in 2025 and beyond will be equipped with new, enhancing features that aim to make driving safer, more convenient, and more comfortable. Advanced systems like lane assist, heated seats, and adaptive cruise control cater to the needs of modern drivers whilst improving their overall driving experience. From a manufacturer’s perspective, these features are considered a selling point however from a consumer and a driver’s perspective, they are useful features that can improve confidence on the road and make for a more connected and enjoyable driving experience.
FAQs
Lane assist, 360-degree cameras, and adaptive cruise control are ideal for learner drivers as they offer enhanced safety and convenience when learning to navigate busy roads and manoeuvring.
While they use energy, modern heated seats are designed to be efficient, minimising their impact on battery consumption in electric and hybrid vehicles.
Lane assist is becoming standard in many newly manufactured vehicles, but it’s always best to check the specifications when purchasing.
Yes, adaptive cruise control can adjust to stop-and-go traffic, making it highly effective during rush hours.
Brands like Tesla, Audi, and BMW lead the way in offering comprehensive feature packages, including car tech like lane assist and wireless integration.