10 Best Automotive Technologies of 2022

Technology has evolved in many ways and although some people will try to avoid using it or interacting with it, it’s everywhere we are – basically. When it comes to the automotive industry nowadays, technology has become something that is actually preferred for cars, for the many different ways it is used. 

Drivers are relying on these features every time they start their car, and sometimes it really can be the only thing that saves your life in dangerous circumstances. Ranging from safety and security measures to communication and connectivity features, technology is becoming the more popular addition to cars. 

1. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems 

This category focuses on everything to do with the different systems within your car that help to keep you from drifting over into the next lane, ensure that you know your vehicle’s blind-spots, and keep you at a safe distance from the car in front of you. Interestingly enough, one of the first examples of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems was anti-lock brakes. With all the advancements being made today, this has now become one of many systems that come standard. 

Some key features to look for: 

• Adaptive Cruise Control 
• Blind-Spot Alert 
• Cross-Traffic Alerts 
• Forward Collision Warning/Avoidance
• Lane-Departure Warning 
• Lane-Keep Assist 
• Reverse Brake Assist 

2. Automatic Emergency Braking 

When the car senses that a collision is about to occur, the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) activates your car’s brakes, potentially avoiding or minimizing the damage that would come from an accident. AEB oftentimes can react faster than a person, especially under those circumstances, and can start working before the brakes are pressed. Did you know that if you are trying to brake, like pushing as hard as you can on the brakes, and the car senses you need to stop sooner, AEB can also brake harder than the pressure you are applying? 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, automakers are part of a voluntary effort to have AEB, in addition, to forward collision warning, in nearly all new passenger vehicles by August 31, 2023. Several automakers actually have this feature already come standard in their vehicles. 

3. Connected Mobile Apps/Digital Key 

Cell phones are a huge part of our lives and some automakers understand this. Almost every car company has an app you can download for your car. Although some are better than others, they all basically function the same way; remotely lock and unlock your doors, check fuel status levels and tire pressure, and even remotely start your car.  

These apps also display key maintenance features, including how much gas you have left or even range in an EV. Plus a bonus in these apps is that you can use them to find nearby gas stations, dealerships, and even charging stations for when you are notified (again by the app) that you have a scheduled maintenance appointment. 

Sometimes you can even drive your car with your phone (acting as a digital key). To do this though, it uses several levels of security to ensure that it is in fact you making this request (or people you give specific permission to), posing a little frustrating at times when you want to just get in your car and go. Make sure you do ask about monthly and yearly subscriptions though, as they do vary from carmaker to carmaker. 

4. Teen Driver Tech 

Teens watch out! When mom tells you to drive safely, she really will know if you broke some of the rules she specifically told you not to. This bundle of tech is aimed directly at the parents of younger drivers. The best known of these is GM’s Teen Driver suite of features, made available in some Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac trucks, cars, and SUV’s. 

Teen Driver serves as a safeguard for new drivers, and also gives parents peace of mind when their young ones are out on the road. The system can notify you if you have driven over a certain speed, disable audio if seatbelts are not fastened, filter out explicit content (if your car comes with SiriusXM Satelite radio), and can set a volume limit on the sound system. There’s even a report card for parents to review afterwards that highlights certain areas of performance including if safety systems like ABS or forward collision alert have been activated while your child was behind the wheel. 

Every car company has their own versions of ‘Teen Safety’ and another two companies worth highlighting are Ford and Lincoln, which has the MyKey system. Introduced on the market almost 10 years ago, MyKey allows the parent to configure specific settings in the remote (the key fob) for a younger driver. Limits to the vehicles top speeds, keeping traction control on at all times, keep 911 assist activated, control maximum volume for the audio, and set up a do not disturb for smartphones are all tasks that can be programmed on the fob. 

Settings can also be applied so that the stereo remains off until both the driver and the front passenger (if any) have their seatbelts on. Another handy feature of MyKey is that it can give your teen driver an earlier warning on low fuel levels. 

5. Safe Exit Assist to Protect Cyclists 

Nowadays, with car prices and gas prices on the rise (and no end in sight) choosing to ride your bike around the city may seem like the smarter option. But if it’s distances you want to go to, and you have a car, it might be best to settle with this. 

