Manage updates with the Download App
Senior Editor November 17, 2008
MP3 players with 20, 80, or even 160GB hard drives hold a lot of music--probably your entire collection. Bring one into an MP3 player-compatible car, and you get all your tunes on the road. iPod connectors are expected to be available on the majority of new cars next year, and we've also seen many cars equipped with USB ports for playing MP3 tracks off a USB drive. The Scion xB comes standard with good iPod integration, while the Hyundai Sonata does that one better with the addition of a USB port. The Cadillac CTS and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution both rip your CDs to their hard drives, and the CTS can also play MP3s from an iPod or USB drive. Both the Mercury Mariner Hybrid and the Lincoln MKS get the best MP3 player integration available, Ford's Sync system, which lets you issue voice commands for artist, album, and track. The MKS also has the best audio system for the price, designed by THX.
More Resources
Car Tech reviews, Car Tech blog, Car audio reviews, MP3 player reviews, Car accessories for iPod  Play video |  Play video |  Play video |  Play video |  Play video |  Play video | |
| Product | 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid | 2009 Hyundai Sonata Limited V6 | 2008 Cadillac CTS  | 2008 Scion xB | 2009 Lincoln MKS | 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR |
| Price | Pricing is currently unavailable. | Pricing is currently unavailable. | Pricing is currently unavailable. | Pricing is currently unavailable. | Pricing is currently unavailable. | As Tested: 32,990.00 Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price from Edmunds.com |
| CNET editors' rating | 3.5 stars | 3 stars | 4 stars | 3.5 stars | 4 stars | 4 stars |
| Average user rating | 4.5 stars | 3.5 stars | 4 stars | 3.5 stars | 4 stars | 3 stars |
| Release date | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| Bottom line | Ford's cabin tech sets the 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid far ahead of the competition, with extremely convenient features, and the hybrid system allows for gas-free driving at low speeds in this small and practical SUV. | The 2009 Hyundai Sonata Limited brings the
car maker into the tech world by offering good navigation and digital music options. It makes for a good commute car, but the V-6 might be too thirsty for today's gas prices. | Besides the lack of Bluetooth, the 2008 Cadillac CTS offers the most advanced digital music options and navigation we've seen in a
car. Its performance character makes it fun to drive hard and perfectly suitable for a daily commute. | The new Scion xB has lost its bold exterior creases and some of its character, but has also grown up a bit and now represents one of the best tech values we've seen in a new
car. | The 2009 Lincoln MKS is a star when it comes to in-cabin entertainment and information sources, especially at its price. But you will have to be content with a comfortable, rather than sporty, ride. | Although a little expensive for a boy racer, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR combines impressive performance and cabin tech, making a
car that is extremely fun to drive. |
| Body style | SUV | Sedan | Sedan | Wagon | Sedan | Sedan |
| Available Engine | Hybrid | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| Drivetrain available | Front-drive | Front-drive | Rear-drive | Front-drive | Front-drive | All-wheel drive |
| Trim levels | Info unavailable | V6 | Base | Base | MKS | MR |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications |
| Buying choices | Pricing is currently unavailable. | Pricing is currently unavailable. | Pricing is currently unavailable. | Pricing is currently unavailable. | Pricing is currently unavailable. | As Tested: 32,990.00 |
