Five tech cars for under $20,000
You don't have to pay a lot to get a high-tech car anymore. Along with a new set of subcompact, low-price cars, automakers are including useful technology, such as MP3 player and Bluetooth phone integration.
Ford launched AppLink, with Pandora integration, in its Fiesta subcompact.
(Credit: Antuan Goodwin/CNET)The lowest-price cars used to be devoid of features other than maybe a rearview mirror and heating vents.
You can still find those very base-level cars, but go up a trim level and you get much, much more. Automakers have unleashed a new set of subcompacts focused on the entry-level buyer, and this young demographic has certain expectations about technology.
Most of the cars we included in this roundup come in between $15,000 and $20,000, optioned up and out the door. Navigation is not prevalent among these cars, but most buyers in this segment will rely on a smartphone.
The tech features that are common, and crucial, in these cars are MP3 player and Bluetooth phone connectivity. All the cars we selected include a USB port, suitable for an iPod or USB drive. Bluetooth phone support is also common across the board, with most including the ability to place calls by a contact's name using voice command.
And most of these cars include that one special tech feature that makes them special, from Pandora integration to off-board navigation services.
As an added bonus, these cars boast small, fuel-efficient engines, yet are still quite drivable.
Check out our roundup of five tech cars for under $20,000.
