Cars with the best tech features for Millennial and Gen Z drivers

Date Posted 8th September 2021
Read Time 9 min read

The annual Buyer Insight Report by CarGurus revealed that millennial and Gen Z drivers are less concerned with engine sizes and brand loyalty. What these younger generations want is time to compare their options and find the best deals possible.

However, what continues to remain a priority for them is connected technology. Millennial and Gen Z drivers are the tech-savvy groups that embraced the internet and Google, and social media and smartphones, with open arms. This has heightened their need to stay informed.

On average, millennials looking for a vehicle spend more than 17.6 hours browsing cars online before ever visiting a dealership. Furthermore, 72 per cent agreed that connected cars are imperative to their social life and keeping in touch on the go.

Not only is their car responsible for keeping them connected to the world, millennials and Gen Z are cautious about their vehicle choices from a financial point of view as well. Reaching economic maturity and having the spending power they do, these generations are careful with their automotive decisions.

At Hippo Leasing, we have a huge range of new and used vehicles, equipped with the best tech on the market. Whether it’s listening to your favourite playlist via Apple CarPlay, being able to see additional camera views, or using an intelligent navigation system on your next road trip, we’ve got it all.

For those in the market for their next vehicle, here are seven cars with the best tech features for millennial and Gen Z drivers:

VOLVO XC60

Why you’ll love it: Impeccable voice control

One of the safest mid-sized SUV models in Volvo’s line-up (awarded by EuroNCAP as the safest car it tested in 2017), the XC60 is a tech-packed joy for connected drivers. Not only can it drive itself using Pilot Assist, but it also comes with great smartphone integration and an intuitive voice control system.

A large Sensus infotainment system is central to navigating the features via a vertical touch screen display. While in-built functionality is great, there is so much more you can do once connected. Compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you’ll be able to make calls, send texts, and use some of your favourite apps.

You can control most aspects of the car’s set-up and also view the 360-degree camera when you’re parking. But it’s the XC60’s intelligent voice control feature that stands out and ensures safe connectivity. A button on the steering wheel initiates the system and discrete microphones pick up your commands clearly. You can speak naturally to change temperature settings, shuffle your music, get quick driving directions, and so much more.

BMW X6

Why you’ll love it: ‘Automate My Habits’ feature

Technology and BMW fit like a glove. The X6’s Head-Up Display is one for tech geeks and anyone who appreciates sharp, clear, and perfect-colour infotainment consoles. The car’s Connected Music allows drivers to directly stream millions of songs on Spotify. Just use the sim card installed in the vehicle and play everything from classical and jazz, to hip-hop and reggae. The limit does not exist.

There’s no skimping on safety features either. The Driving Assistant Professional package includes steering assistant, lane-assist, active cruise control, and emergency braking assistant, and more. You have the option to add Parking Assistant Plus, which shows a panoramic view, an overhead view, and a remote view.

An impressive list of features is topped with the super intelligent Automate My Habits feature. Activating this allows the car to remember your preferred driver settings. So, every time you step into the car, it will be ready and waiting to your liking.

KIA CEED

Why you’ll love it: Sleek and smart with features to rival luxury brands

The Korean manufacturer that keeps on giving, Kia’s Ceed is filled with enough great tech to rival the luxury names on this list. The Ceed blends a modern style in look and feel with premium functionality and state-of-the-art technology. A raft of tech features integrates excellent safety elements, including lane following assist to track the car in front and reduce driver fatigue on long journeys, alongside smart cruise control, smart parking assist, and blind spot collision warning to name but a few.

Just the standard option of the Ceed gives you a large 12.3-inch instrument cluster screen. This is paired with a 10.25-inch screen which displays infotainment, navigation and telematics connectivity features. There’s wireless smartphone charging, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that allows you to keep your phone fuelled and your driving experience enjoyable.

The Kia Ceed has some of the best tech features compared to luxury names

The infotainment navigation screen is paired to a JBL Premium eight-speaker sound system with Bluetooth streaming to create further unified connectivity between the driver and their devices.

Designed with useability in mind, the menu layouts are easy to navigate, and added extras like the heated and ventilated front and rear seats provide soothing comfort on colder days. The high-tech dual-zone auto air conditioning keeps the cabin cool in the midst of summer too.

Opting for the ECO pack gets you a special flap that opens when you’re driving. This cools down the engine and helps with economic efficiency whilst you’re on the move.  

