From Car and Driver · Elana Scherr · · 1m 10s
Chauffeur Life
Young passengers demand back-seat amenities for modern cars.
In brief
Young passengers demand back-seat amenities for modern cars. Elana Scherr highlights back-seat features that impress teens and young adults in new cars. Originally reported by Car and Driver.
Young passengers' preferences
Teens and tweens prefer water bottles and sweet tea over alcohol.
“The kids sure like to drink. Just not alcohol.”
Cupholders for back seats
Cupholders hold phones, sunglasses, and drinks for easy access.
“Cupholders. Not just for drinks, but also for phones and sunglasses”
Ford Ranger back seat
Ford Ranger has good cupholders and fold-down console with padded armrest.
“The Ford Ranger that I had for the weekend got high marks for its back-seat cupholders and the fold-down console with its padded armrest.”
Teen feedback on Ranger
16-year-old says it’s exhausting being so cool.
“I hate when there’s nowhere to lean,” declared the 16-year-old, weary already.”
Ranger climate issues
Back seat too warm while front seats too cold.
“Complaints about the Ranger were the lack of dedicated climate vents for the back seat”
Ranger step-up problem
Heavy step-up makes it hard to carry drinks and open doors.
“and the hefty step-up into the cabin, which was challenging while carrying a large milk tea with mango jelly.”
Younger child's comment
Younger child says can't hold door and jump down at same time.
“I can’t hold the door and jump down at the same time”
Dodge Ramcharger features
Dodge Ramcharger has couchlike bench seat and full-length windows.
“A later ride in my ’80s Dodge Ramcharger had the same step-up and A/C problems, but the couchlike bench seat and full-length windows offset the lack of modern amenities.”
Modern back seat luxuries
Dual Bluetooth, third row USB, and smart seats improve back seat experience.
“Dual Bluetooth connectivity: Unless you like being critiqued for your playlist, the ideal setup lets a back-seat passenger connect their phone for media while the driver links theirs for navigation and communication.”
Tesla Model Y smart seats
Tesla Model Y has foldable seats and adjustable seatbacks.
“I recently drove the new long-wheelbase Tesla Model Y L and noted that the middle-row chairs fold flat but don. t slide.”
The key point
Elana Scherr highlights back-seat features that impress teens and young adults in new cars.
