How to Select & Prioritize Features You Want on a New Vehicle in Springfield, MO

September 13th, 2024 by Thompson Sales Company

At Thompson Sales, we specialize in new Buick and GMC vehicles. Whether you want a family-friendly SUV or a rugged pickup truck, we have something for everyone here. As you’re shopping for a new vehicle in Springfield, MO, choosing the features you want is an important first step. We’ll show you how with our guide.

Using Our Feature Finder

First and foremost, you can narrow down your search with our online inventory of new vehicles. Along the left side, you can choose many aspects of your shopping needs, including:

Price Range
Trim
Features
Transmission
Engine
Body Type
Color
Drivetrain
Cloth/Leather Seats
MPG
Truck Cab Type
Truck Bed Length
And More

When you tap into our feature finder, there are many ways to mix and match the features you need. We’ll even show you the number of vehicles on our lot that fit your criteria. There are more than 30 features to choose from, listed alphabetically. The most popular ones are:

AWD
Adaptive Cruise Control
Backup Cameras
Fog Lights
Heated Seats
Leather Seats
Parking Assist
Rain Sensing Wipers
Sunroof/Moonroof
Tow Package
Wireless Phone Charging

The more features you select, the narrower your search becomes. You’ll make it easier when shopping for a new vehicle in Springfield, MO, and when it comes time to schedule a test drive.

Start With Must-Haves

When shopping for a new vehicle, selecting must-have features should come first. That way, your purchase aligns with your needs, preferences, and lifestyle.

1. Meet Your Personal Needs

Choosing a new vehicle in Springfield, MO, with the right features ensures it meets your personal needs and daily requirements. For example, if you have a growing family, you might choose features like ample cargo space, rear-seat entertainment systems, and advanced safety features. On the other hand, if you frequently drive long distances, you might prioritize comfort features such as a high-quality sound system, heated seats, and adaptive cruise control.

2. Enhanced Safety & Security

Advanced safety features have come a long way since 2017, when they started to become standard offerings. Look for automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, all of which can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. For families, having advanced safety technology, such as rearview cameras, parking sensors, and rear safety seat alarms, can keep your little ones safe.

3. Maximizing Value for Money

Identifying must-have features helps you get the most value for your money. Instead of looking for non-essential extras, focus on features that genuinely enhance your driving experience or fulfill specific needs. This approach helps you avoid overspending on features you might not use while making sure that you don’t miss out on functionalities that make your driving experience easier.

4. Long-Term Satisfaction

Buying a new vehicle in Springfield, MO, is a significant investment. Long-term satisfaction is key to making a good purchase if you plan on owning the vehicle for a long time. For instance, features like fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs can contribute to long-term financial savings. Additionally, comfort features such as adjustable seating and a user-friendly infotainment system can enhance your enjoyment of your purchase, reducing the likelihood of buyer’s remorse.

5. Future-Proofing Your Purchase

Technology and automotive features evolve rapidly. Choosing a vehicle with essential features ensures that you are not only satisfied with your purchase now but also in the foreseeable future. Features like advanced driver-assistance systems and connectivity options can help keep your vehicle up-to-date with current technological standards, even as new technologies emerge.

6. Streamlining Your Test Drives

Having a clear list of must-have features helps streamline which vehicles you want to test drive. This focused approach can make the buying process less overwhelming and more efficient, leading to a more satisfying and quicker decision-making experience. You can also budget more readily.

Move to Your “Wants”

The features you want to have in a new vehicle can make driving more comfortable and convenient. Think of heated seats, automatic climate control, power liftgates, and massaging seats. Wireless connectivity, such as Wi-Fi Hotspots, wireless charging pads, rear entertainment screens, and app integration with the infotainment screen, aren’t critical to driving, but they certainly make daily commutes, weekly drives, and road trips more enjoyable.

Other reasons to focus on your wants include:

Increased resale value. The more features you pack into your vehicle, the higher the resale value could be. Premium finishes, upgraded audio, a panoramic moonroof, and plenty of advanced safety systems could all increase your vehicle’s trade-in or resale value later on.

Customizations and a personalized driving experience. You can make your new vehicle in Springfield, MO, truly yours with accessories, add-ons, and more. Roof racks, cargo management, new floor mats, and rear seat features all make your family’s driving more enjoyable.

How Are You Going to Use the Vehicle?

Determine how you are going to use the vehicle. This can drive your thoughts when it comes to picking out the right features. Ask yourself these questions:

Are you commuting several miles a day in city traffic?
Do you frequently travel long distances?
How many miles do you plan to drive per year?
Are you going to drive in winter weather or wet weather a lot?
Do you plan to sell the vehicle in five years?
How big is your family?
Do you plan on towing a lot?
Is the vehicle for personal or business use?

Answering these questions can help you determine the features you need to have, such as all-wheel drive, great infotainment options, fuel efficiency, excellent reliability, interior space, towing capacity, and driving at night.

