Mesa – October 13, 2026 -- A majority of U.S. drivers, 54%, now use at least one manufacturer-provided connected vehicle service, up from 49% in 2024, and 51% say connected features would push them toward a different make, model or higher trim level, according to a Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ: VRRM) survey of 2,000 drivers.
Awareness of the category is also growing. Familiarity with the term "connected vehicle" rose to 69% from 60% two years ago. In addition, 72% expect their next vehicle to work like a smartphone, with apps and services built in.
Cathi Chinn, Verra Mobility's vice president of innovation, said consumers "have arrived at the connected vehicle category" and expect carmakers to deliver embedded payments, mobility services and safety features.
Drivers aged 18-24 adopt connected services at far higher rates than older cohorts
Of drivers aged 18-24, 67% actively use at least one connected service, against 44% of those aged 55-64. Some 69% of the younger group say connected features would influence a purchase, versus 40% of the older group.
The in-vehicle digital wallet appeals to 63% of 18-24-year-olds and 61% of 25-34-year-olds. Across all respondents, the figure is 44%.
Seven in ten drivers want vehicles to handle parking, fuel and toll tasks proactively
Of respondents, 72% would value a vehicle that proactively suggests trips, including parking, fuel or charging stops, and handles toll transactions. Another 66% would value not having to connect a smartphone each time they enter the car.
Just over half, 51%, would be comfortable with their vehicle paying automatically for tolls and parking. Already, 43% have signed up for an app or service through their infotainment system, such as parking, EV charging or tolling. On safety, 59% believe connected vehicles make driving safer.
Only 14% of drivers fully understand what data their vehicle collects, down from 22%
Willingness to trade data for benefits is unchanged from 2024. In both years, 66% would share driving and location data in return for insurance discounts, automatic toll payments and emergency services.
Understanding has fallen as adoption has risen. Some 54% express at least some concern about vehicle data collection practices.
Pollfish survey of 2019-or-newer vehicle owners excludes smartphone-based systems
The survey was commissioned by Verra Mobility and run online via Pollfish on May 21, 2026. It covered 2,000 U.S. adults who own or lease a 2019 or newer vehicle, and is the company's second study after its 2024 baseline.
Verra Mobility defined connected vehicle services as those using a vehicle's embedded communications rather than a phone connection. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not counted.