The Real Value of Car Tech: A Minivan Owner's Perspective
Recent news about GM shuttering their Cruise robotaxi program caught my attention via Ars Technica. Their reporting raised an interesting point: while investors remain enthusiastic about autonomous driving technology, actual car buyers seem to prioritize more practical features.
Last year, I upgraded to a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica minivan—the newest and most sophisticated vehicle I've ever owned. While it comes equipped with modern driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane assist, my experience reveals both the promise and limitations of current automotive technology.
Take the adaptive cruise control, for instance. While it's genuinely useful, it has some quirks that could use refinement. When resuming speed after slowing down for traffic—say, going from 60 back to the set speed of 70 MPH—it accelerates too aggressively. I'd prefer a more gradual, smoother return to the target speed. It's a small detail, but one that impacts the daily driving experience.
One feature I'd love to see implemented is intelligent speed adaptation. Imagine your cruise control automatically adjusting to match changing speed limits—smoothly transitioning from 70 to 65 MPH as you enter a new zone. This kind of thoughtful integration of existing technologies could make driving both safer and more convenient.
After my experience with the Pacifica, here's what I've come to value most in modern vehicles:
- Smart driver profiles that truly remember everything—including mirror positions, which surprisingly aren't included in our van's memory settings
- Convenience features like auto rain-sensing wipers and automatic high beams that actually make driving safer and more comfortable
- Essential safety technology including rear backup sensors and blind spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control that's aware of posted speed limits
- Lane assist for those long highway drives
- Practical design features like the Pacifica's fold-down seats—a key factor in choosing it over Honda and Toyota models, where seats must be physically removed to maximize cargo space
The automotive industry's focus on fully autonomous vehicles might be missing what consumers actually want: thoughtful integration of existing technologies that enhance the driving experience without trying to replace it entirely.