As we roll into 2026, it’s that time of year when we all promise to hit the gym, eat better, and finally organize that garage. But what if automakers made some resolutions too?
From touchscreen overload to confusing model names, the car industry has given us plenty to talk about over the past year. In the spirit of friendly advice, we’ve compiled a wish list of changes we’d love to see from some of our favorite (and occasionally frustrating) carmakers. Think of this as a gentle nudge from millions of drivers who just want their cars to make a little more sense.
After all, even the best relationships need some honest communication.
Toyota: Resolution to Bring Back Physical Buttons
Toyota, we love your reliability ratings and your legendary engineering. But somewhere along the way to modernization, you decided that every function needs to live inside a touchscreen.
We’re not asking for a time machine back to 1995 (unless?), just maybe a volume knob that works without taking our eyes off the road for five seconds. Your tactile HVAC controls were perfect, and nobody was complaining about them.
The good news is that newer Toyotas like the latest 4Runner have leaned back into physical controls for key functions, so maybe 2026 is the year you go all-in on this comeback tour. We promise we’ll still think your cars are high-tech, even with a few actual buttons.
BMW: Resolution to Make Turn Signals Standard (And Free)
Okay, the “BMW drivers don’t use turn signals” joke has been around forever (although drivers aren’t escaping the allegations from what I’ve seen). But you’re not helping your case by experimenting with subscriptions for basic features like heated seats (and getting pushback for it) and other basic features behind a subscription paywall. In 2026, let’s resolve to make the ownership experience feel less like a mobile game with in-app purchases.
Your cars are already premium, and your buyers have paid premium prices to prove it. The subscription model might work for streaming services, but when someone drops $60,000 on a car, they’d rather not get nickel-and-dimed for features that are already physically installed.
Let’s make this the year of “buy it once, own it forever.”
Tesla: Resolution to Fix the Quality Control Issues
Tesla revolutionized the electric vehicle market and made EVs cool, which is no small feat. But for a company that prides itself on innovation and technology, the panel gaps and build quality inconsistencies have become the headlines much more often than some pointlessly fast acceleration.
Your technology is legitimately impressive, and the over-the-air updates are game-changing. In 2026, let’s match that software excellence with hardware that doesn’t require owners to play panel-gap roulette. When people are paying luxury car prices, they deserve luxury car assembly.
In late 2025, Tesla ranked last in Consumer Reports’ used-car reliability rankings (5-to-10-year-old vehicles), which hasn’t helped its reputation and the recent issues with their older models are not helping.
Ford: Resolution to Simplify the F-150 Lineup
Ford, your F-150 has been America’s best-selling vehicle for over four decades, which is genuinely incredible. But somewhere between the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited, Tremor, Raptor, and Raptor R, and Lightning, we got a little lost. Do we need a PhD in truck trims to buy a pickup?
Maybe 2026 is the year to streamline things so buyers don’t need a spreadsheet to figure out which model has the features they want. Keep the variety if people love it, but perhaps a simpler naming structure would help. Even your most loyal fans need a decoder ring at this point.
Reports in late 2025 said Ford executives have discussed the Lightning’s future, including the possibility it might not return for the 2026 model year—but no cancellation has been confirmed.
Stellantis: Resolution to Make Jeep and Dodge Affordable Again
Stellantis, we understand that inflation is real and modern vehicles are packed with technology. But when a well-optioned Jeep Wrangler is pushing $50,000 and a Dodge Charger feels like a luxury purchase, you’re pricing out the enthusiasts who built these brands.
The Jeep was supposed to be the accessible adventure vehicle, not something that requires a second mortgage. In 2026, let’s find a way to bring back some entry-level excitement. Your heritage is built on accessible performance and capability, and there’s a whole generation of buyers waiting for you to remember that.
Volkswagen: Resolution to Bring Back Affordable Fun Cars
Remember when Volkswagen was synonymous with fun, affordable cars that people actually wanted to modify and enjoy? The GTI is still hanging in there, but the brand has drifted upmarket while leaving a gap in the accessible enthusiast segment.
