I don’t like most new auto technology – I think it encourages lazy, distracted driving – but HUD, oh I am SO into HUD.

HUD – Heads-Up Display – a holographic technology used to communicate information directly into the driver’s field of vision.

There’s 2 types of HUD. Both are visible in direct sunlight… somehow. It’s kind’ve amazing.

1 – Projection HUD

The image is projected through a lens in the windshield, making it appear like it’s floating above the hood directly in the driver’s vision.

Use the hard buttons to customize that image. As seen above – display the current radio station, which direction the vehicle is travelling, the posted speed limit, what the cruise control is set at, and navigation instructions appear here too.

2/6 of my last press cars had HUD. 

This 2016 Cadillac Escalade.

2 – Translucent Screen HUD

While HUD was once reserved for luxury vehicles, some automakers are bringing it down to entry-level cars, like the 2016 Mazda3.

The image is projected onto a screen located just below the driver’s field of vision. While still effective, usually this type isn’t as customizable as the projection HUD.

The added bonus though, is when the car is turned on the screen rises dramatically from the dash, like a fighter jet video game.

Mazda calls it which Active Driving Display.

Found on the 2016 Mazda3 GT (top trim.)

If the new car you’re buying offers HUD,
it’s worth the upgrade.

Learn more in my column – HUDs are Good