10 CHEAP CARS WITH HIGH-END TECHNOLOGY FEATURES

Nowadays, cars are more tech-focused than ever before. Even the brand-new Ford Mustang gets called the most advanced muscle car ever. That said, uber-expensive modern cars aren't the only ones that feature an extensive amount of technology. If you know what you're after, you can find used cars that feature all the hottest pieces of tech people want.

Some of the most popular features buyers are after including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, heated seats, adaptive cruise control, and safety features like automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, and so forth. But spending $45,000 on a new EV, like the new Volkswagen ID. Buzz sounds like an extreme way to get your hands on these advanced tech features.

But don't worry, there is a plethora of used and even new cars available for less than $25,000 that contain some of the most advanced pieces of automotive technology the market has to offer. Let's get straight into the mix of used, depreciated luxury cars, new commuter cars, and everything in between that we'd recommend considering when looking for a tech-forward vehicle.

2013 Hyundai Equus - $8,999

If the name Hyundai Equus doesn't ring a bell, we don't blame you. The Hyundai Equus was the Korean brand's attempt at dethroning the luxury car kings, the 7 Series and S-Class, but unfortunately, it failed. That said, there is a silver lining you shouldn't overlook. Because the Equus failed and very few people know of its existence, it's outrageously cheap and is an underrated luxury car that offers great value.

The second-generation Hyundai Equus in particular costs as little as $8,999 on the used market, and in return you receive both an ample amount of power and an interior fit for a king. Underneath its hood lays a 429-hp 5.0-liter V8 engine, and its interior is thoroughly decked with leather and wood from top to bottom. The Equus was also Hyundai's first-ever car to feature adaptive dampers and air suspension, but in 2013, the Equus received even more upgrades. Items such as a large digital cluster display, standard adaptive cruise control that activates from a standstill, a proximity smart key, an entertainment screen attached to each rear seat, standard blind-spot monitoring, a heads-up display, and various cameras scattered accords the vehicle were part of this refresh.

2011 BMW 7 Series - $10,000

Over the years, the BMW 7 Series was often referred to as the standard for luxury cars alongside the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but they usually cost an ungodly amount of money when new. However, due to our pal depreciation, the BMW 7 Series quickly earned itself the title of one of the best luxury sedans that depreciate rapidly in value. You can pick up an F01 or F02 (the long wheelbase) 7 Series for as little as $10,000.

Apart from the questionable reliability issues, we'd say that picking up something like this 2011 BMW 750Li for $10,000 is a great idea. Apart from the respectable amount of power and badge royalty you'll have, the BMW 7 Series also comes with heated and cooled massaging seats, a digital infotainment display, adaptive cruise control, and even night vision. Sure, many of these items are gimmicky now, but back in the day, the 7 Series paved the way for cars that would come after it through these so-called gimmicks.

2004 Volkswagen Phaeton W12 - $12,900

In the early 2000s, just as the Volkswagen Group started to gain ownership of many valuable car companies such as Lamborghini, Audi, and Bentley, they released the Phaeton. On the surface, the Phaeton just looks like a slightly fancier Jetta, but in reality, it was so much more. Based on the same platform used by the Bentley Flying Spur, the impressive Volkswagen Phaeton was essentially a slightly watered-down Bentley sedan that cost nearly $100,000 when fitted with the 420-hp 6.0-liter W12. But don't worry, you can still find a used Phaeton W12 for $12,900.

But see, the Phaeton didn't just share engines with the Bentley, they shared interiors too. Some of the most noteworthy pieces of tech included adaptive air suspension, ambient interior lighting, automatic headlights, heated seats all around, and a digital infotainment screen with navigation among others. This has to be one of the best used luxury cars money can buy.

1990 Buick Riviera CRT - $13,450

Not many people remember the Buick Riviera CRT despite it being one of the most important things gearheads should know about the Buick Riviera. Based on the seventh-generation Buick Riviera, the Riviera CRT was one of the very first cars to feature a touchscreen display... back in 1986. This touchscreen, called the Graphical Control Center displayed important information like the fuel level, clock, and climate control.

