Controversial Car Features: Unnecessary Gimmicks That Baffle Drivers

Oh, the car world! It’s packed with incredible tech and sleek designs, like those vented seats and the sharp looks of the Kia EV6. But then, there are some features in cars today that make you scratch your head and wonder what the designers were thinking. We've all got a list of car gimmicks that just drive us nuts, right?

So, let's dive into some of those gimmicks that you love to hate, starting with those blindingly bright headlights and the ever-so-controversial fake engine noises. Yeah, those.

First off, there's this trend where cars like some Subarus, Jeeps, and Nissans mimic having gears in a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This just messes with the transmission’s efficiency for the sake of feeling a bit more like traditional gears, which frankly, end up feeling kind of soggy.

Then there are those massive screens that seem more about show than practical use. Sure, they look cool and all, especially for a backup camera, but my old car with just a few buttons and a simple radio works just as well. Yet, I can't help but be a bit amazed at how flashy they are.

And don’t get me started on using your phone as a car key. It sounds cool in theory, but in practice? A keyfob will last you ages, but your phone needs charging every night. Plus, phones are way too fragile to be doubling as car keys.

Fake vents are another eye-roller. They don’t do a thing except look, admittedly, kind of cool. They give the car that extra bit of flair, even if it’s all for show.

Now, let's talk about those ultra-bright headlights. They’re often paired with equally bright daytime running lights, leading some drivers to forget to turn on their actual headlights at night, driving around practically invisible from the back.

Fake engine noises? Yeah, they’re literally just noise. If it were up to me, I'd rather my car hum like a spaceship than pretend it’s something it's not.

One of my quirky favorites though is the light-up puddle logo on the Buick TourX. At night, if you've got the keyfob on you, a Buick logo shines on the ground behind the car. Wave your foot in the light, and voila, the trunk pops open. It’s actually pretty handy.

Then there’s the changeable accent lighting in the Fiesta. It’s completely unnecessary but totally fun. I used to let my kid pick the 'Color of the Day' while we waited for the school bus. Whatever color he chose, I'd keep it on all day while driving.

And Curb Feelers? If you need them, you probably can't hear them scrape anyway. They seem like a relic from another era.

Don’t even get me started on OnStar. I got it free for a while, and cancelling it was a nightmare. They always try to rope you into extending it, but once you're paying, you realize it's not worth the hassle.

Capacitive touch buttons are another pet peeve. They started popping up with Cadillac’s CUE system and now, even Ferraris are using them for everything, even adjusting the mirrors!

And illuminated wheel wells on those giant lifted trucks? Totally over the top. But props to the Subaru Crosstrek owner who decked out their ditch lights with plastic pumpkins for Halloween—that’s some creative spirit!

Lastly, those four-door SUV coupes. Everyone's making them now, from the Germans to Tesla and Ford. Honestly, they’re just not my cup of tea.

And let’s not forget the times when "Full Self-Driving" Teslas seem more interested in playing bumper cars with pedestrians than safely navigating the streets.

Yep, the car world is full of features that are as baffling as they are bold. What’s your least favorite car gimmick?