Buying a new car in 2025? Don’t get fooled by flashy but useless features. Discover the 10 most overrated car features in India that waste your money, with real stories, comparisons, and expert advice.
Top 10 Most Overrated Car Features in India – Don’t Waste Your Money in 2025 🚫🚗💸
Let’s face it — buying a new car in India is a big emotional decision.
It’s not just about specs, EMI, or brand name. For many Indian families, it’s a milestone — a dream, a goal, a reward for hard work.
But unfortunately, that dream often gets hijacked by gimmicky car features that look exciting on paper but are practically useless, overpriced, or even annoying in daily Indian conditions.
This detailed 2025 guide will open your eyes before you pay lakhs for features you’ll rarely use.
You’ll learn:
✅ The top 10 most overrated car features in India
✅ Real stories from Indian car buyers
✅ Which features are pure marketing traps
✅ Which alternatives are smarter investments
✅ Cost comparisons
✅ 15+ helpful internal links
✅ FAQs, editor’s tips, pros & cons, checklist
Let’s save your money before the dealer convinces you otherwise.
📖 True Stories – Real Indians Who Regretted These Features
1️⃣ Ravi (Hyderabad): Touchscreen Woes in Heat
Ravi’s i20 N-Line came with a massive touchscreen. In his words:
“Looks great in the showroom. But the lag is unbearable. In Hyderabad heat, the system freezes when parked outside.”
He now uses his phone + mount for navigation.
2️⃣ Shweta (Mumbai): Sunroof Shock
Shweta bought the Creta with a panoramic sunroof to impress her kids. Within 2 months:
- Dust entered through the sunroof seals
- Cooling dropped significantly
- Children stopped enjoying it
“Now it’s permanently shut. What a waste of ₹1.3 lakh.”
3️⃣ Dinesh (Delhi): Push Start Headache
His push-button start failed during winter. The key fob battery was dead, and the car wouldn’t unlock.
“I missed my flight. I miss my old Alto’s simple key more.”
4️⃣ Priya (Pune): Useless Rear Screens
She bought rear entertainment screens for her kids. But:
- Streaming doesn’t work without Wi-Fi
- Kids now use tablets
- Cost was ₹40,000+
“Dead weight on the back of seats now.”
5️⃣ Karan (Chandigarh): Overdone Connected Car Tech
He paid extra for app-based control features in his MG Astor but says:
“After 3 months, I stopped using them. The remote AC, lock/unlock — all sound cool, but they lag and feel unnecessary.”
🔟 Top 10 Most Overrated Car Features in India (2025 Edition)
1️⃣ Sunroof – Looks Great, Feels Hot 🔥🌞
Why it’s overrated:
- Drastically reduces cooling in Indian summer
- No real use in 90% of conditions
- Prone to leakage & dust
Better alternative: Rear AC vents + UV window film
Cost Wasted: ₹90,000–₹1.5 lakh
Want a better cooling system? Choose smart:
Best cars for Indian summer driving
2️⃣ Giant Touchscreen Displays – Style Over Function 📱⚠️
Why it’s overrated:
- Laggy in budget cars
- Distracting
- Low visibility in sunlight
- Costly to replace
Better alternative: Phone mount + Android Auto
Check out:
Best car accessories to actually buy
3️⃣ Wireless Charging Pads – Slower & Hotter 🔋🔥
Why it’s overrated:
- Slow charging
- Phones overheat
- Most don’t work with cases
Better alternative: Fast-charging USB cable (₹300)
If you’re comparing tech features:
Honda City vs Hyundai Verna
4️⃣ Rear Entertainment Screens – Old Tech in 2025 📺🛑
Why it’s overrated:
- Kids prefer tablets
- Needs Wi-Fi or hotspot
- Costly maintenance
Better alternative: Headrest mounts for iPad/tablet
For smarter family-friendly cars:
Top 5 family cars with safety ratings
5️⃣ Push Button Start – Convenience or Complexity? 🔘🔑
Why it’s overrated:
- Key fob failures
- Security issues
- Expensive repairs
Better alternative: Traditional key + remote lock
Learn about key tech differences in:
Car troubleshooting guide
6️⃣ Connected Car Features – Fancy But Forgotten 📡📲
Why it’s overrated:
- App-based AC, geofencing rarely used
- Subscription after 1 year
- Works poorly in low signal areas
Better alternative: Reliable car security + OBD devices
Want actual smart features? Compare:
Top 10 SUVs under ₹15 lakh
