From seat massagers to biometrics, yesterday's luxury tech innovations are poised to become today's standard features.
What’s Next for Cars? 14 Innovations Coming In 2025 and Beyond
Published on Dec. 16, 2024
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Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Several of our experts expect driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance and emergency braking, to become standard features in the near future, even in entry-level models.
“These systems will make driving safer and less stressful, especially in traffic or on long road trips,” says Ivanov. “Imagine your car helping you stay centered in your lane or braking to avoid an unexpected obstacle; peace of mind at its best.”
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Self-Driving Cars
Filip Sevostianov, managing director at eCarsTrade, says the trend toward self-driving cars is sure to continue. Mercedes already offers Drive Pilot, certified Level 3 in Germany (Level 3 autonomy means the car drives in certain conditions, with the driver supervising), and other manufacturers will follow. “It is likely to be in high-end models only, and drivers can multitask, for example, read a book or finish work during their commute.”
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Augmented Reality Dashboards
Four of our experts say traditional dashboards will soon be replaced with augmented reality (AR) features, where displays are integrated into the windshield glass, even on lower-end models.
“This technology provides real-time information like navigation, speed and safety alerts,” says tech expert Jeffrey Castillo. “It’s a game-changer in ensuring drivers keep their eyes on the road, minimizing distraction and increasing safety. Think of it as an evolution in how we interact with our vehicles.”
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Adaptive Suspension Systems
Some cars already have adaptive suspension systems, which smooth out the ride by automatically adjusting to different terrains, but expect to see more of it in the near future.
“The technology is akin to what we offer in Bronco suspension upgrades, aiming at enhancing stability and comfort, and I believe its adoption in regular vehicles will lift everyday driving experiences, especially on uneven or deteriorating roads,” says Robert Resz, owner of Rad Bronco Parts and Rad UTV Parts.
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Adaptive All-Terrain Navigation
Similarly to adaptive suspension systems, Resz foresees advanced all-terrain navigation systems making their way into regular vehicles. “These systems incorporate real-time data from environmental sensors, allowing drivers to steer through more challenging conditions like severe weather or unexpected roadblocks, taking a leaf from off-roading tech where we’ve long relied on such data for safer journeys,” Resz says.
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Interior Cabin Radar Systems
There will be increasingly precise radars inside the cabins, which can tell you if you’ve accidentally left your kids or pets inside, says Alan Gelfand, owner of German Car Depot. These sensors are so precise that they can actually detect an infant’s breathing, he says.
“There are also cars that have features where the windows are rolled down, or climate control is activated automatically if the alert is ignored by the driver,” Gelfand says. “In my opinion, this feature should come standard in most modern cars since it’s so lifesaving.”
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Invisible Hood View
There are no more front blind spots. Cameras now allow drivers to see through the hood virtually, with the image displayed on the infotainment screen. And there’s no waiting for this one; it’s now available on the 2025 Nissan Rogue, Murano and Armada.
“A graphic helps drivers align their wheels precisely, making it particularly useful for off-road driving, parking in tight spots and navigating car washes or drive-throughs,” says Stephen O’Neil, a senior manager at Nissan Group of the Americas.
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Massaging Front Seats
This is a feature that is quickly making the leap from luxury vehicles to standard issue. They’ve been available for a while now in the higher-end lineups of BMW, Audi, Range Rover and others. But now, it’s all about massage to the masses, including Nissan, which is rolling them out on their 2025 Murano, says O’Neil. “Using a pneumatic system, these seats help drivers arrive at their destination relaxed and refreshed,” he says.
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Electric Cars for Everyone
Improvements in EV battery technology are going mainstream, promising faster charging, longer ranges and better prices, says Castillo. “This democratizes the electric vehicle market, putting more eco-friendly options within reach for everyday consumers,” he says. “The shift towards sustainable transport is something I’m particularly excited about, considering its potential environmental impact.”