JAGUAR I-PACE

Why you’ll love it: WIFi enabled for even the most remote areas

Jaguar’s first all-electric car comes with heaps of tech inside. One of the most seamless electric SUVs for integrated tech, *pace yourself* with this extensive list.

The 12.3” high-definition Interactive Driver Display shows pin-sharp graphics on its full screen navigation with 3D mapping. Whilst the Pivi Pro infotainment system is as easy to use as your smartphone. Tap into key info such as media, navigation, and contacts, and check real-time traffic updates, live access charging points, and places to park, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.  

The optional Secure Tracker will alert you of an attempted theft whilst signalling the same to authorities. However, it’s the Online Pack with Data Plan that really stands out for us. This in-car internet access lets you check everything from weather updates to streaming videos on long drives for your passengers and allows families to FaceTime loved ones on the go. More importantly, the Wi-Fi uses the external antenna for the best possible connection, so even in remote areas, you’re likely to get a decent connection.

AUDI Q3

Why you’ll love it: The ultimate connect experience

Audi owners will vouch for the manufacturer’s popular Audi Drive Select which enables you to adjust the characteristics of your vehicle to fit the right driving experience at any time you’re on the road. And when it comes to the luxury subcompact market, this SUV is laden with tech-filled features that leave its rivals behind.  

The attractive Audi Smartphone Interface with wireless function allows seamless integration between your mobile devices and the Q3. Audi Connect is a sophisticated step into the heart of the car’s infotainment system. They’re highlighted with MMI Navigation Plus and an MMI Touch display, which can even recognise your handwriting. This sits neatly alongside an 8.8-inch full-colour panel display on the Audi Cockpit as standard.

The Audi Q3 has some of the best tech features for millennial and gen z drivers


You can upgrade to enhance the MMI system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay. You can also choose a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D surround audio system if you like. 

The myAudi app is also a game changer that allows remote lock and unlock, parking location tracker and real-time vehicle information. The Q3 is all about convenience and driving enjoyment with its next-level tech features and connectivity.

HYUNDAI IONIQ

Why you’ll love it: Control your car from your phone

The Ioniq can be confidently described as a tech fest. There’s an exciting infotainment set-up, nestled around a big 10.25-inch touchscreen which is set on top of the redesigned dash. It’s a strikingly configured set-up that sees the climate control functions now added to the touchscreen alongside a wide range of widgets for your smartphone, audio, and navigation controls.

Where the Ioniq shines is with the very clever Bluelink. This lets you control your car from your phone – or with your voice. Bluelink integrates online voice recognition and a range of features to make your drive more convenient and pleasurable.

You can also enjoy free access to Hyundai LIVE Services cloud with real-time traffic updates, on and off-street parking, live fuel price information and info on charge point availability. Furthermore, set yourself up for a comfy drive by sending nav destinations to your car and pre-setting the climate control remotely.

MERCEDES-BENZ A CLASS

Why you’ll love it: Personalise the car to your character

If you really want to stay ahead of the curve, this is the car for you. This pretty sedan is packed with some of the latest technology the brand has to offer. Incorporating Mercedes’ intuitive MBUX multimedia system, this is tech made especially for each individual driver in mind. You can truly adapt the A-Class to meet your demands, driving style and needs. All with one swipe on the touchpad, the steering wheel or the touchscreen.

The Mercedes-Benz A Class has some of the best tech features

In base models, MBUX uses a pair of high-resolution 7-inch screens. In upgraded trims, you get a pair of 10.25-inch displays. These span the dash from the digital instrument panel to the centre of the car. Activate the lingautronic “Hey Mercedes” voice-initiated personal assistant and revel in an augmented reality system that obeys your every command. It also shows street names superimposed on an image of the road ahead, making navigation very fun and easy. 

Your habits dictate the drive too, meaning MBUX will remember your favourite songs, detect radio stations with music to your liking, and show you faster routes to your usual destinations. There are five USB ports in the A-Class cabin, plus individual thermotronic temperature-controlled zones to ensure the highest level of comfort and convenience for everyone.  

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Millennial and Gen Z drivers are information hungry. At Hippo Leasing we offer transparency from the start, with competitive pricing and up-to-date stock. Even better, we assign a personal account manager to each customer to guide you through the whole process.


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