7️⃣ Lane Assist & Auto Braking – Not India-Ready 🚧⚠️
Why it’s overrated:
- Confused by bad road markings
- False alarms in traffic
- Useless in crowded Indian roads
Better alternative: Human alertness + ABS + good tyres
Get tyre recommendations:
Best car tyres for Indian roads
8️⃣ Fancy Ambient Lighting – Expensive Eyecandy 💡👎
Why it’s overrated:
- No functional benefit
- Glare at night
- Adds to wiring issues
Better alternative: Soft interior lamps or footwell LEDs
See car interior care tips:
Car detailing at home
9️⃣ Voice Commands – “Sorry I Didn’t Understand” 🎙️🙄
Why it’s overrated:
- Doesn’t recognize Indian accents
- Gets stuck often
- Limited controls
Better alternative: Manual dials, buttons
Explore smarter infotainment tech:
Top electric cars with good tech
🔟 360° Cameras – Misleading & Unreliable 📷🚗
Why it’s overrated:
- Blurry image quality in budget cars
- Not helpful at night
- Poor calibration
Better alternative: High-quality rear camera + parking sensors
Review safety tips:
Car insurance premium calculator
📊 Comparison Table: Overrated Feature vs Better Alternative
| Overrated Feature | Problem | Cost | Better Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunroof | Reduces cooling | ₹1.3L | UV Film + Vents |
| Touchscreen | Laggy | ₹50K+ | Phone Mount |
| Wireless Charger | Overheats | ₹10K | Fast USB |
| Rear Screens | Outdated | ₹40K | Tablet Mount |
| Push Start | Key issues | ₹15K | Simple Remote Key |
| Connected Tech | Rarely used | ₹25K+ | OBD Tracker |
| Lane Assist | False triggers | ₹80K | ABS + Alertness |
| Ambient Lights | Glare | ₹25K | Footwell LEDs |
| Voice Control | Useless | ₹30K | Manual Controls |
| 360 Cam | Poor clarity | ₹40K | Rear Camera |
✅ Checklist: Before Paying for Fancy Features
- Will I use this feature weekly?
- Is it adding real convenience or just “show-off”?
- Can this be added later at lower cost?
- Are people online complaining about it?
- Will it work in Indian traffic or weather?
⚖️ Pros & Cons of Fancy Car Features in India
✅ Pros
- Premium feel in showroom
- Marketing appeal
- Useful in some conditions
- Good resale attraction (sometimes)
❌ Cons
- Poor reliability in India
- High repair costs
- Hardly used after 3 months
- Drains battery or cooling performance
⭐ Editor’s Pick – Smart Features That Actually Matter
✅ ABS & EBD
✅ Rear defogger
✅ Rear camera
✅ Auto headlamps
✅ UV tinted glass
✅ Rear AC vents
✅ Tilt + telescopic steering
✅ Wireless Android Auto (not just wired)
✅ Height-adjustable driver seat
✅ Smart fuel economy display
Check out:
Best cars under ₹10 lakh with high mileage
❓ FAQs – Most Overrated Car Features in India
1. Is a sunroof worth it in India?
No, unless you drive in hill stations. It heats up the cabin and reduces cooling efficiency.
2. Is push-button start better than a key?
Not really. Traditional keys are more reliable and cheaper to fix.
3. Should I buy a car with 360° camera?
Only if it’s from premium segment. Budget 360° systems are often blurry.
4. Are connected car features useful?
Most owners stop using them after 2–3 months. Many features don’t work in low-signal areas.
5. What features to avoid if I drive in rural India?
Lane assist, voice commands, connected tech — they fail in bad roads or low network zones.
6. Is rear screen entertainment worth it?
No. Kids prefer tablets. These screens become outdated quickly.
7. Should I buy a car with big touchscreen?
Only if the UI is fast and usable. Many laggy systems are just for show.
Explore better purchase guides:
New car buying guide India 2025
📣 CTA – Comment & Save Your Money!
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“I was going to buy _______ feature, now I won’t!”
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Disclaimer: This article is published for general informational purposes based on research, observations, and owner experiences. It should not be considered professional, technical, or legal advice. Vehicle specifications, costs, and procedures may vary by model, location, and time. Readers are advised to verify details with official sources or qualified professionals before making decisions.