In 2026, how about a spiritual successor to those beloved models that made VW the people’s car in the first place? You’ve got the engineering chops and the brand recognition. The market is ready for something genuinely fun that doesn’t require saving up for years.
Bonus points if it’s as tuneable as the classics.
Honda: Resolution to Make the Civic Type R Look Normal
Honda, the Civic Type R is an absolute weapon on the track and a blast to drive on the street. The engineering is world-class, and enthusiasts genuinely respect what you’ve accomplished.
But did it really need to look like it was designed by a teenager who just discovered anime and body kits? Some of us want the performance without feeling like we’re auditioning for the next Fast & Furious movie.
In 2026, consider that subtlety can be just as cool as wild aero. Take inspiration from your own Integra Type S, which proves you can build an exciting car without the visual drama.
General Motors: Resolution to Commit to CarPlay and Android Auto
GM, your decision to drop Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on newer EVs in favor of a proprietary system has been one of the more puzzling moves in recent memory. Your customers have been pretty clear about wanting their familiar phone integration, and survey after survey shows it’s a major consideration in purchase decisions.
In 2026, let’s resolve to give people the choice they’re asking for. Your built-in system can still exist for those who want it, but why alienate buyers who just want their iPhone to work seamlessly?
C’mon, just let us use CarPlay.
Mazda: Resolution to Make More Powerful Engines Standard
Mazda, your cars handle beautifully and look absolutely gorgeous inside and out. The driving dynamics are chef’s kiss, and your interiors punch well above their price point.
But then we look at the horsepower numbers and wonder if something got lost in translation. The Mazda3 deserves more than 186 horsepower, and while the CX-90 finally brought some power, the rest of the lineup could use some love.
In 2026, let’s match those amazing chassis with engines that make us grin. You’re already doing everything else right, so finish the package.
Nissan: Resolution to Recapture the Sports Car Magic
Nissan, you gave us the legendary GT-R and the beloved 370Z, and the new Z is a solid return to form. But for a company that once defined affordable performance, the lineup feels like it’s lost some of that spark.
The Sentra and Altima are competent but forgettable in a segment that desperately needs excitement. In 2026, let’s see that performance DNA spread across the range again. You’ve got a rich motorsport heritage and engineering talent to spare.
Maybe it’s time to remind everyone why Nissan enthusiasts are some of the most passionate in the automotive world.
Subaru: Resolution to Update That Infotainment System
Subaru, your AWD system is legendary, your boxer engines are distinctive, and your reliability keeps people coming back generation after generation. But that infotainment system feels like it was designed during the previous decade and then frozen in time.
It’s slow, the interface is clunky, and it doesn’t match the quality of the rest of the vehicle. In 2026, let’s get that sorted out. Your customers are loyal and patient, but they’d really appreciate a screen that responds in the same calendar year they touched it.
You’ve nailed everything else about the practical adventure vehicle, so finish the job.
Hyundai/Kia: Resolution to Solve the Theft Problem Once and For All
Hyundai and Kia have absolutely crushed it in recent years with stunning designs, impressive warranties, and vehicles that punch way above their price point. But the Kia Boys TikTok trend exposed a serious security flaw that’s resulted in skyrocketing insurance rates for owners who did nothing wrong.
The software updates and steering wheel locks help, but in 2026, let’s make sure every single vehicle has robust anti-theft measures as standard. Your reputation has been rapidly improving, and you shouldn’t let this issue hold back your momentum.
Your customers deserve peace of mind along with those great features.
Conclusion
The automotive industry keeps evolving, and these resolutions are really just friendly suggestions from people who genuinely love cars and want to see them improve. Most automakers are doing impressive work in challenging times, balancing electrification, safety regulations, and changing consumer preferences.
But sometimes the best innovations come from listening to the people who drive these vehicles every day. Here’s hoping 2026 brings more driver-focused decisions, fewer subscription fees, and maybe just a few more manual transmissions for old time’s sake.
After all, the best relationships are built on honest feedback and mutual respect.