Are you the kind of driver who embraces the latest in-car tech, or do you think modern dashboards are just a distraction? It turns out the generation gap in car preferences is real, and new research from Peugeot shows just how different driving priorities are across age groups.
Peugeot surveyed 2,000 drivers from five generations, and the results are eye-opening. Younger drivers—especially Millennials and Gen Z—are all about connectivity, automation, and eco-friendly design. In fact, 42% of Millennials and 38% of Gen Z say smartphone connectivity is a must-have in their cars, compared to just 10% of Boomers and 3% of the Silent Generation.
When choosing a new car, 31% of Gen Z put technology at the top of their list, while only 10% of Boomers felt the same way. A car’s design matters too—27% of Gen Z rank it as their top priority, versus just 12% of Boomers. As for sustainability, it’s not a dealbreaker for most, but Gen Z leads the way, with 25% calling it their most important consideration. Interestingly, 74% of the Silent Generation said sustainability plays at least some role in their car-buying decisions—more than Boomers or Gen X.
Looking ahead, 75% of Gen Z want their next car to be electric or hybrid, proving that the youngest and oldest drivers share an interest in greener choices. But while older drivers aren’t as tech-obsessed overall, they still appreciate some features—45% of Boomers say they wouldn’t want to drive without sat-nav. AI assistants are also catching on, with 24% of all drivers saying they’re useful, a number that jumps to 46% for Gen Z. And when it comes to self-driving tech, Gen Z is the most excited—62% welcome autonomous features, while fewer than a quarter of Boomers feel the same.
“With technology becoming increasingly important to younger drivers, Peugeot is proud to be a tech-forward brand,” says Nicola Dobson, Managing Director of Peugeot UK. “We are committed to developing vehicles that meet modern drivers’ expectations and reinforce our position as leaders in both technology and electrification.”