Off-Roading Features

Automakers have produced more and more vehicles with off-roading features for active families who love wilderness adventures. Look for GMC trims with the AT4 or AT4X designations if you want to improve off-roading prowess:

Off-Road SUVs

Acadia AT4: A mid-size SUV with impressive off-road capabilities for its segment.
Terrain AT4: A compact SUV built for adventure with off-road-focused features.
Yukon AT4 and Yukon XL AT4: Full-size SUVs offering luxury and off-road capability.

Trucks

Canyon AT4: A mid-size truck with off-road features for those seeking adventure.
Sierra 1500 AT4 and AT4X, and Sierra HD AT4 & AT4X: Full-size trucks offering both work and off-road performance. A factory-installed 2-inch suspension lift and Multimatic DSSV dampers are features of the stout Sierra pickup models.

Electric

Hummer EV Pickup and SUV: These electric behemoths offer incredible off-road capabilities, including features like CrabWalk and Extract Mode.

All-wheel drive is a must if you love taking trips off the beaten path. Look for more outstanding features when you want to wander over yonder.

1. Off-Road Tires

Off-road tires are designed with deeper treads and more durable materials to provide better traction on loose surfaces like mud, sand, and gravel.

2. Skid Plates

Skid plates protect the vehicle’s underbody from damage when driving over rough terrain. Essential for protecting vital components such as the oil pan and transmission, skid plates are a must-have for serious off-road enthusiasts.

3. Locking Differentials

Locking differentials help distribute power evenly to all wheels, enhancing traction on slippery or uneven surfaces. This feature is particularly useful for challenging off-road conditions.

4. Approach and Departure Angles

These angles determine how steep an incline or decline a vehicle can handle without scraping the front or rear bumpers. Higher approach and departure angles are crucial for tackling steep terrain and obstacles.

5. Upgraded Shocks & Struts

Ordinary shocks and struts protect your vehicle’s undercarriage and wheels from ordinary road driving. Look for upgraded shocks and struts in off-road vehicles to keep the wheels moving when you encounter uneven terrain.

Convenience & Practical Features

New vehicles for sale in Springfield, MO, are packed with a range of convenience and practical features that make daily drives easier.

1. Keyless Entry and Start

Keyless entry systems unlock your vehicle when you get within range of the doors. Keyless start systems enable the engine to start with the push of a button. These features offer greater convenience, especially when your hands are full or in adverse weather conditions.

2. Advanced Infotainment Systems

Modern infotainment systems often include large touchscreen displays, smartphone integration (such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and voice control. These systems make it easier to access navigation, music, and hands-free calling, enhancing both entertainment and safety.

3. Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts your vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead. This feature not only reduces the need for constant manual adjustments but also contributes to a more relaxed and safer driving experience on long trips.

4. Backup Cameras and Parking Sensors

Backup cameras provide a clear view of the area behind your vehicle when reversing, while parking sensors alert you to obstacles nearby. You’ll find parking and maneuvering in tight spaces much easier and safer, helping to prevent accidents and collisions.

5. Automatic Climate Control

Automatic climate control systems allow you to set your desired cabin temperature, which the system then maintains automatically. It’s a lot like your home thermostat. This feature ensures consistent comfort and reduces the need for constant manual adjustments, making your drive more pleasant.

6. Power-Adjustable Seats

Power-adjustable seats enable drivers and passengers to customize their seating positions with precision and ease. Features like lumbar support adjustments and memory settings for multiple drivers enhance comfort and convenience, especially on long journeys.

7. Blind Spot Monitoring

Blind spot monitoring systems use sensors to alert drivers to vehicles in their blind spots. This feature is particularly useful for safer lane changes and merging, reducing the risk of accidents caused by unseen vehicles.

8. Remote Start and Climate Control

Remote start systems allow you to start your vehicle from a distance, like when it’s in your driveway, which is especially useful for pre-warming or cooling the cabin ahead of your drive. Remote climate control options let you adjust the temperature from your smartphone, adding convenience and comfort on hot or cold days.

9. USB Ports and Wireless Charging

Don’t let your mobile devices run out of power! Multiple USB ports and wireless charging pads are standard on most new vehicles.

10. Adjustable Cargo Space

Adjustable or expandable cargo areas, including split-folding rear seats and cargo organizers, enhance practicality by providing versatile storage solutions. You can favor cargo for DIY projects or weekly errands or blend cargo and passenger space on long family vacations.

11. Power Liftgate

Have a handful of groceries? A power liftgate is the ideal solution for on-the-go families who don’t have an extra hand to hold keys. Simply make a motion under the back of your SUV to activate the liftgate, making your shopping trips easier to manage.

Comfort Features

Comfort features help you and your passengers feel more at ease when spending a long time in your car, truck, or SUV. Look for these comfort features when shopping for a new vehicle in Springfield, MO.

1. Heated and Ventilated Seats

Heated seats are a welcome feature in colder climates, providing warmth and comfort on chilly days. Ventilated seats, on the other hand, offer cooling by circulating air through the seat cushions, making them ideal for hot weather.

2. Dual-Zone or Multi-Zone Climate Control

Dual-zone climate control systems enable the driver and front passenger to set their own temperature preferences, ensuring personalized comfort. Higher-end models may offer multi-zone systems that extend this customization to rear passengers as well, providing a more tailored climate experience throughout the cabin. This is perfect when you’re driving, and the sun is on one side of the car while the other side is in the shade.

