Automakers expand digital displays amid varying consumer utility

Automotive manufacturers are increasingly integrating large digital displays into vehicle interiors, though consumer utility and accessibility vary. Hyundai Motor Company has begun offering digital instrument clusters as paid optional extras on certain new models, such as the Elantra, Tucson, and IONIQ 3. Under the new Pleos Connect infotainment platform, base versions of these vehicles may omit the driver-facing display entirely, requiring customers to pay additional fees to access essential driving data like speed.

Simultaneously, a JD Power study regarding the 2026 U.S. Tech Experience Index reveals a disconnect between manufacturer trends and consumer usage. The research found that 35% of owners with passenger-side screens have never used the feature, and only 6% use it during every trip. Furthermore, passenger screens reported one of the highest problem rates among evaluated technologies, with 21.3 issues per 100 vehicles. While luxury models frequently include these large displays to enhance a sense of high technology, consumers reported higher satisfaction with practical, understated features like smart engine and climate control systems.