The 2027 driver’s wishlist is not just about bigger touchscreens, more complicated driver aids, or another few inches of display space. Driving enthusiasts want new cars that feel engaging, intuitive, responsive, and rewarding on every road.
As vehicles become more connected, electrified, and software-driven, drivers are asking manufacturers to remember the fundamentals: clear controls, confident handling, useful technology, and an immediate connection between the driver and the vehicle.
Here are the features enthusiasts actually want from new cars in 2027, and the features automakers should prioritize if they want to win over people who genuinely love to drive.
Physical Buttons for Frequently Used Controls
Touchscreens have their place, especially for navigation, camera views, and detailed vehicle settings. But enthusiasts are increasingly tired of digging through menus to adjust the climate control, change drive modes, or turn on the heated seats.
In 2027, drivers want tactile controls for the functions they use most. A button, dial, or switch can be operated by feel, helping the driver keep attention where it belongs: on the road.
- Physical climate-control knobs and buttons
- A dedicated volume knob
- Easy-access drive-mode controls
- Real buttons for traction control and safety-system adjustments
- Steering-wheel controls with clear feedback
The best interior technology should make driving easier, not turn basic functions into a touchscreen scavenger hunt.
Real Driver Engagement, Not Just More Screens
Performance enthusiasts want a cabin designed around the person behind the wheel. That means supportive seats, clear gauges, a well-positioned steering wheel, and controls that are easy to reach without stretching or looking away from the road.
A vehicle does not need to be a stripped-down track special to feel driver-focused. Small details can make a major difference in the ownership experience.
- Comfortable, bolstered seats with practical adjustability
- A steering wheel that feels substantial and communicates road texture
- Simple, legible instrumentation
- Configurable performance displays without unnecessary clutter
- Thoughtful storage for phones, keys, sunglasses, and daily essentials
Enthusiasts want technology that supports the drive—not technology that distracts from it.
Honest Steering Feel and Confident Handling
Drivers understand that modern vehicles must balance comfort, safety, efficiency, and everyday usability. Still, they want steering that feels natural and chassis tuning that inspires confidence on winding roads.
Artificially heavy steering is not the same as engaging steering. What enthusiasts want is accuracy, consistency, and a sense of what the front tires are doing.
- Predictable steering weight and response
- Well-controlled body motion over uneven pavement
- Suspension tuning that balances comfort with composure
- Brake pedals with smooth, confidence-building feel
- Drive modes that meaningfully alter the vehicle’s personality
Whether it is a compact sport sedan, off-road SUV, muscle car, or electric performance vehicle, a well-tuned chassis remains one of the biggest reasons drivers fall in love with a car.
Useful Driver Assistance Systems With Easy Overrides
Advanced driver-assistance systems can be valuable tools, especially during long highway commutes and in busy traffic. But enthusiasts want systems that work smoothly and do not constantly interrupt the driving experience.
In 2027, the ideal setup is not removing safety technology. It is giving drivers clear, simple control over it.
- Lane-assistance systems that are smooth rather than intrusive
- Adaptive cruise control with natural braking and acceleration behavior
- Simple ways to adjust warning sensitivity
- Settings that remain saved after restarting the vehicle
- One-touch access to disable unwanted features when appropriate
A great new car should feel like it is helping the driver, not second-guessing every input.
Customization That Goes Beyond Cosmetic Upgrades
Enthusiasts want vehicles that can adapt to different roads, driving styles, and daily needs. They are looking for meaningful customization, not just ambient-lighting colors and digital gauge themes.
Manufacturers can deliver a more satisfying experience by allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle’s responses without making the process overly complicated.
- Adjustable steering, suspension, and powertrain response settings
- Individual mode that combines preferred settings in one profile
- Customizable gauge layouts and performance information
- Selectable exhaust sound settings where equipped
- Aftermarket-friendly designs and accessible upgrade paths
For drivers who want a more immediate accelerator feel without permanent modifications, Pedal Commander® offers selectable modes that can help tailor throttle sensitivity to different situations—from relaxed commuting to more spirited driving.
Lightweight Design and Better Efficiency Without Sacrificing Character
New cars are often larger, heavier, and more feature-packed than the vehicles they replace. While safety and comfort remain essential, enthusiasts want automakers to fight unnecessary weight wherever possible.
A lighter vehicle can feel more agile, responsive, and enjoyable at normal road speeds. It can also support efficiency, braking performance, and overall handling confidence.
- Smart use of lightweight materials
- Compact dimensions where the segment allows
- Efficient powertrains with engaging real-world response
- Battery packaging that preserves interior and cargo utility
- Fewer unnecessary features that add weight and complexity
The goal is not to eliminate comfort. It is to ensure every feature adds genuine value to the driving experience.
Better Sounds, Better Feedback, and Less Artificial Drama
Drivers want vehicles that provide authentic feedback. In gasoline-powered cars, that may mean a satisfying engine and exhaust note without excessive cabin boom. In EVs, it can mean useful sound design that communicates acceleration and vehicle behavior without becoming gimmicky.
More importantly, enthusiasts want honest mechanical communication through the steering wheel, brake pedal, chassis, and accelerator. The best vehicles make a driver feel informed without overwhelming them.
A Connected Driving Experience That Still Feels Personal
Connectivity is expected in 2027, but drivers want it to be reliable, fast, and optional. Wireless smartphone integration, over-the-air updates, and useful companion apps can improve ownership when they work seamlessly.
At the same time, enthusiasts do not want every function locked behind subscriptions or dependent on an internet connection. The car should remain fully functional and enjoyable even when the signal disappears.
- Fast, reliable wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Useful over-the-air updates with clear change notes
- No subscription required for basic vehicle functions
- Secure digital features with strong privacy controls
- Technology that enhances ownership rather than complicates it
What Enthusiasts Want Most From New Cars in 2027
The biggest takeaway from the 2027 driver’s wishlist is simple: enthusiasts want vehicles that feel designed for drivers, not just consumers. They want modern safety, connectivity, and efficiency, but they also want the confidence and satisfaction that come from clear controls, responsive inputs, and capable dynamics.
Automakers do not need to abandon innovation to build better enthusiast vehicles. They simply need to make sure innovation strengthens the relationship between the driver and the road.
