The Most Useless Car Features Ever Invented
The Most Useless Car Features Ever Invented
In the relentless pursuit of innovation, the automotive industry has introduced countless features designed to enhance comfort, safety, and convenience. However, not every idea has been a stroke of genius. Some features, despite their initial hype, have proven to be utterly pointless—either because they serve no real purpose, are too impractical, or simply fail to justify their existence.
From gimmicky gadgets to over-engineered solutions in search of a problem, let’s take a deep dive into the most useless car features ever invented.
1. Voice-Activated Glove Box
Imagine this: You’re driving, and suddenly, you need to open your glove compartment. Instead of simply reaching over and pressing a button, you must say, “Hey car, open the glove box.”
This feature, found in some luxury vehicles, is a textbook example of overcomplicating a simple task. Not only does it require voice recognition software to work flawlessly (which it often doesn’t), but it also adds unnecessary complexity to a mechanism that has worked perfectly fine for decades—a manual latch.
2. Gesture-Controlled Infotainment Systems
Some automakers have introduced gesture controls for infotainment systems, allowing drivers to adjust volume or skip tracks with a wave of their hand. Sounds futuristic, right?
In reality, these systems are often frustratingly imprecise. A slight movement can trigger an unintended command, and drivers end up waving their hands like magicians trying—and failing—to cast a spell. Worse yet, these gestures must be memorized, making them far less intuitive than a simple button or touchscreen tap.
3. Self-Parking Cars That Take Longer Than Manual Parking
Automated parking systems were supposed to revolutionize urban driving by effortlessly slotting cars into tight spaces. But in many cases, these systems are painfully slow, requiring multiple adjustments before finally (and awkwardly) completing the maneuver.
Meanwhile, an experienced driver could have parked manually in half the time. Worse, some systems only work in very specific conditions, making them unreliable in real-world scenarios.
4. Fake Engine Noise Through Speakers
In an effort to make fuel-efficient and electric cars sound “sportier,” some manufacturers pump artificial engine noises through the car’s speakers.
This feature is not only unnecessary but also deceptive. Purists argue that if a car doesn’t naturally produce a thrilling exhaust note, it shouldn’t fake one. Worse, in electric vehicles—which are prized for their quiet operation—this feature defeats the purpose of a serene driving experience.
5. Heated Seat Subscriptions
One of the most baffling (and infuriating) trends in modern cars is the rise of subscription-based features. BMW, for instance, experimented with requiring a monthly fee to unlock heated seats—a function that was already built into the car.
This practice has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, forcing customers to pay extra for hardware they already own. It’s the epitome of corporate greed disguised as “innovation.”
6. Touchscreen-Controlled HVAC Systems
Climate control is one of the most frequently adjusted settings while driving. Yet, some automakers have decided that physical knobs and buttons are outdated, forcing drivers to navigate through touchscreen menus just to adjust the temperature.
Not only is this distracting, but it also removes the tactile feedback that allows drivers to make adjustments without taking their eyes off the road. A perfect example of form over function.
7. Pop-Up Hoods for Pedestrian Safety
Some high-end cars feature hoods that automatically pop up in the event of a collision with a pedestrian, theoretically cushioning the impact. While the intention is noble, the execution is questionable.
These systems are expensive to repair, often deploy unnecessarily (such as when hitting a large pothole), and don’t significantly improve safety compared to traditional pedestrian-friendly hood designs.
8. Exterior Mood Lighting
Certain luxury cars offer customizable exterior lighting that changes colors based on driving modes or owner preferences. While it might look cool in a showroom, in practice, it’s just another flashy gimmick with no real-world benefit.
Most drivers will set it once and forget about it—if they even use it at all.
9. Rear-Seat Entertainment Systems in the Age of Tablets
Remember when built-in rear-seat DVD players were the pinnacle of family car luxury? Today, with the ubiquity of tablets and smartphones, these systems are obsolete.
They’re expensive to upgrade, prone to malfunction, and far less versatile than a simple iPad mount. Yet, some automakers still insist on including them as premium options.
10. The “Start/Stop” Engine Feature
Designed to save fuel by automatically shutting off the engine at stoplights, this feature often does more harm than good. The constant restarting can be jarring, and in heavy traffic, it becomes more annoying than helpful.
Worse, some drivers report that the minimal fuel savings don’t justify the added wear and tear on the starter motor and battery.
Conclusion: Innovation vs. Irrelevance
While technological advancements have undeniably improved modern vehicles, not every new feature is a step forward. Many are solutions in search of a problem—unnecessary, impractical, or downright frustrating.
The best car features are those that enhance usability without complicating the driving experience. Unfortunately, the ones listed above miss the mark entirely, serving as reminders that sometimes, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
So the next time a car commercial touts a “groundbreaking” new feature, ask yourself: Is this really useful, or just another gimmick? Chances are, it might belong on this list.
