Some of that price creep is due to the popularity of SUVs, which typically cost more than sedans. But the fact remains that if you want a high-tech car today, it can quickly get expensive. With that in mind, the experts at Edmunds have picked their favorite high-tech vehicles for under $36,000. These models get you the most for your money and still come in under the average transaction price.
To get on the list, a vehicle needed to have the following features: traffic-adaptive cruise control, a 7-inch infotainment screen or bigger, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility, and a collection of advanced driver safety aids. The latter included an automatic braking system to help avoid a front collision, a blind-spot warning system to monitor the vehicle’s sides, rear cross-traffic alert to help when backing out of parking spots and driveways, and a system to warn about unintended lane departures.
The listed manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) includes destination fees. Since options on a car can vary, we’ve also recommended the trim level and equipment package that get you all the tech we’re discussing.
2020 NISSAN VERSA SR WITH CONVENIENCE PACKAGE
MSRP: $19,465
The redesigned Versa sedan is small but packed with the latest tech. It comes standard with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite of safety aids. LED headlights with automatic high beams also come standard, as well as a 7-inch infotainment display along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. The Convenience package we recommend adds a traffic-adaptive cruise control system.
Other advantages to the Versa include a roomy trunk and high fuel economy. Sluggish acceleration is the car’s main drawback.
2020 KIA FORTE GT WITH GT2 PACKAGE
MSRP: $25,655
The Kia Forte small sedan comes with a majority of features on our list, along with an 8-inch display, lane keeping assist and automatic high beams. The Forte GT trim’s optional GT2 package adds missing elements such as the blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, and a pedestrian detection upgrade to the standard forward collision mitigation system.
We like how the Forte provides so many features for the money. Fuel economy is also high. On the downside, the Forte has a slightly uncomfortable ride.
2020 MAZDA CX-30 WITH PREMIUM PACKAGE
MSRP: $29,300
The all-new CX-30 is a stylish addition to Mazda’s small SUV lineup. Get a CX-30 with its optional Premium package, and it’ll come loaded with everything in our criteria and more. You also get a system that can help steer to keep you in your lane, headlights that automatically adjust when you turn the wheel, a head-up display that shows you important information on the windshield, and an 8.8-inch infotainment screen.
In addition to its technology, the CX-30 also has upscale interior and poised handling. The rear seats are a little snug, however, so try them out if you have taller passengers.
2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON ULTIMATE
MSRP: $33,020
The Hyundai Tucson small SUV is comfortable and loaded with easy-to-use tech. It comes standard with nearly all of our required features. LED headlights with automatic high beams are also standard. You’ll have to step up to the Ultimate to get traffic-adaptive cruise control, but when you do you’ll also get a wealth of other technology-oriented features. These include a surround-view camera system to help see what is around you when you’re parking, pedestrian detection, an 8-inch display and wireless device charging.
Hyundai’s Tucson has less cargo space and lower fuel economy numbers than its competitors, but overall it’s a smart pick for a tech-loaded small SUV.
2020 SUBARU FORESTER TOURING
MSRP: $35,605
The Subaru Forester small SUV meets most of our criteria even in its base configuration. But it’s lacking a big enough touchscreen and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. For those, you’ll need to get the Limited or top-level Touring trim. Going with the Touring gets you a Forester with tech extras such as steering-responsive headlights, a driver distraction monitor and reverse automatic braking.
Other positive attributes include standard all-wheel drive and a comfortable ride quality. Compared to other small SUVs, however, the Forester’s engine is underpowered.
While modern vehicle technology has made new cars more expensive, the good news is that the best tech is no longer relegated to the high end cars.
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