Believe it or not, there are some people who like buying cars. The dread that many of us feel having to go to a car dealership and deal with haggling, constant back and forth from the salesperson to the sales manager while you sit and wait in a bare room, only for them to come back with a price that is higher than you want is such a drag. But some people actually enjoy the arguing and the bartering of it all.

Whether you love it or hate it, you will likely go into the car dealership with some features that you want your new car to include. Trying to find the right car that checks off most, if not all, of the boxes that you’re hoping for can be difficult. But it is possible to find a car with a ton of great features for a reasonable price. It can be hard to know which features are actually worth paying for, though.

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Salespeople will always try and upsell you. It’s how they make their commission. But some of the features they will drone on about might be worth your time and money. Others, not so much. Here are some car features for EVs and gas vehicles to consider when you’re buying a new car and whether you should avoid them or not.

Engine

Electric motor powered by Lithium-ion battery

Power Output

265 kW / 360 hp

Torque

800 Nm

Transmission

Four-wheel drive

0-60 MPH

6 seconds

1

360º camera to help with your surroundings

This takes the backup cam to the next level

Carfax

This is a feature that, if you’ve had it before, you never want to go back to a time without it. Most cars have backup cameras that give you helpful guidance when you’re reversing, making it so you don’t have to crane your neck and try and see through your back window to see whether there are cars or people behind you. It makes it so you only have to look forward at the dashboard to successfully reverse. But a 360º camera lets you see more than just what’s behind you.

It gives you a full view around your car — front, back, and sides — like you’re looking from above. It usually works alongside blind spot monitoring too, so you can see where you’re going and get alerted if something’s in your way, even if it’s not visible on the screen. It’s one of those features that makes parking and backing out way less stressful — and way safer. Definitely something to look for when shopping for your next car.

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2

Automatic emergency braking system

Let the car stop for you to prevent accidents

1001Cars YouTube

This feature usually comes with higher trim packages. Your blind spot monitoring and backup cam team up with automatic emergency braking (AEB), which basically uses sensors to stop you from backing into something — or someone. If you’re reversing and there’s something in your blind spot, the steering wheel might rumble, or the car might stop you altogether. The same goes for the front: if the car ahead slams on the brakes, and you don’t react in time, your car can alert you and even brake for you.

It can be finicky at times though. Sometimes it’ll stop you when you’re just trying to pull out of a parking spot, and the system misreads someone walking by or a car waiting to take your space. You might have to pump the brakes a few times to override it. But small quirks aside, the added safety and peace of mind are more than worth it.

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3

Air conditioning in the seats

It’s an acquired taste

Apple

There are so many features that are controlled within your seat, whether you have a gas vehicle or an EV. They can be power-adjustable seats. They can require a lever to move it back and forth. You can have memory seat positioning where you set the seat and, if someone else sits in your seat and adjusts it, you just need to push a button and have the seat automatically go back to your preferred setting. Sitting comfortably is important, but some seat settings are rarer than others.

Heated seats are a massive help in the winter for those who have to get into their car in freezing temperatures. A lot of cars have heated seats, but air-conditioned seats aren’t as common. The idea is that there are fans that blow cold air through the seat and onto you, cooling you down on incredibly hot days. It is an odd sensation, as it can make you feel like you are sitting in a bit of condensation, if you blast the car seat AC for a while. It shouldn’t be a make-or-break addition to your car — it’s a nice-to-have, not a must-have.

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4

Remote start with climate control

Another one that’s a big help at certain times

This is again another feature that is helpful but not a necessity. Being able to start your car from your key fob or phone app is super convenient — especially when you’re in a rush or need to transfer a sleeping kid into a pre-warmed (or pre-cooled) car. Some cars even let you adjust the climate settings remotely so it’s the perfect temp before you even get in.

It’s definitely a perk on hot summer days or freezing mornings, but it’s not a dealbreaker. If your car doesn’t have it, you’re not missing out on anything essential.

5

Adaptive headlights can pave the way

A unique feature that aids in seeing

Rivian

Driving at night without streetlights means your headlights have to do all the work. Adaptive headlights make a big difference, as they move with your steering. They light up the road as you turn instead of just straight ahead. It’s especially helpful on winding country roads or in dim areas.

You’ll find this feature in a lot of EVs like Teslas and Rivians, but it’s not a must-have for everyone. Some drivers swear by it, others don’t notice that much of a difference. It can bump up the price, so it really depends on whether it feels worth it to you.