Report: LED Fog Lights Are the Most-Wanted Feature in New Vehicles

Chris Teague
by Chris Teague

New cars come packed with all sorts of advanced tech and safety features, but buyers have gravitated toward certain amenities over others. AutoPacific recently released its 2023 Future Attribute Demand Study (FADS), which rates the 10 most-wanted vehicle features, according to buyers.


This year’s FADS asked buyers to rate their interest in 145 vehicle features and express their intentions around powertrains, brands, pricing, and segments. The firm surveyed more than 11,700 consumers who said they plan to buy a new car within three years. AutoPacific then shared that data with automakers and noted that its study serves as a testing ground for companies to gauge interest in a feature or product before investing time and money in bringing it to market.


The most desirable feature in 2023 is LED fog lights, surprisingly. Almost half – 48 percent – of respondents rated the feature as a must-have. The same number of people also said that wireless device charging was important. Unresponsive driver stop assist was a must-have for 43 percent, followed by folding exterior mirrors. Wireless charging for rear passengers was next.


AutoPacific’s 2023 FADS found the top ten most-wanted features to include:

· LED fog lights

· Wireless charging for front passengers

· Unresponsive driver assist

· Automatic power-folding exterior mirrors

· Wireless charging for rear passengers

· Heated and ventilated front seats

· Household power outlets

· Sunroof/moonroof

· Self-cleaning exterior cameras and safety sensors

· Drive profile settings


Interestingly, some of the features AutoPacific found as dealbreakers for buyers also ended up on the list of most frustrating options in J.D. Power’s 2023 Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2023 IQS found that new vehicle owners are increasingly frustrated with their wireless charging systems and more reported issues with advanced safety tech this year.


[Image: Lanski via Shutterstock]


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Chris Teague
Chris Teague

Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.

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  • Bof65705611 Bof65705611 on Aug 30, 2023

    My 2018 M3 does not include any of the top 10 most desired features (with the possible exception of the driver profiles…useless on a car only I drive). This is one reason why I love this car so much…all the tech I will ever need and nothing that I don’t.

  • CRAIG D. SKOGERSON CRAIG D. SKOGERSON on Aug 31, 2023

    People need more attention to driving. You don't need fog lamps! You don't know how to use them if they are on all the time. Self-cancelling turn signals are for your benefit, so you don't have to watch them in front of you...but do you ever use them yourself? No, nobody does! But they are there for a reason...use them!

  • Lorenzo This car would have sold better if there was a kit to put fiberglass toast slices on the roof.
  • Lorenzo The Malibu is close to what the 1955 Bel Air was, but 6 inches shorter in height, and 3 inches shorter in wheelbase, the former making it much more difficult to get into or out of. Grandma has to sit in front (groan) and she'll still have trouble getting in and out.The '55s had long options lists, but didn't include a 91 cubic inch four with a turbo, or a continuously variable transmission. Metal and decent fabric were replaced by cheap plastic too. The 1955 price was $1765 base, or $20,600 adjusted for inflation, but could be optioned up to $3,000 +/-, or $36,000, so in the same ballpark.The fuel economy, handling, and reliability are improved, but that's about it. Other than the fact that it means one fewer sedan available, there's no reason to be sorry it's being discontinued. Put the 1955 body on it and it'll sell like hotcakes, though.
  • Calrson Fan We are already seeing multiple manufacturers steering away from EVs to Hybrids & PHEVs. Suspect the market will follow. Battery tech isn't anywhere close to where it needs to be for EV's to replace ICE's. Neither is the electrical grid or charging infrastructure. PHEV's still have the drawback that if you can't charge at home your not a potential customer. I've heard stories of people with Volts that never charge them but that's a unique kind of stupidity. If you can't or don't want to charge your PHEV then just get a hybrid.
  • AZFelix The last time I missed the Malibu was when one swerved into my lane and I had to brake hard to avoid a collision. 1 out of 5⭐️. Do not recommend.
  • 2ACL I won't miss it; it was decent at launch, but in addition to the bad packaging, GM did little to keep it relevant in the segment. I'd prefer that another domestic automaker doesn't just give up on the mainstream sedan, but unlike some of Ford's swan songs, the Malibu made an indifferent case for why they should live.
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