Nearly 72% of Americans expect their next vehicle to function like a smartphone, Verra Mobility survey finds
New 2026 survey of 2,000

A clear majority of Americans, 72%, now expect their next vehicle to function like a smartphone, with apps and services built in. More than half, 51%, say connected features would influence their decision to buy a different make, model, or higher trim level, signaling that connectivity has become a meaningful purchase driver.
Active usage of connected services has also crossed the majority threshold for the first time, with 54% of drivers using at least one manufacturer-provided connected service, up from 49% in
" The story of this year's survey is that consumers have arrived at the connected vehicle category, and they're bringing real expectations with them," said
A generational divide is pulling the category forward
Younger drivers are leading adoption across nearly every measure in the survey:
- 67% of drivers aged 18–24 actively use at least one connected service, compared with 44% of those aged 55–64
- 69% of 18–24-year-olds say connected features would influence their vehicle purchase, versus 40% of those 55–64
- 63% of 18–24-year-olds and 61% of 25–34-year-olds find the in-vehicle digital wallet concept appealing, well above the 44% overall figure
Strong demand for embedded convenience and safety
Consumers want their vehicles to do more of the work for them, with safety leading the list of services they value most:
- 72% would value having their vehicle proactively offer trip suggestions such as locating parking, fuel or charging stations, and handling toll transactions
- 66% said not having to connect a smartphone every time they get in the car would be a valued convenience
- 51% would be comfortable with their vehicle automatically paying for tolls and parking
- 43% have already signed up for an app or service through their vehicle's infotainment system, such as parking, EV charging, or tolling
- 59% believe connected vehicles make driving safer
- 44% found the concept of a digital wallet appealing
Data trust remains a work in progress
Willingness to trade data for tangible benefits has held steady since 2024, but understanding and trust have not kept pace with adoption:
- 66% would share driving and location data for benefits like insurance discounts, automatic toll payments, and emergency services — mirroring findings from 2024
- Only 14% say they fully understand what data their vehicle collects, down from 22% in 2024
- 54% expressed at least some concern about vehicle data collection practices
To download the full report detailing the survey findings, visit: www.verramobility.com.
Survey Methodology
The data was derived from a survey commissioned by
About
Forward Looking Statements
We describe initiatives that drive our business and future results in this press release. Such discussions contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Forward-looking statements are those that address activities, events, or developments that management intends, expects, projects, believes, or anticipates will or may occur in the future. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding consumer expectations and adoption trends for connected vehicle technology, the anticipated influence of connected features on vehicle purchasing decisions, expected growth in usage of connected vehicle services, projected demand for embedded convenience and safety features, statements about generational trends in technology adoption, and assumptions about consumer willingness to share vehicle data. They are based on management's assumptions and assessments in light of past experience and trends, current economic and industry conditions, expected future developments, and other relevant factors. They are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results, developments, and business decisions may differ significantly from those envisaged by our forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update or revise any of our forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities law. Our forward-looking statements are also subject to material risks and uncertainties that can affect our performance in both the near-and long-term. In addition, no assurance can be given that any plan, initiative, projection, goal, commitment, expectation, or prospect set forth in this press release can or will be achieved. These forward-looking statements should be considered in light of the information included in this press release, our Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking plans described herein are not final and may be modified or abandoned at any time.
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