Underused Car Tech: 9 Features Most Drivers Ignore (2025 Survey)

April 11, 2025 – Walk into any new car showroom today, and you'll be greeted by a dazzling array of high-tech features. Touchscreens, driver-assist systems, and connectivity services are now standard on many models. Yet, according to a 2025 J.D. Power Tech Experience Index study, a significant portion of American drivers rarely—or never—use some of the most advanced safety and convenience functions they paid for.

Why the disconnect? Complexity, confusion, or simply old habits. The study found that while features like automatic emergency braking are becoming more common, usage rates for others remain surprisingly low. Here are nine modern car features that many drivers barely touch, along with fresh insights on why that might be changing.

1. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) ACC maintains a set speed and automatically adjusts to keep a safe following distance. It’s a boon for long highway stretches. Yet the 2025 J.D. Power data shows nearly 40% of owners with ACC never turn it on, citing "unfamiliarity" or "unnecessary for short trips." Automakers are now adding one-tap activation and clearer dashboard icons to boost adoption.

2. Lane Keep Assist (LKA) This system detects lane markings and gently steers the car back if it begins to drift. While mandated in many new European vehicles, US adoption lags. A 2024 AAA survey indicated that 30% of drivers disable LKA because they find the steering correction "annoying." Newer systems with reduced torque and better lane centering aim to make it less intrusive.

3. Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) BSM alerts drivers to vehicles in adjacent lanes that mirrors can't catch. It’s one of the most praised safety features, yet a 2025 CARFAX analysis found that about 1 in 5 drivers ignore the warning light, especially when merging quickly. Automakers are adding audible alerts and haptic steering wheel pulses to help.

4. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) AEB can detect an imminent collision and apply the brakes automatically. By 2025, nearly all new cars sold in the US include AEB as standard. However, the IIHS reports that the feature reduces rear-end crashes by 50%, but only when enabled. Some drivers turn it off to avoid false alarms in tight parking lots. Software updates are now improving object detection to cut down on nuisance braking.

5. Driver Attention Monitoring Using cameras or steering sensors, this system monitors for signs of fatigue and suggests breaks. Despite being a potential lifesaver, a 2025 Consumer Reports survey found that 70% of owners never read the manual for this feature. Many mistakenly think it’s a "nagging" camera rather than a safety net. Newer models now display a coffee cup icon clearly on the dashboard to encourage use.

6. Automatic Parking Assist This technology controls steering—and sometimes braking—to help you park. While it sounds like a dream for parallel parking, real-world usage is low. The 2025 J.D. Power study pegs it at under 15% among owners who have it. Reasons: it’s slow, requires multiple button presses, and many drivers prefer to "do it themselves." Automakers are now integrating "one-touch" parking with improved sensors.

7. Head-Up Display (HUD) HUDs project speed, navigation, and alerts onto the windshield. Once a luxury car hallmark, HUDs are trickling down to mainstream models. Yet, a 2024 study by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute found that while 80% of drivers find them useful, many never adjust the brightness or position, leading to glare and abandonment. Newer units offer auto-brightness and customizable content.

8. Rain-Sensing Wipers These wipers automatically activate when moisture hits the windshield. They seem simple, but a 2025 survey by WeatherTech found that 25% of drivers disable them because they wipe too fast or too slow. Many cars require a separate sensitivity setting that users ignore. Recent models now use rain droplets’ size and speed for more accurate adjustment.

9. Connected Car Services Remote lock/unlock, vehicle tracking, and diagnostics via smartphone apps. While these services are often free for the first year, renewal rates are low. A 2025 McKinsey report says only 30% of US car owners activate their connected services after the trial ends. The main barrier: privacy concerns and lack of awareness. Automakers are trying to simplify opt-in processes and offer more transparent data policies.

Why It Matters Understanding these underused features isn’t just about getting your money’s worth; it’s about safety. The IIHS notes that many of these systems, when used, significantly reduce crashes. As automakers move toward more seamless automation, teaching drivers to trust and use these features becomes critical.

The Bottom Line Next time you get behind the wheel, take a moment to explore your car’s menu. You might discover a feature that transforms your daily commute—or even saves a life. As the 2025 J.D. Power study shows, the technology is there; the habit just needs to catch up.