I’m not sure they asked any of us here in Texas, but it is what it is. Automakers may be spending billions of dollars developing autonomous driving technology, ever-larger infotainment screens and sophisticated connected-car features, but when shoppers are asked what they really want in their next new vehicle, something considerably simpler comes out on top: heated seats. According to WardsAuto, automotive research and consulting firm AutoPacific’s newly released 2026 Future Vehicle Planner found heated seats were the most-wanted vehicle feature among prospective new-car buyers. The study surveyed more than 19,000 licensed drivers who intend to acquire a new vehicle within the next three years and asked about more than 160 different vehicle features and technologies. Heated seats were selected by 47% of respondents, narrowly beating front and rear parking sensors at 45%. Rear automatic emergency braking was third at 44%. After that, several features clustered closely together, showing buyers are putting a premium on comfort, convenience and safety rather than simply chasing the newest technology. AutoPacific’s top 15 most-wanted features for 2026: - Heated seats — 47% - Front and rear parking sensors — 45% - Rear automatic emergency braking — 44% - Power front driver’s seat — 43% - Lane change assist — 43% - Night vision system — 43% - Adaptive cruise control with active lane centering and stop-and-go capability — 43% - Blind-spot cameras — 43% - Rear cross-traffic alert with automatic emergency braking — 42% - Auto Park — 41% - Wireless device charging pad — 41% - Power front passenger seat — 40% - Dash camera — 40% - Large-animal detection — 39% - All-wheel drive — 39%. One newcomer to the top 15 this year is Auto Park. AutoPacific described the feature to survey participants as technology that allows a vehicle to park