But this trend isn’t strictly for EVs, says Sevostianov. “I confidently expect more eco-friendly cars to pop up in 2025, including mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids,” he says. “They combine better fuel economy with small electric boosts during acceleration.”
For example, Toyota has a new affordable hybrid lineup in Europe, with models including the Yaris, Corolla and Yaris Cross.
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Greener Cars
Auto tech expert James White predicts that the materials your car is made from will also become more environmentally sustainable, thanks to the greater use of bioplastics, composites and other readily recyclable materials. “This will lower the carbon footprint in the process of making a car as well as improve the energy consumption in the vehicle,” he says. “Such materials will also enhance fuel consumption, hence reducing weight and adding performance.”
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Over-the-Air Updates and Diagnostics
As AI and IoT (the Internet of Things) improve, many of our experts expect predictive maintenance alerts to become more standard. That means your car will be able to anticipate problems like low battery or tire wear, plus other issues that need to be addressed before they get worse and become more expensive to fix.
Expect to have a car that automatically downloads software updates soon. “This keeps it running smoothly and up-to-date with new tech, even years after purchase,” says Ivanov. It’s like getting a tech refresh without having to buy a new vehicle.”
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Smartphone and Cloud Connectivity
While many cars already have smartphone connectivity built-in, expect cars to become even more integrated with your smart devices in the near future. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will become standard features, says Sevostianov. “Hyundai and Kia are setting benchmarks for this, and rides will be more fun, engaging and entertaining for the driver and passengers alike.”
Turley also predicts that cars will become more integrated with smartphones, smartwatches and other personal devices. This means “you’ll have access to applications, media and even home automation systems from your car with ease during the drive, which should provide enhanced convenience, entertainment and productivity.”
Finally, your car may also be able to sync with the cloud for real-time updates on traffic and navigation, says Ivanov.
“You’ll spend less time stuck in traffic and more time where you want to be,” he says.
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In-Car Personalization with Biometrics
A few cars already have fingerprint-activated ignition, and many of our experts believe in-car biometrics, like facial recognition, will soon become more standard, even going as far as to automatically adjust the temperature, scent, dash lighting and seat position for each driver based on their preferences. “This means no more fiddling with mirrors or seats when someone else uses your car,” says Ivanov.
But, this tech might be a bit of a mixed bag, says Chris “Moose” Pyle, an automotive expert with JustAnswer, as it could pose a hassle for rental, valet and car repairs. Nonetheless, he also sees this tech going further. “We may even start to see cars that monitor reactiveness, posture, pulse and blood pressure to warn you of personal issues and driving concerns,” he says.
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Integrated Air Purification
Resz believes vehicle-mounted air purification systems will become more standard. “As someone who’s dealt with swirling dust during off-road expeditions, systems designed to keep cabin air clean in polluted environments or during allergy season will drastically improve comfort and health for everyday drivers,” he says. “These advancements signify how everyday vehicles are incorporating rugged tech originally developed for more extreme scenarios.”
About the Experts
- Stephen O’Neil is Senior Manager, Brand & Regional Communications at Nissan Group of the Americas.
- Alan Gelfand is owner of German Car Depot, an independent automotive service center in Hollywood, Florida, which specializes in the service and repair of German vehicles.
- Deyan Ivanov is an automotive enthusiast and founder of 5 Star Valeting Solutions.
- Filip Sevostianov is Managing Director at eCarsTrade, an online auction platform specializing in used European cars.
- Eamonn Turley is a car insurance expert and CEO of MultiQuoteTime.
- James White is an auto repair expert with AmazingMoves, with a focus on electric vehicles, auto tech and sustainability.
- Jeffrey “digitaljeff” Castillo is a futurist and digital media entrepreneur, with a focus on emerging tech.
- Robert Resz is owner of Rad Bronco Parts and Rad UTV Parts, where his understanding of off-road exploration intersects with trends in mainstream automotive advancements.
- Chris “Moose” Pyle is a master-certified technician with 20-plus years of automotive experience. He has also worked as an expert for JustAnswer since 2006.
