When shopping for a new car, some consumers expect a vehicle to hit it out of the park in all categories. The truth is, these types of vehicles rarely exist. After all, nobody is perfect, and no car is either. So it’s unsurprising that GM cars have their pros and cons. While some vehicles have amazing rear-seat entertainment systems, and others, like the Kia Telluride, don’t have one at all, GM offers a mixed bag in that department. 

GM usually gets it right

GM is one manufacturer that usually gets it right. It makes great vehicles, from the top-selling Chevy Silverado to GMC SUVs and classic Cadillacs. The automaker is diving into the electric car market and putting truck engines in cars. GM also works hard to make vehicles sustainable, earning the 2020 award for Global Sustainability Leadership, which honors organizations that have made sustainability an integral part of their business. And the J.D. Power 2020 Initial Quality Study ranks GM highest of 15 automakers.

Over the years, the carmaker has earned loyal customers and was among the top manufacturers with customer loyalty to their brand in 2017, MediaPost reported. It has been the first in many ways, including the first big automaker with a woman as CEO. GM continues to grow by investing millions in production and technology and is rapidly expanding in China. But there’s one area of design and production that’s recently missed the mark. 

The rear-seat entertainment system gives pause

The newest GM models were recently unveiled. Though they mostly don’t disappoint with their new designs, dimensions, and engine options, the interior technology leaves something important out, GM Authority reports. What’s missing? Unfortunately, the rear-seat entertainment system doesn’t support Blu-ray discs or DVDs, a big drawback.

GM’s lapse in judgment means that passengers have to work a harder to view their media. Now passengers will be required to attach an external device with the included USB-C and HDMI ports or use the Miracast screen-mirroring feature if they have an Android device. Though you can plug in a PlayStation, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, and other media consoles, the lack of a DVD player means you’ll have to figure out a way to view DVDs without a hard copy.

For those taking a road trip with friends, back-seat passengers might be a bit bored or long for something to pass the time. But it’s especially frustrating for parents of young children who rely on their favorite DVDs to entertain kids on long drives. 

Don’t worry — the system still delivers

Despite dealing with a lawsuit and potentially spending money it could use to concentrate on upgrading its rear entertainment system, GM still has a system that delivers. It’s a good base product despite the lack of a disc reader. The rear entertainment system offers dual 12.6-inch touchscreens nestled in the first-row seats’ headrests, allowing all back-seat passengers to enjoy their preferred content.

The screens tilt and can be split in two to show different content. The system can also connect to the navigation system, allowing rear passengers to communicate with the infotainment screen in front. Available 4G LTE data plans and built-in Wi-Fi hotspots make the experience even better. 

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, it’s easy to see how GM provides drivers with an overall superb experience. If you can handle the annoyance of finding a workaround to play your DVDs, GM’s rear-entertainment system otherwise hits it out of the park.