Beyond the Bells and Whistles: 12 Car Features You Should Seriously Consider Avoiding

In the exciting world of car shopping, it’s easy to get swept up in the allure of cutting-edge features and the promise of a more enjoyable driving experience. Manufacturers constantly introduce new technologies, touting them as premium upgrades that will enhance every journey. From heated seats to advanced driver aids, the array of options can seem endless, and often, the more features a car boasts, the more appealing it appears on the showroom floor.

However, a higher number of features doesn’t automatically equate to a better car, or even a better driving experience. In fact, some innovations, while seemingly convenient or stylish, can introduce unnecessary complications, erode reliability, or even detract from safety. We’ve taken a deep dive into the automotive landscape to identify those features that, despite their initial appeal, are often more trouble than they’re worth.

Our goal is to empower you, the savvy consumer, to make informed purchasing decisions. By understanding the pitfalls of certain features, you can prioritize longevity, usability, and genuine peace of mind, ultimately preserving both your wallet and your driving pleasure. Let’s explore some of these often-overlooked drawbacks, backed by real-world insights and objective evidence.

1. **Touchscreen Interfaces for Essential Controls**The last decade has seen a significant shift in vehicle interiors, with a larger emphasis placed on the infotainment display. These screens have steadily grown in size, and it’s estimated that a base vehicle’s stock screen will average around 10.6 inches by the year 2030. While screens are undoubtedly excellent for displaying useful information like navigation and for media control, especially with the capabilities of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, their integration into essential functions like climate control presents a different story.

Automakers have often justified these larger screens by integrating climate controls directly into the infotainment system. This approach, however, comes with significant drawbacks. Common sense tells us that in a car, quick and intuitive access to controls is paramount. As noted in the context, adjusting the temperature from 80 degrees to 60 degrees in a vehicle with a physical dial is a swift, single-spin action. In contrast, with touch controls, a driver must either repeatedly tap a “temperature down” button or take their eyes off the road to swipe the temperature down, often multiple times.

This isn’t just an ergonomic nightmare; it’s a potential safety hazard. The necessity to divert visual attention from the road during critical moments to interact with a screen-based control significantly increases the risk of errors. The lack of tactile feedback means there’s no way to confirm an action without looking, turning a simple task into a dangerous distraction. Moreover, reliability issues plague these systems; software glitches can render entire panels unresponsive, leaving drivers in uncomfortable or unsafe situations, such as being unable to defog windows swiftly on a rainy highway.

In fact, the negative feedback has been so substantial that some automakers have begun reverting to physical controls. Subaru, for example, reintroduced physical buttons and switches to its 2026 Outback SUV, and Volkswagen made a similar decision, even candidly calling touchscreen climate controls a mistake. Beyond the safety concerns, environmental factors exacerbate touchscreen woes, with fingerprints quickly accumulating and obscuring visibility, while extreme temperatures can cause lag or even complete failure. Opting for vehicles that blend digital and analog controls effectively mitigates these significant drawbacks, ensuring a more dependable and safer driving experience that prioritizes functionality over sleek aesthetics.

2. **Capacitive Touch Buttons**Continuing on the theme of questionable ergonomic choices, capacitive touch buttons are another trend that has raised concerns among consumers and experts alike. These buttons, which respond to a mere touch rather than requiring a physical press, have been adopted by several automakers, including Volkswagen on its center stack and steering wheel, and Hyundai in vehicles like the Tucson, which featured a slab of capacitive controls beneath its infotainment display. While they might appear modern and minimalist, their practical shortcomings quickly become apparent.

The core issue with capacitive buttons mirrors that of integrating climate controls into touchscreens: a distinct lack of tactile feedback. When you press a traditional physical button, you feel it click, providing immediate confirmation that your input has been registered. With capacitive buttons, this crucial feedback is absent, forcing drivers to take their eyes off the road to visually confirm their actions. This constant need for visual verification can be just as distracting and dangerous as navigating complex touchscreen menus, pulling valuable attention away from the dynamic driving environment.

