Automakers love to sell flash. From giant touchscreens to motion-controlled air vents, cars in 2025 are more tech-loaded than ever. But not everything new is worth your money or attention. Many so-called innovations turn out to be useless car features—designed more for showroom sizzle than real-world functionality. Below, we break down the most overrated car tech, explain why it’s unnecessary, and help you focus on what truly matters when choosing your next ride.
Gesture Controls: Look Cool, Work Badly
Gesture-based infotainment systems promise a hands-free future, but in practice, they’re frustrating and unreliable. Waving your hand to adjust volume or skip songs sounds futuristic—until the system misinterprets your gestures. Worse, it distracts you from driving. This is a classic example of auto gimmicks designed to dazzle but failing to deliver. Voice control or physical knobs are still more efficient and safer options.
Augmented Reality Windshields: Tech for the Sake of Tech
Augmented reality (AR) windshields overlay navigation directions and alerts onto the road ahead. Sounds innovative, right? In reality, they often clutter your field of view and demand more mental focus than regular GPS screens. Plus, the high cost of repair makes them one of the features you don’t need unless you’re driving in a fighter jet.
Fake Engine Sounds: Theatrical But Pointless
Electric and hybrid cars are nearly silent, and manufacturers have decided that’s a problem. Enter artificial engine sounds—digitally generated audio meant to mimic gas-powered engines. It’s marketed as enhancing the driving experience, but in truth, it adds nothing functional. These are useless car features with no impact on performance, comfort, or safety—just extra noise.
Automated Perfume Dispensers: Because… Why Not?
Some luxury cars now include built-in fragrance systems that emit designer scents into the cabin. While this might feel premium at first, it’s a textbook case of overrated car tech. These systems require expensive refills, are difficult to disable completely, and serve no functional purpose beyond personal preference. A simple air freshener does the job without locking you into a proprietary system.
Oversized Touchscreens: A Dangerous Distraction
Larger infotainment screens might look impressive on a dealer lot, but they often make basic tasks more difficult. Adjusting climate controls or radio stations can take multiple taps, pulling your eyes from the road. This trend trades usability for aesthetics, making them one of the top features you don’t need in a daily driver.
Car Tech Features That Look Great But Fall Short
| Feature | Why It’s Overrated | Real-World Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Gesture Controls | Unreliable, confusing | Distracting while driving |
| AR Windshields | Cluttered visuals | More distracting than helpful |
| Fake Engine Sounds | Artificial and useless | Adds noise, no benefit |
| Perfume Dispensers | Luxury without function | Costly and unnecessary |
| Oversized Touchscreens | Interface overkill | Harder to use on the road |
Conclusion
In the race to pack more features into every new vehicle, automakers sometimes miss the point. Technology should serve the driver, not just impress them. Useless car features are not just overrated—they can reduce safety, increase maintenance costs, and clutter your driving experience. Stick with proven essentials and avoid the auto gimmicks designed more for press releases than practical use.
FAQ
What are the most useless car features in 2025?
Gesture controls, fake engine noises, oversized touchscreens, and AR windshields top the list due to their lack of real-world value.
Are auto gimmicks common in modern cars?
Yes, especially in mid- to high-end models where manufacturers compete with flashy, tech-heavy designs.
Do useless car features affect resale value?
In some cases, yes. Features that are expensive to maintain or repair can actually lower resale appeal.
How can I avoid buying a car with features I don’t need?
Focus on core needs: safety, fuel efficiency, comfort, and reliability. Question if every tech feature serves a clear, practical purpose.
Are all new car features useless?
Not at all. Many modern innovations like advanced driver-assistance systems and backup cameras are incredibly useful. The key is distinguishing functional from flashy.
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