3. Panoramic Sunroof

A panoramic sunroof spans a significant portion of the vehicle’s roof, offering an expansive view of the sky and enhancing the sense of openness inside the cabin. This feature not only provides natural light but can also be opened to let fresh air in, adding to the overall driving pleasure.

4. Noise-Canceling Technology

Noise-canceling technology helps to minimize road, wind, and engine noise within the cabin, creating a quieter and more serene driving environment. If you make long trips, this is a great feature.

6. Adjustable Ambient Lighting

Adjustable ambient lighting allows drivers and passengers to customize the interior lighting to their preferences. This feature can enhance the atmosphere of the cabin and provide a relaxing ambiance, especially during nighttime driving when little ones need their rest.

7. High-Quality Upholstery

Premium materials such as leather or high-grade fabric upholstery contribute significantly to comfort. These materials not only look luxurious but also feel more comfortable and durable, adding to the overall quality of the vehicle’s interior. They could also be easier to clean.

10. Rear-Seat Entertainment Systems

Rear-seat entertainment systems, including screens and audio controls, can keep passengers entertained and comfortable, especially on long journeys with youngsters. This feature is particularly valuable for families traveling with small children.

Premium & Luxury Features

New vehicles from GMC and Buick increasingly come equipped with premium and luxury features designed to make your driving experience first-class. Look for the Avenir trim on Buick models and the Denali trims on GMC vehicles to get the top-of-the-line configurations with more powerful engines and higher-end accouterments in the cabin.

Look for these premium or luxury features when shopping for a new vehicle in Springfield, MO:

1. Adaptive Headlights

Adaptive headlights automatically adjust the direction and range of the vehicle’s headlights based on speed, steering angle, and road conditions. These headlights improve nighttime visibility by illuminating curves and turns, enhancing safety, and reducing driver fatigue.

2. Heads-Up Display (HUD)

A heads-up display projects the driving information you need to know, such as speed, navigation directions, and safety alerts, directly onto the windshield in the driver’s line of sight. You can stay informed without taking your eyes off the road, improving safety and convenience.

3. Premium Audio Systems

High-end audio systems, often developed in collaboration with renowned audio brands like Bose, Bang & Olufsen, or Harman Kardon, deliver superior sound quality. Look for more speakers, subwoofers, and advanced audio processing to provide an immersive listening experience.

4. Massaging Seats

Massaging seats offer various massage functions to relieve stress and fatigue during long drives. This premium feature can provide a range of settings, including kneading and rolling, enhancing comfort and relaxation for both the driver and passengers.

5. Gesture Control

Gesture control allows drivers to operate certain vehicle functions, such as adjusting the volume or navigating through menus, using hand movements. This intuitive feature reduces the need for physical buttons and touchscreens, offering a futuristic and convenient way to interact with the vehicle’s systems.

6. Remote Vehicle Management

Remote vehicle management systems enable you to control various aspects of your vehicle via a smartphone app. This can include functions such as remote start, climate control adjustments, vehicle location tracking, and even remote diagnostics, providing added convenience and security.

7. Refrigerated Glove Compartment

A refrigerated glove compartment keeps beverages and snacks cool while you drive. This feature is particularly useful for long trips, allowing you to enjoy refreshments at the perfect temperature without needing to stop. Sometimes, you can add these accessories later.

8. Active Noise Cancellation

Active noise cancellation technology uses microphones and speakers to detect and counteract unwanted road and engine noise, creating a quieter and more serene cabin environment. This is great for long highway drives.

9. Suede or Alcantara Upholstery

Suede or Alcantara upholstery adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to the vehicle’s interior. These materials offer a unique texture and appearance, combining high-quality aesthetics with enhanced durability compared to traditional leather or fabric.

10. Power Rear Window Shades

Power rear window shades allow you to electronically control the amount of sunlight entering the rear passenger area. You’ll have better privacy, reduced glare, and a more comfortable cabin temperature, particularly in sunny conditions. Sun shades are great for little ones.

Advanced Safety Features

Vehicles built in 2017 or later have a bevy of advanced safety features. These are the ones we are most proud of in GMC and Buick vehicles:

Rear-view camera mirror that puts an image from a rear-mounted camera onto the rearview mirror
HD Surround Vision places cameras all around the vehicle to give you a full view of your surroundings.
Hitch guidance for towing when you don’t have a buddy to guide you back into the trailer.
Collision alerts that tell you when you’re too close to an object in order to avoid hitting it.
Lane-keep assist to alert you when you’re drifting into another lane.
Following distance indicator to tell you how close you are to the vehicle in front of you.
Park assist to make it easier to park in narrow spaces.
Blind spot alerts when a vehicle is approaching from behind.
Emergency braking when a collision is imminent.
SuperCruise technology allows for some autonomous driving features, particularly when traveling on highways.

Test-Drive a New Vehicle in Springfield, MO

Thompson Sales has been in business for more than 105 years as a family-owned and family-operated car dealership in Springfield, MO. We’re happy to help put you behind the wheel of your perfect new vehicle.

Posted in New Vehicles