JD Power’s 2024 US Tech Experience Index (TXI) surveyed more than 81,000 new car buyers 90 days after taking delivery of their new vehicle. The research firm found that many drivers felt that at least some of the latest high-tech features in their cars attempted to solve problems that didn’t exist or were simply poorly implemented. Sounds about right.

“A strong advanced technology strategy is critical for all vehicle manufacturers, and many innovative technologies are a response to customer needs,” said Kathleen Rizk, senior director of user experience benchmarking and technology at JD Power. “At the same time, this year’s study makes it clear that owners find some technologies of little use and/or find them a constant nuisance. JD Power’s ability to calculate the return on investment for individual technologies is an important step that allows automakers to determine the technologies that deserve the most attention while helping them reduce the rising costs of new vehicles.”

This study seems to confirm what many of us experience when driving modern cars. Functions that were once simple are hidden in a touchscreen menu, beeps and vibrations are omnipresent and screens are everywhere, even those aimed at the passenger. Much of the interior seems unnecessary.

The TXI study found that some automakers performed much better than others – for example, Genesis and Hyundai, which earned a spot at the top of the JD Power rankings with scores of 584 and 514 respectively. But keep in mind that the maximum possible score is 1000 points. Lexus (535 points) and BMW (528 points) followed closely behind Genesis, leading the premium brands, while Kia (499 points) and GMC (439 points) came second and third among the mainstream brands. Both Genesis and Hyundai were praised for their front cross-traffic alert.

Because of the way they provide insight into the data to researchers like JD Power, Tesla, Rivian and Polestar were not fully ranked, but each scored significantly better than average, with scores of 786, 666 and 578, respectively. Yet even Tesla’s seemingly stellar performance is showing signs of decline as the brand expands into the mainstream, where it must satisfy customers who aren’t just early adopters.

As for Polestar’s review, we tend to agree that this automaker’s infotainment systems are among the best we’ve tested to date. The Google-based interface was intuitive and placed information where it was easily accessible.

JD Power did not explain why Nissan (411), Ford (406), Mini (396) and Dodge (392) ended up at the bottom of the scale, but most brands were in the 400-450 range.

We hope manufacturers are listening, because many new technologies are useful and can increase the safety of those inside and outside the vehicle, but it takes a keen sense to get them right. As buyers increasingly value infotainment and its interface when purchasing a new car, competition in this area will only intensify. Brands will need to differentiate themselves while offsetting the rising costs of new technologies. We’re excited to see how things turn out, but we’re also wary. Let us know what you like best – and least – about new car technology, especially infotainment systems.