Blind spot technology is highly sought after and smart technologies that anticipate driver. needs are winners but some like car wash mode need more work, a leading tech survey has found.
The annual J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Tech Experience Index is aimed at analysing user experience in the ever evolving world of automotive tech, what is seen as desirable even mandatory and those which have plenty of room for improvement.
Now in its tenth year, the TXI Study evaluates how effectively automakers bring new technologies to market and is based on feedback from more than 76,000 owners of 2025 model-year vehicles after 90 days of ownership.
The study measures innovation, quality of execution, and the real-world usefulness of advanced features.
What works
It found smart technologies can improve vehicle quality and satisfaction scores climate control systems—which can automatically adjust the vehicle’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system to improve comfort and efficiency—have shown a notable improvement year over year in user experience, with a reported drop of 6.3 problems per 100 vehicles.
Blind spot cameras are also listed as customer must-have technology with 93 per cent of customers say they use the blind spot camera most of the time, and 74 per cent say they desire the feature in a future vehicle.
What doesn’t
By contrast car wash mode feature tracked in the TXI Study this year, is intended to automatically prepare the vehicle to go through a car wash, closing all windows and disabling the windshield wipers, But the survey found it is often buried within the infotainment system, making it difficult to find, which causes delays and frustration, especially when in line at a car wash. One third (38%) of owners say they need better instructions to use it.
“Smart technologies appear to not only anticipate the driver’s needs but also reduce the cognitive workload and some of the difficulties that drivers face with digital systems,” says Kathleen Rizk, senior director of user experience benchmarking and technology at J.D. Power.
“Ultimately, what matters most to vehicle owners—and therefore to automakers and suppliers—is how useful the technology is and whether it enhances their driving experience. While smart technologies are not without issues, they represent a meaningful step forward. Continued development will be essential to address current challenges and maximize their effectiveness.”
Highest-Ranking Brands
Genesis ranks highest overall and highest among premium brands for innovation for a fifth consecutive year, with a score of 538 (on a 1,000-point scale).
Hyundai ranks highest among mass market brands for innovation for a sixth consecutive year, with a score of 493. Kia (474) ranks second and Mitsubishi (471) ranks third.