Most people today want the latest and greatest in technology. In fact, today’s technologies have become so vital that they can even determine which vehicle someone buys. From LED headlights to high-tech cameras, these are the top automotive technologies to look for in 2018 according to Kelley Blue Book.

Car Technologies to Consider

infotainment screenIn-car technology has come a long way in recent years. Here are Kelley Blue Book's 10 best automotive technologies for 2018:

Connected Mobile Apps: The majority of automakers have a smartphone app for their vehicles, but they're not all alike. Some of these apps cost money, while others are free with in-app purchase options. Some apps are able to do such things as remotely start the vehicle, lock and unlock car doors, and check tire pressure. When car shopping, it may be worth looking into the app of that particular brand.

USB Ports: You can’t charge your phone or devices without a USB port. Almost every new car these days has at least one USB port, but you should check to see how many there are. You should also be aware of the effects of using the USB port to charge a device for long periods of time.

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: With how common smartphones are, it's no wonder that having your phone be a part of your car is a popular option. Currently, every manufacturer except Lexus/Toyota is expected to support Apple CarPlay and/or Android Auto on some level. Not every vehicle or trim level will have these options.

Adaptive Cruise Control: Adaptive cruise control can be a great tool for prolonged trips and drivers who take highways and freeways frequently. Using sensors built into the vehicle, this feature matches the speed of the car ahead of you automatically, always keeping a safe driving distance. This helps prevent accidents and can give drivers peace of mind by not having to worry about being too close to the vehicle they’re following. Although adaptive cruise control is generally expensive, Honda and Toyota include it as a standard feature on many models.

Automatic Emergency Braking: One of the best, and most expensive, accident prevention technologies is automatic emergency braking (AEB). A popular add-on option for most manufacturers, AEB uses sensors to automatically stop the car before an accident occurs or to diminish the severity of a crash.

LED/Xenon Headlights: Having quality headlights is important not only for night-time driving, but also during severe weather. LED and Xenon headlights are some of the brightest headlights in the industry. The main difference between them is that LED bulbs won’t need to be replaced. Both are excellent options, but kits to replace conventional lights for LEDs aren’t cheap. It can cost anywhere from $300 to $500 to replace both high and low beams – so be aware of the potential costs.

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: A fairly standard piece of technology in newer cars is a rear cross-traffic alert system. These are great for backing out of a parking space, as sensors will let drivers know when vehicles, objects, or pedestrians are behind the car.

Lane Departure Warning: A popular feature, lane departure warning systems use cameras to alert a driver when the car is drifting across a marked lane line. This is standard technology in some Honda and Toyota trims, and it's fairly affordable if not standard.

360-Degree Camera: For the driver who wants to be extra cautious, a 360-degree camera system might be worth it. These systems show drivers a surround view of their vehicle thanks to cameras on every side of the car. These systems are slowly becoming more affordable and available.

Teen Driver Technology: One of the more popular technology options for families with new drivers is teen driving technology. These systems promote safe driving habits through features like speeding warnings, stereo volume limitations, and seat belt usage reminders. General Motors' Teen Driver system even provides parents with report cards to monitor their children's driving habits.

Helping You Finance a Car

These automotive technologies are worth considering for your next vehicle purchase. The biggest drawback to many of these technologies is price. While some are relatively cheap, others are still unaffordable to the average car buyer. However, it appears many of these systems are only going to become more affordable and available as time passes.

If you’re looking to purchase a vehicle, but your credit is making it difficult to get approved for a car loan, Auto Credit Express may be able to assist. We help people work through their credit quirks by connecting them to local dealerships that specialize in helping people dealing with bad credit.

Get the process started by filling out our free and secure auto loan request form right now.