How to Judge a Car’s Comfort on a Test Drive
Expert tips for figuring out if a model is the right fit for you
Multimedia Content Creator, Autos
Updated May 1, 2024
A test drive doesn’t last long, but it’s probably your only opportunity to make sure the car you want is one you’ll want to live with for years to come.
Here are a few things to consider as you evaluate overall comfort. Plus, extra features that spoil you.
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Seat Comfort
Make sure there’s adequate lumbar and bolster support (which will help stabilize you during cornering) and that neither feels tight nor digs into your back. Are the cushions too soft? They might seem plush at first but may not provide adequate support on longer drives.
We like seats with multiple adjustments—two- or four-way lumbar support, an adjustable bottom cushion, and adjustable bolsters. Rear seats should be supportive and provide adequate headroom and space for a rear passenger’s feet to fit under the front seat.
Driving Position
A good driving position keeps fatigue to a minimum. Look for a car with a tilt-adjustable, telescoping steering column. We believe this feature is key for helping drivers of various sizes find the best position for arm comfort. Neither the center console nor the door should intrude into the driver’s leg space, and the left footrest should be at a good angle and distance.
Ride Comfort
Make sure the ride is smooth and comfortable by taking the car on a potholed road to feel whether the suspension adequately soaks up road imperfections. Low-profile tires may look nice, but they can make for a rougher ride on a bumpy road. A stiff suspension can get irritating after a while and lead to driver fatigue.
Noise
Make sure that you’re satisfied with the level of engine, wind, and road noise, and keep in mind that a short 10-minute test drive is different from a long trip or commute. Some cars make more engine noise than others, and cars with convertible tops and specialty tires, such as knobby off-road tires, can have more wind and road noise.
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Extra Features That Spoil You
Finding the most comfortable car for you starts with picking the right model, then equipping it with the features that will pamper you and your passengers. Based on our experience, these are the features worth considering for your next car.
Lumbar Support Controls
Seats with power-adjustable lumbar support can help the driver and front passenger adjust the seat to the needs of their lower back. Two-way lumbar adjusts the cushion in and out, and four-way versions add up and down options. This makes long-distance driving easier, reducing fatigue. For the ultimate experience, consider massaging seats, if available.
Heated and Cooled Seats
These can make a big difference when the temperature is extreme, warming or cooling your body much quicker than traditional heat and air conditioning. In extreme cold, heated seats can quickly warm up your behind and a heated steering wheel is a treat that becomes a necessity once you’ve experience it. In very hot weather, cooled seats—which blow conditioned air through tiny perforations in the upholstery—can keep your legs and back from sticking to the seat.
Heated and Reclining Rear Seats
Luxury items once reserved for front-seat passengers are now making their way to the rear seat. Reclining rear seats can be found in a lot of SUV models, and heated rear seats are becoming more common, too.
Memory Settings
Different drivers like their mirror, seat position, and other settings saved to specific configurations. The memory feature makes it possible for each driver in a family to get their preferred settings at the touch of a button. With all the different adjustments, this can save a lot of time. Many models can identify the driver by key fob and automatically adjust the settings.
Climate Zones
A dual-zone system lets the driver and front passenger set their own temperature, adjusting for personal preferences and sun exposure. In some models, even rear-seat passengers get their own climate controls. At minimum, a rear vent is important for airflow. We’ve found that these systems can really help to take some stress out of family travel.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since it first appeared in the May 2021 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
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