Buying or leasing a new vehicle involves plenty of planning and consideration. You consider what features you’d like to add, like self-parking technology or heated seats. And you ask how your needs might be changing, which could mean moving from a compact to an SUV, or from gas to electric.
So what are the biggest drivers for people entering the new vehicle market?

1. Eye on safety

The most important feature for looking at new vehicles is safety, with mostly saying that a new vehicle has to protect them and their loved ones. That’s especially true for women, who place a higher premium on safety than men when choosing a new vehicle.

2. Saving at the pump – and the socket

A close second to safety is fuel efficiency, with good mileage ranking as the most important element when choosing a new vehicle. It’s also important to consider city and highway fuel economy, and make a decision based on the most likely type of driving that will be done.

Efficiency isn’t just for gas-powered cars. Electric mileage is just as important for drivers shopping for new electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids.

3. Going green

With so many focused on the efficiency of their next vehicle, it’s no surprise that over half of all people either own or lease a hybrid or EV, or plan to in the future. This trend is already growing, especially among younger drivers.

4. Gearing up with gadgets

It can be hard to choose from the assortment of bells and whistles available on the newest vehicles, but for many , there’s a clear list of must-haves. Back-up cameras, followed by Bluetooth connectivity and blind spot detection technology. Not all tech is a must-have, though. Some consider self-parking technology a necessity, and many say they don’t have any technological deal-breakers when looking at new vehicles.

5. Sticking with what works

As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. As they get older and gain more purchasing power, millennial and Gen Z drivers could make a move for the features they want in a new vehicle.