Gen Z drivers are more confused by car tech than Boomers, study finds

Modern cars are packed with clever features, but new research suggests younger drivers are finding some in-car tech more confusing than helpful.

Most new cars now come with plenty of technology designed to make driving safer and easier. But new research suggests some drivers are finding all those clever features a little too much – and it’s younger motorists who are most likely to feel overwhelmed.

A survey of 1,500 UK drivers by Carwow found that 39% of Gen Z drivers have avoided buying a modern car because the technology felt overwhelming. Among Boomers, the figure was just 24%.

Gen Z are also more likely to regret buying a high-tech car. The survey found that around a third (34%) say they regret buying a modern vehicle because of its technology, compared with just 13% of Boomers.

And while 23% of Gen Z drivers say they want modern features in their car, they don’t always understand how they work.

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Boomers are more willing to learn

Despite being less likely to have the latest technology, older drivers appear more open to getting to grips with it.

The Carwow survey found that almost two-fifths (38%) of Boomers say they’re happy to learn how new features work as they go, compared with just 20% of Gen Z drivers.

That could partly be because older motorists are less likely to have some of the latest systems in their cars. For example, 69% of Boomers don’t have driver monitoring and 64% don’t have blind-spot monitoring.

Which features are drivers switching off?

The Carwow data also suggests that drivers of all ages have certain car features they’d rather do without.

Lane assist is one of them, with 23% of drivers saying they switch it off. Auto stop-start is also unpopular, with 23% disabling it.

Other features drivers commonly leave switched off include:

• Sport mode – 27%
• Lane assist – 23%
• Auto stop-start – 23%
• Automatic high beams – 18%
• Speed warnings – 16%

Infotainment systems are another source of frustration, with 14% of drivers describing them as intrusive.

Is your car making driving harder?

For all the promises of safer, smarter, and more convenient driving, the Carwow research shows that some of the latest car technology is leaving drivers wondering whether they really need it.

Lane assist that keeps nudging the steering, stop-start that cuts the engine at the lights, and speed warnings that beep at the wrong moment can quickly become more annoying than helpful. Little wonder that some drivers simply switch them off.

But these features aren’t there for no reason. Turning them off can also mean missing out on the safety benefits they’re designed to provide.
So, if you’re looking for a new car and the technology feels a little daunting, don’t write it off straight away. Take it for a proper test drive, play around with the features and ask the salesperson to explain anything you’re unsure about.

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