Furthermore, the absence of physical knobs and switches means that achieving a desired setting often requires repeated commands. Consider the example of the Hyundai Tucson’s fan strength controls, which have seven notches. To go from the weakest setting to the strongest, a driver must tap the capacitive surface seven times. This repetitive action is not only tedious but also prolongs the time a driver’s attention is diverted, increasing the risk of an incident. It’s a clear instance where aesthetics have been prioritized over practical, safe usability.

The good news is that, much like with touchscreen climate controls, automakers have started to heed consumer feedback. Volkswagen, Hyundai, and others are now “swearing off the fancy capacitive controls” in favor of the proven reliability and user-friendliness of physical buttons, switches, and knobs. While this trend might conceivably resurface if fully autonomous vehicles become widespread, where “keeping one’s eyes on the road is optional,” for the foreseeable future of human-driven cars, tactile controls remain superior. Capacitive buttons, sensitive to mere touches, also invite accidental activations, as an unintended brush while reaching for a cup could blast the radio, startling occupants. Moreover, gloves or wet hands can render them inoperable, limiting usability in varied conditions, and their durability suffers from constant contact, often leading to costly panel replacements.

Car Model Information: 2024 Hyundai TUCSON Hybrid SEL Convenience
Name: Hyundai Tucson
Caption: Hyundai Tucson (NX4, SWB)
Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor Company
Aka: Hyundai ix35 (2009–2015)
Production: 2004–present
ModelYears: 2005–present
Class: Compact crossover SUV
BodyStyle: sport utility vehicle
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout,Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout
Sp: us
Categories: 2010s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in British English, All articles needing additional references, All articles with dead external links
Summary: The Hyundai Tucson is a compact crossover SUV produced by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai. It is named after the city of Tucson, Arizona, U.S. The second-generation model was marketed as the Hyundai ix35 in several markets, including Europe, Australia and China, before reverting to Tucson for the third-generation. Since its first-generation, the Tucson has been developed alongside the Kia Sportage, sharing platforms and engines. The Tucson is the best-selling Hyundai model, with more than 7 million units sold globally since it launched in 2004. Of these, 1.4 million units have been sold in Europe.

Get more information about: Hyundai Tucson

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Hyundai Model: Tucson
Price: $28,495 Mileage: 13,387 mi.

“City of Westminster, London – UK” by Mic V. is licensed under CC BY 2.0

3. **Automatic Engine Start-Stop Systems**Automatic engine start-stop technology is a feature designed with the admirable goal of improving fuel economy by automatically shutting off the engine when the vehicle comes to a complete stop and restarting it when the driver lifts their foot from the brake pedal. In theory, this sounds like an efficient solution, and indeed, most real-world tests suggest a “roughly 10% increase in overall fuel economy.” Vehicles equipped with this technology typically come with specialized components engineered to handle the repeated starting and stopping, aiming to mitigate excessive wear.

However, the real-world implementation of these systems often leaves much to be desired, transforming a potentially beneficial feature into a significant annoyance, particularly when there’s no option to disengage it. The issues typically manifest on two levels. Firstly, some vehicles exhibit “rougher implementations,” which can cause the car to jerk uncomfortably during restarts, disrupting the smooth driving experience. This constant, jarring sensation in stop-and-go traffic can quickly become irritating for drivers and passengers alike, detracting from the overall comfort of the ride.

Secondly, these imperfect implementations can lead to other discomforts. A common complaint is the system’s tendency to “turn off the AC when the car shuts down,” which, on a hot summer day, can be “unappealing.” This undermines the very concept of a comfortable cabin environment, making drivers question the actual benefit of the feature. Furthermore, while some automakers, like Chevy, allow drivers to turn off the system, the settings often “reset every time you turn on your vehicle,” meaning the driver must manually disable it at the start of every trip.

