On the Dash: - Simple background tech, like smart ignition, earns higher satisfaction than advanced automation features, JD Power survey finds. - Hands-free L2+ systems score lower than basic L2 systems despite offering more functionality. - Passenger screens rank among the most problematic features, and most owners never use them. Owners are least satisfied with the technology automakers are betting on most, according to the JD Power 2026 U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study, released today. Hands-free driving systems and passenger screens rank among the most problematic features in the industry, while simple background tech like smart ignition and climate control earns the highest satisfaction scores. The study looked at 40 technologies across five categories, such as: - Comfort and convenience - Connected vehicle - Driver assist - Electric vehicle - Smart vehicle systems Results are based on 68,084 owners of new 2026 model-year vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. Smart tech that goes unnoticed Features that seamlessly integrate into the driving experience tend to be more satisfying and reliable than flashier upgrades. For example, smart ignition automatically starts and stops the vehicle depending on driver behavior. It scores highest in overall satisfaction and has one of the lowest issue rates in the study, at 2.4 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). Similarly, smart climate control and driver preference systems are well-regarded, with owners appreciating their functionality and rarely reporting issues. “The technology customers value most is often the technology they barely notice because it simply works,” said Doron Hikry, Director of Customer Success at JD Power. He reiterated that smart ignition and smart climate control make everyday driving easier without demanding attention and added that automation and extra screens don’t necessarily improve the experience. He said automakers should prioritize technology that simplifies driving rather than complicates it, since features