Nearly 100,000 car buyers of the 2025 model-year were surveyed about their shiny new vehicles. Unsurprisingly, Audi found itself at the bottom with 269 problems per 100 vehicles. But here’s the kicker: the real gripe wasn’t about the lack of physical buttons or annoying speed warning sounds—it was cup-holder frustration. Yes, you heard that right.
The J.D. Power Initial Quality Study unearthed that manufacturers are struggling to accommodate the ever-growing variety of container shapes and sizes. It seems the auto industry, in its relentless pursuit of tech-laden vehicles, missed the memo that people still want room for their oversized Big Gulps. You’d think after all the tech upgrades—ADAS, ambient lighting, back-massaging seats—they’d nail something as basic as cup holders. Nope.
Years of consumer feedback haven’t changed much. The report keeps telling car brands to focus on those cup-holder complaints. Buyers are still finding their car’s cup holders too small for their oversized tumblers, the likes of which could hydrate a small army.
The irony is thick here. Auto manufacturers cram in massive touchscreens, yet can’t get the cup-holding real estate right. It seems America’s big-drink culture demands more than the latest tech wizardry—they want a spot for their venti-sized beverages.
Twenty years ago, a report suggested cup holders were critical in car-buying decisions. And guess what? They still are. This isn’t news to Nissan’s engineer Chris Fischer, who’s been battling the cup-holder dilemma since 2015. He knows a poorly designed cup holder can sour a buyer’s experience faster than a failed engine.
Manufacturers are tweaking designs to accommodate everything from espresso cups to gallon-sized bottles. The solution involves spring-loaded tabs and creative designs like the “dog bone” space for mug handles. While automakers obsess over J.D. Power data, it appears the real race is who can cram in the most cup holders—Subaru’s Ascent SUV boasts 19, nearly three per passenger.
Cup holders have been around since 1953, evolving from simple trays to today’s heated and cooled marvels. Yet, even with all this innovation, some still use their cup holders for everything but drinks. Kids stash toys, adults toss in keys and coins, and some even use them for cylindrical tissue boxes.
The push for more features in cup holders runs parallel with the rise of self-driving technology. As cars become more autonomous, expect even more focus on in-car comfort, including the ever-essential cup holder.
For now, Chinese brands like Li Auto are leading the charge with innovative solutions, offering heated and cooled compartments. Meanwhile, Lexus has finally addressed the issue with their square cup holders designed for those monster-sized Stanley cups.
In this endless quest for cup-holder perfection, the takeaway is simple: while carmakers chase the next big tech trend, they might want to remember the little things that truly drive customer satisfaction.