Even more frustrating are vehicles, like some Subarus, that “don’t let you turn it off at all.” For those desperate to bypass the annoyance, costly modifications or devices that plug into the OBDII port become necessary. Having to spend additional money and tamper with vehicle electronics to disable a feature that should ideally come with a simple off-switch “doesn’t feel good.” The frequent cycling, initially intended for efficiency, stresses crucial components like the starter motor and battery, potentially leading to premature wear that isn’t adequately offset by the marginal fuel savings in typical urban driving. Additionally, long-term data points to oil circulation interruptions during stops that can “accelerate engine wear, particularly in older models retrofitted with this tech,” inviting unnecessary repair bills down the line and ultimately favoring manual control over idling to preserve mechanical integrity and ensuring a low-maintenance ownership experience.

4. **Hidden Door Handles**Hidden door handles are a design choice that, while not as ubiquitous as some other features, have gained traction, largely “kickstarted” by Tesla, and have since “spread like the plague” among other luxury brands. The appeal is immediately obvious: they offer a sleek, streamlined aesthetic, making the car appear more futuristic and elegant by maintaining an unbroken body line. Implementations vary; Tesla requires a press on one side for the handle to pop out, while Mercedes-Benz boasts a sophisticated design that automatically extends the handle upon sensing the driver’s approach.

However, this aesthetic elegance often comes at the cost of practical functionality, leading to a host of problems for vehicle owners. One significant issue arises when these mechanisms malfunction, becoming a “pain to troubleshoot.” Mercedes-Benz, acknowledging this, even provides a “how-to video” for such occurrences, where their “best solution is to basically wedge something behind the door handle and pry it open.” This is hardly a convenient or reassuring fix for a premium feature.

A more widespread and frustrating problem for many drivers, particularly in colder climates, is the handles’ “tendency to freeze over during ice and snow conditions.” This can leave drivers “frustrated” and resorting to “carve their way into their car,” assuming the handle itself isn’t frozen solid. While some automakers, like Tesla, have developed solutions for this, these fixes are often “not obvious unless you know where to look,” adding another layer of inconvenience for the owner.

It’s worth noting that, thankfully, “none of these problems are so serious as to cause safety concerns,” but they are undeniably annoying. What makes it particularly galling is that this feature “tends to only surface on the most expensive vehicles,” meaning consumers are “paying extra to get” an annoyance. While hidden door handles might be “a better fit for people who live in warmer climates that don’t get a lot of ice,” those in northern regions are generally advised to “stick to normal door handles for now,” prioritizing robust functionality over fleeting style.

automotive interiors usability, Photo by pxhere.com, is licensed under CC Zero

5. **Piano Gloss Black Plastic Interiors**While technically more of an aesthetic design choice than a functional feature, piano gloss black plastic interiors have become a common — and often lamented — element in modern vehicle design. It’s a look that consumers often “pay more to get,” particularly in higher trim levels. The context offers a personal anecdote, highlighting how a Kia Sportage’s higher SX Turbo trim featured this glossy plastic, contrasting with the soft-touch plastics of a lower trim model.

Initially, the “sharp black contrast can look quite nice,” contributing to a perception of luxury and modernity in a brightly lit showroom. The smooth, reflective surface certainly catches the eye and can make an interior feel more upscale. However, this initial impression is notoriously short-lived, as the material ages “terribly” compared to other interior decorations. It’s widely considered “one of the worst interior design choices in the automotive industry” for very practical reasons.

Give it some time, and this sleek facade quickly deteriorates. Piano gloss black plastic “scratches just by looking at it,” accumulating unsightly marks with surprising ease. Furthermore, it becomes “supremely obvious when it starts to cake with dust,” transforming what was once a polished surface into a grimy, smudged mess. Keeping it clean and looking new is a constant battle, requiring “a soft, low-abrasion cloth handy at all times,” an impractical demand for the average car owner.

