Have New Cars Gotten Too Complicated?

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:8216d286-5daf-4abe-8226-318bd6110071-42" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:8216d286-5daf-4abe-8226-318bd6110071-42" data-testid= "conversation-turn-86" data-turn="assistant"> In Episode 24 of Between Two Pumps, Mike Musto, Terry Shea, and Terry McGean take on the technology and features reshaping modern cars. Touchscreens controlling basic functions, questionable electronic shifters, gesture controls, turbocharged everything—some innovations have the guys wondering whether automakers have forgotten that cars still need to be intuitive to drive.

But they're not against progress. Backup and 360-degree cameras, better climate control, heated and ventilated seats, Bluetooth, modern sports seats, and integrated towing technology all earn their praise.

Then comes the wish list: full-size spare tires, analog gauges, traditional PRNDL shifters, mechanical parking brakes, simple fresh-air vents, and other features that disappeared somewhere along the way.

What modern car feature could you live without—and what old-school feature deserves a comeback?