Of course, do keep in mind that the Buick Riviera CRT is the least tech-filled car on our list today. However, it still makes for one cool collector's item for the right buyer who wants a unique car that very few people know of.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV - $17,495

Moving over to more modern cars we have the Chevrolet Bolt. Being an electric vehicle, many have their worries, and rightfully so, but when it comes down to what you get for the money, the Chevy Bolt is arguably the best used EV you can buy. Costing just $17,495, the Chevy Bolt won't rocket you from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds like one of the best performance electric cars on the market, the 2023 Kia EV6 GT, but it sure will travel far more than 200 miles on a single charge.

Furthermore, all Chevy Bolts come standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.2-inch touchscreen, a 360-degree camera, and a lane departure warning system. It might not be the easiest on the eyes, but the Chevrolet Bolt remains an appealing car to those who want an affordable, tech-filled EV.

2023 Kia Rio - $17,985

The Kia Rio is not only one of the best cheap cars with high-end technology features, but it's also one of the bests first cars on the new car market. As standard, the Rio features the most standard features any new car has that has a sticker price below $20,000. For the $17,985 LX trim level Rio, drivers receive an 8.0-inch touch-sensitive infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and for a few hundred dollars more you can get cruise control and keyless entry too.

That said, the top-tier $$18,815 Kia Rio S comes fitted with automated emergency braking, LED headlights, SiriusXM Radio, and lane-keep assist. Before we forget, the Rio S also has a 120-hp 1.6-liter inline-four engine that's good for 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds. Not groundbreakingly quick, but it's peppy enough for city driving.

2021 Toyota Corolla - $19,750

You know how everyone says a Toyota Corolla is the best used car to buy? Well, we can see why. Not only is the Toyota Corolla one of the best-selling cars of all time, but a well-kept 2021 Toyota Corolla cost less than $20,000, is nearly bulletproof in terms of reliability, and is jam-packed with high-tech features. After scouring the internet for a quick second, we found this 2021 Toyota Corolla LE with 42,512 miles on the clock selling for $19,750 on CarGurus.

In return, you'll receive a relatively spacious compact sedan with a reverse camera, as well as a touchscreen infotainment display equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. As far as safety features go, the Corolla has automated emergency braking, and lane-keep assist, and all models also come fitted with adaptive cruise control as standard - a key feature that many much more expensive cars lack.

2022 Hyundai Elantra - $19,995

Over the past 5 years or so, Hyundai has really been knocking the ball out of the park. With performance cars like one of the best affordable sports cars ever, the Elantra N, and family-friendly SUVs like the Tucson, Hyundai proved their worth, but best of all is the way Hyundai provides value for money. Take the 2022 Hyundai Elantra SEL for instance which costs less than $20,000 on the used market today.

As standard, the SEL features two 10.3-inch digital displays with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot, adaptive cruise control, and a voice command system that works better than you'd expect it to. Furthermore, all Elantra models also come standard with automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-keep assist too.

1997 Toyota Century - $21,900

Last year, the second-generation Toyota Century became legal to import into the USA. For those of you who don't know what the Century is, think of it as a Japanese equivalent of a Rolls-Royce, but just because it has a Toyota badge doesn't mean it's inferior and is just as luxurious as any German sedan. After some digging around, we found a 1997 Toyota Century selling for just $21,900 that houses a V12 engine. But what do you get in return?

For starters, this specific Century came with soft-close doors, air suspension, fully adjustable heated and massaging rear seats, display screens for the rear passengers, and curtains for the rear half of the car. Do watch out though, rumor has it that the Century will soon skyrocket in value; so you better act fast.

2016 Land Rover Range Rover - $23,900

Let's address the elephant in the room first... Ranger Rovers are terribly unreliable. But that's no trade secret. After all, that's the main reason why you can still fetch a 2016 Range Rover Long Wheel Base with a supercharged V8 for only $23,900. Aside from power and reliability, the Range Rover remains a luxurious tech-packed SUV.

With interior ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and two digital screens in the front and two in the back as well, the Range Rover might sound like many's dreams. On top of that, its seats are electronically adjustable, heated and cooled. So in combination with the Range Rover's adaptive air suspension, bumpy roads should become a thing of the past. Albeit brilliant, the Range Rover might be one of the luxury cars we'd stay away from in 2023.

Sources: Road And Track, Motor Trend, CarGurus, Auto123, Car and Driver

2023-06-02T23:38:15Z dg43tfdfdgfd