For the most part, consumers have come to agree that “glossy black plastic has only one purpose and that’s to look nice on a brightly lit showroom floor.” Its impracticality in daily use, coupled with its poor aging characteristics, makes it a feature to approach with caution. Encouragingly, some automakers are recognizing this widespread dissatisfaction; Kia, for example, “removed it entirely from its EV9” and has “used it noticeably less on some other vehicles as well.” This hopefully signals a trend for other manufacturers to follow suit, allowing this problematic aesthetic choice to finally fade away.

Car Model Information: 2023 Kia Sportage X-Line
Name: Kia Sportage
Manufacturer: Kia
Production: 1993–present
Class: Compact SUV
BodyStyle: SUV
Predecessor: Kia Retona
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive,Front-engine, front-wheel-drive,Front-engine, all-wheel-drive
Chassis: ubl
ModelYears: 1995–present
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, ANCAP small off-road, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in British English
Summary: The Kia Sportage is a series of automobiles manufactured by the South Korean manufacturer Kia since 1993 through five generations. Initially a compact SUV built on a body-on-frame chassis, the second-generation Sportage transitioned to a car-based platform which placed it into the compact crossover SUV class, and was originally developed alongside the Hyundai Tucson and since the fifth-generation model launched in 2021, in two sizes with different wheelbase lengths for different markets, alongside the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento. The Sportage has been the best-selling Kia model globally since 2016 after surpassing the Rio. In 2018, the model reached the 5 million production milestone. As of 2023, the Sportage is positioned between the Seltos or Niro and the three-row Sorento in Kia’s SUV global lineup with the latter sharing platform with the Sportage.

Get more information about: Kia Sportage

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Brand: Kia Model: Sportage
Price: $25,097 Mileage: 29,815 mi.

“Car mechanic removing the cylinder head from a car engine” by Ivan Radic is licensed under CC BY 2.0

6. **Cylinder Deactivation**Cylinder deactivation, also known as variable displacement, is an engineering marvel found in many modern car engines. The underlying premise is both simple and impressively clever: the engine utilizes all of its cylinders when maximum power is needed, such as during acceleration. Once the vehicle reaches a cruising speed where less power is required, the system cleverly deactivates a few of its cylinders, thereby reducing fuel consumption. On paper, it presents itself as a “best of both worlds” solution, offering power when necessary and efficiency when cruising.

While the concept is theoretically sound and promises a tangible benefit – the U.S. Department of Energy reports “around 7.5% better fuel economy” – the real-world implementation of cylinder deactivation has, unfortunately, often “left a little to be desired.” The primary concern revolves around reliability. Engines equipped with variable displacement technology tend to be “less reliable than engines without this feature.” This is largely due to the “extra mechanical and electrical systems involved to turn off part of an engine,” which inherently adds complexity. More moving parts and intricate systems translate directly to a higher likelihood of components failing.

Beyond increased complexity, another significant issue observed with cylinder deactivation is that it “causes high oil consumption.” This is far from ideal for an engine’s long-term health and can lead to more frequent oil top-offs or, worse, accelerated wear on internal components. Consequently, while drivers might save money at the fuel pump, “what you save at the pump may be spent on repairs” down the line, negating the intended financial benefit.

The problems associated with cylinder deactivation are not confined to entry-level vehicles; they persist across various price points and brands. In 2024, Mercedes-Benz, a name synonymous with luxury and engineering, recalled “26,200 of its sedans due to cylinder deactivation issues.” Mazda also faced recalls for the same reason affecting its 3, 6, and CX-5 models. Even Honda, a brand renowned for its reliability, has been involved in “cylinder deactivation lawsuits.” While this technology is becoming increasingly difficult to avoid in new vehicles, being aware of these potential pitfalls is crucial when making a purchasing decision, allowing consumers to understand “what you’re getting into” should they choose a vehicle with this feature.

Continuing our comprehensive guide, we scrutinize six more car features that, despite their initial appeal, are best avoided for improved vehicle longevity, practicality, and long-term financial savings. Our aim remains steadfast: to equip you with the knowledge to navigate the complex world of automotive features, ensuring your investment truly serves your needs, not just fleeting trends.

