Fuel Economy, Smartphone Aids Top Consumer Wish List

The high-tech features that most attract U.S. car buyers relate to fuel economy and linking smartphones to the vehicle, according to this year's emerging technologies study from J.D. Power and Associates.

The survey asked consumers the rate their interest in 22 features before and after knowing the price of the options. Among the most popular technologies in both cases are fuel economy meters and active shutters that seal the grille to boost aerodynamics at highway speeds. Two-thirds of respondents say they "definitely" or "probably" would order those options in their next vehicle.

Power notes similarly strong interest among smartphone owners in being able to integrate their devices with their cars. About three in five say they would probably buy that capability, even after being told the cost could be $250. The study notes that the fastest-growing group with a yen for connectivity is drivers who are at least 60 years old.

This year's poll finds one in five consumers interested in fully autonomous vehicles. Power reports stronger interest in semi-autonomous features such as emergency braking and steering systems (40%) and automatic park assist (32%).