Keeping in mind that you are not the only type of transportation on the roads is very important. The exit warning helps to keep everyone aware of their surroundings. The alert uses rear-looking sensors to detect approaching bicycles and vehicles. It ensures that a door is not opened by a passenger/driver when a cyclist is going by. 

In terms of cars (which it detects as well), it senses when a car is coming and the same sensors work to stop the passenger/driver from opening the door when parked on the street. Exit warning systems work for several minutes after the car is turned off. If the sensors catch a cyclist or vehicle going by, they alert the passenger/driver with a series of bright lights. Most of the advanced systems will physically lock the door by activating the child safety lock to prevent the door from being swung open into the path of oncoming traffic.  

6. Wireless Smartphone Connectivity and Charging 

Wireless charging pads are a great way to reduce clutter in the vehicle and make space for the other stuff that needs to be there. Not to mention, it looks so professional and sleek creating a condensed space for devices. It works as a great storage place for your device and a bonus is that you never lose your phone. Once you set it on the charging pad, you don’t have to worry about it falling over when you make an aggressive turn or dislodging from the space. This may be a costly feature to have though, so look around for a car that is within your price range and see if this feature is available. 

7. 360-degree Camera 

A very popular feature in cars in all price ranges is the 360 degree camera. It is incredibly convenient, easy to use, and helps to reduce the damage around your car. Combining all the cameras set around your car, you are able to see everything all at once. 360-degree cameras can be especially helpful when you’re parking in the garage, parking between the lines at the grocery store, or even parallel parking. 

Unlike reverse brake assist and cross-traffic alert (which both help to avoid collisions when backing out of spaces), the 360-degree camera can make sure you don’t hit anything when you are parking. The 360-degree camera helps to keep insurance claims low and keeps your car scratch and dent free. It proves especially useful for parking a large car. 

8. Emergency Services/Stolen Vehicle Tracking Software

Automobile theft is more than just an insurance problem, it involves so many parties and the ending result may not always be what people are looking for. Across Canada alone in 2020, there were 80,000 incidents reported of car theft. This number is alarming and it stresses the significance of having emergency services/stolen vehicle tracking software in your car. It really can be the only thing that helps with recovery in the end. 

If your car, SUV, or truck is equipped with this technology, it makes law enforcements jobs a little easier, and gives a little more ensurance on getting your stolen vehicle back. With OnStar, for example, once a vehicle is reported stolen, they are able to slow down the vehicle’s speeds and keep it from being restarted once the engine is shut off. 

It helps with more than just recovering stolen vehicles – it can also help with rescuing the driver and passengers after a crash. The technology can pinpoint exactly where the vehicle is located. This aspect is also helpful with natural disasters, finding an aging family member who may need help, or making sure your teen driver is safe. 

9. Blind-spot View Monitor 

Sometimes it is just nice to have an easy-to-view screen that shows everything you need to be seeing as a driver, especially when you are changing lanes. This is where blindspot-monitor comes in handy. Using a smaller camera on either side of your car, the screen displays any traffic that may be in the lane next to you, which can help prevent collisions. 

10. Video Rearview Mirror 

Christmas shopping is the best time of year that really highlights this issue. If you have ever gone to the store and left with much more stuff than you can carry and pile it into the car, then you know what it’s like to lose the view out of your rearview mirror, which can potentially be dangerous. The video rearview mirror is here to solve that issue! It uses a rear-mounted camera that displays the view behind your vehicle. 

It is mounted where the usual rear-view mirror sits but gives you both abilities to see within regular and video views. This type of mirror proves to be useful as well when it comes to towing as it will give you a wider view of the road while allowing you to keep an eye on your trailer. 

Final Thoughts

What a long read I know, but if you made it this far, congrats! These are just a few of the many advancements today that are popular within vehicles. My favourite by far has to be the Emergency Vehicle/Stolen Vehicle Tracking Software because it provides you with that peace of mind when travelling alone. Also, it helps to track the whereabouts of your vehicle in case something were to happen.