7. **Gesture Control Systems**Gesture control technology, interpreting hand waves within the cabin, sounds like a leap into the future, offering an “Iron Man vibe.” Found in vehicles from BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen, it promises an effortless way to adjust volume or skip tracks. The premise: you wave your hand “like a mad person,” and the car obliges, creating an impression of cutting-edge sophistication.

However, its real-world utility often falls short. Car controls are designed to be “within arm’s reach,” making gesture controls redundant for “impressing passengers.” Inconsistent recognition due to lighting or passengers frequently leads to “unintended activations,” frustrating drivers. Many owners report turning the feature off “immediately after buying the car” due to unreliability and a “steep” learning curve.

These systems add sensors susceptible to dust or malfunction, potentially “hiking up diagnostic costs.” Imagine lowering music with a wave, only for the system to change navigation, causing mid-journey confusion. The technology “isn’t there yet” and “should probably stay out of cars.” Relying on proven methods like steering wheel buttons offers more reliable, less error-prone control, ensuring intuitive interaction.

8. **Voice-Activated Assistants with Subpar Recognition**The concept of a voice-activated assistant in a car is undeniably attractive, promising hands-free convenience where you simply tell the car to do something, and it complies. This feature holds potential to be even handier than gesture controls, given the varied commands it could handle, from climate adjustments to navigation prompts. When these systems work flawlessly, they truly enhance the driving experience.

The critical caveat, however, lies in “when it works.” While some automakers have improved voice recognition, this isn’t universal. The general issue often boils down to “figuring out what to say and how to say it.” Many systems struggle with natural language, especially in “commodity brands like Honda.” Instead of a simple request, drivers find they need to be “super precise,” or the system simply “doesn’t hear your commands.”

This imprecision transforms a potentially “genuinely useful feature” into something “essentially pointless.” Frustration from repeated commands quickly leads users to abandon the feature. Without external integrations like Google Assistant or Apple CarPlay, a car’s native system understanding requests “dramatically decreases.” Privacy concerns also arise with “constant listening” systems, which could log conversations “unwittingly.” Robust physical alternatives remain superior, providing “consistent control” without auditory errors or privacy implications, ultimately safeguarding efficiency and data security.

manual shifters distracted driving — “Brisbane Mall changing gears-1=” by Sheba Also 18 Million Views is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

9. **Paddle Shifters in Non-Performance Cars**Paddle shifters, inspired by race cars, are becoming common in automatic vehicles, offering drivers partial control over gear selection. Positioned behind the steering wheel, they allow for quick upshifts and downshifts without removing hands, useful for engine braking in traditional automatics. In such transmissions, this can offer a more engaging and sporty driving experience.

However, their proliferation into vehicles with Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) is “counterintuitive.” CVTs don’t have discrete gears; they “variably change their ratios” for optimal engine RPM. When paddle shifters are added to a CVT, automakers “fake it” by creating “shift points at specific gear ratios.” This forces a continuously variable transmission to emulate a different type, seemingly undermining the CVT’s core advantage.

This artificial introduction of shift points “seems silly” because it “removes the reasons to own a CVT.” Key benefits of CVTs are improved fuel economy and avoiding “jerky shifts of an automatic transmission.” By forcing fixed points, drivers might lose fuel efficiency, and smooth acceleration can be disrupted. In automatics “not tuned for sporty shifts,” paddles often feel “unresponsive,” encouraging misuse that “strains drivetrains.” While useful for engine braking, their inclusion in non-performance vehicles often serves more as a gimmick than genuine utility.

10. **Panoramic Sunroofs**Panoramic sunroofs, with their expansive glass panels, offer a dramatic open-air feel and flood the cabin with natural light, making interiors feel spacious and luxurious. They are a popular aesthetic choice, seemingly enhancing the driving experience by providing unimpeded sky views and connecting occupants more intimately with their surroundings.

Despite their appeal, these sunroofs come with significant structural compromises. The extensive glass weakens the roof’s structural integrity, “increasing vulnerability in rollovers or impacts,” a crucial safety consideration. Furthermore, “leaks are common due to seal degradation,” leading to costly “interior water damage that fosters mold and electrical shorts.” A family road trip could easily be ruined by a sudden leak, turning a pleasant outing into a costly ordeal.

The added weight of these large glass panels also subtly affects vehicle dynamics, “shifting the vehicle’s center of gravity” and negatively impacting handling and fuel economy. Maintenance requires “specialized parts,” significantly inflating repair expenses if issues arise. Standard metal roofs offer “better insulation and peace of mind against weather intrusions.” While tinted windows offer similar openness, panoramic sunroofs introduce a host of potential problems. Consumers are advised to prioritize “structural soundness and reduce long-term ownership hassles.”

11. **Air Suspension Systems**Air suspension systems are designed to offer a superior ride experience by dynamically adjusting the vehicle’s ride height and damping. This technology promises exceptional comfort, allowing the car to glide smoothly over imperfections while providing flexibility to raise or lower for different conditions. On paper, it represents a sophisticated solution for enhancing both luxury and versatility.

However, the sophisticated nature of air suspension systems is where their primary drawbacks lie. Their complexity “breeds failures,” making them less reliable than conventional setups. The system relies on components like air compressors and delicate air bags, both “susceptible to leaks,” leading to uneven stance and compromised handling. “Cold weather stiffens components,” potentially amplifying discomfort, negating a core benefit.

When problems arise, diagnostics “demand specialized tools,” directly “inflating service fees.” A minor issue can quickly become a very expensive repair, far exceeding traditional suspension costs. Imagine a “deflated suspension stranding you on a remote road,” highlighting vulnerability and inconvenience. These systems also add weight and draw energy, causing a slight dip in “fuel efficiency.” For most drivers, “conventional springs provide steadfast performance without the fuss,” offering economical, worry-free travel.

“BMW cup holder” by airboy123 is licensed under CC BY 2.0

12. **Small or Poorly Placed Cup Holders**While often overlooked, cup holders are a deceptively crucial feature profoundly impacting daily driving convenience. Millions of people carry a soda or coffee into work, necessitating a functional and accessible place to secure their beverages. Some automakers excel in this minor detail, while others inexplicably miss the mark, turning a simple convenience into a persistent annoyance.

Complaints regarding cup holders are “wide and deep,” highlighting a range of design flaws. Some cars, like the 2018 Audi A1, have “small cup holders that can get in the way of manual shifting.” Others, like the Ford Focus SVT, “barely even have any cupholders,” tucking them into inconvenient locations. Conversely, some, like the Hyundai Palisade, boast “mammoth cup holders that don’t work well for smaller drinks,” failing to accommodate common beverage sizes.

The personal anecdote of taking a Fiji water bottle to every test drive underscores how vital this feature is to many consumers, affecting driver satisfaction. The absence of thoughtful design, especially in older cars or those prioritizing aesthetics, can become a daily source of frustration. Thankfully, some automakers design this area well; certain Volkswagen Golf variants offer “adjustable cup holders,” and the Honda Accord has “excellent cup holders.” This “small thing” can indeed “make life easier” for drivers, emphasizing that basic functionality and thoughtful design contribute to a more enjoyable ownership experience.

As we conclude our deep dive into car features best avoided, it becomes clear that true automotive value isn’t always found in the flashiest innovations or the longest list of amenities. Instead, it resides in robust reliability, thoughtful ergonomics, and practical usability that stands the test of time and real-world conditions. By prioritizing these often-overlooked aspects, you can navigate the car market with confidence, choosing a vehicle that enhances your life without introducing unnecessary complications, costly repairs, or daily frustrations. Remember, an informed decision today can lead to years of enjoyable, hassle-free driving tomorrow, allowing your hard-earned money to deliver genuine peace of mind on every journey.