Cars With the Most High-Tech Features for the Money in 2023 and 2024

The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV’s high-tech electric drivetrain already qualifies it as an affordable tech wonder. There’s more to the electric SUV’s technology story, however. It’s one of the least expensive cars you can buy with an available hands-free semi-automated driving system.

That system is known as Super Cruise, and it can manage steering, braking and acceleration on roughly 200,000 miles of certified roads in the U.S. and Canada. Soon, the network’s size will increase to 400,000 miles of compatible roads. Unlike some semi-automated driving systems available today, Chevrolet’s system demands constant attention and the driver’s ability to regain control at a moment’s notice. If it senses you’re distracted, it reminds you to pay attention and will disengage when deemed appropriate.

The Bolt EUV holds a spot in the lower half of our electric SUV ranking.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra is a peppy but poised compact car with a fantastic warranty and a low starting price. What makes it stand out, though, is its impressive array of standard safety technologies, some of which are uncommon in its class.

In addition to expected features, such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, all Elantra models feature rear cross-traffic automatic braking, driver-attention monitoring and a safe exit warning that can prevent you or your passengers from opening a door into traffic.

Moving to upper, yet still affordable, Elantra trims gets you features such as automatic emergency braking with cyclist detection and junction-turning detection, which can help you avoid turning into the path of another vehicle.

Top Elantra trims come with Highway Drive Assist. It coordinates steering, braking and acceleration on certain interstate highways.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue features a high-tech 1.5-liter variable compression turbocharged engine, or VC-Turbo, that alters its performance to match the driver’s needs at any given moment.

Simply put, it’s efficient when it needs to be, while offering ample torque and horsepower when you need swift acceleration.

But that’s not the only bit of technology the Rogue carries. It’s also one of only a few vehicles in its class that comes with standard rear automatic braking. Upper trim models are fitted with Nissan’s ProPilot Assist semi-automated driving technology, an uncommon feature in its class.

In our compact SUV rankings, the Rogue claims a spot in the upper tier of the list. In addition to the impressive technology, it offers a roomy two-row cabin with seating for five.

In addition to standard all-wheel drive, the 2023 Subaru Forester comes with a host of features to get you through challenging conditions and prevent collisions along the way. All 2023 Forester models are outfitted with an updated version of the EyeSight suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies.

To get you going and keep you going, most models include a technology Subaru calls X-Mode, which is designed to optimize traction in less-than-ideal conditions. The X-Mode system includes hill descent control to help you maintain control as you travel down slippery slopes. Some models include Subaru’s new Dual X-Mode technology, which operates in a wider variety of situations.

Top-trim models are available with rear automatic braking to help prevent collisions and damage while backing up.

The 2023 Forester holds a spot near the top of our compact SUV rankings.

You might not think about minivans being high-tech wonders, but they often are. Minivan buyers look for safety tech to keep their kids safe and cabin technology to keep them entertained. The 2023 Toyota Sienna takes things a step further with great fuel economy and the availability of all-wheel drive.

The 2023 Sienna features a 245-horsepower hybrid powertrain. Its available all-wheel-drive system uses an electric motor to power the back wheels, so there’s no mechanical driveshaft linking the front and rear wheels, and no space-consuming driveshaft hump going through the cabin.

In EPA testing, the Sienna earns fuel economy estimates as high as 36 mpg in both city and highway driving. That’s 17 mpg better than the Honda Odyssey does in the city.

In our minivan rankings, the Sienna holds a spot near the bottom of the list.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA makes this list as one of the most affordable models in the luxury brand’s lineup to offer the impressive Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. It comes standard with a 7-inch digital instrument panel and a 7-inch infotainment screen.

Upgrade the MBUX system with a pair of 10.25-inch screens, and you can get augmented reality navigation. Instead of just a map, it shows an image of the roadway ahead of the car, with navigation cues and location information, such as addresses, superimposed over the image.

The GLA is one of a growing number of vehicles available with a head-up display, or HUD. A HUD projects critical driving information onto the windshield, just below your line of vision. You can see things, including your speedometer and navigation cues, without taking your eyes off the road.

The Nissan Versa, with a spot in the middle of our subcompact car rankings, is one of the cheapest new cars you can buy.

But just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean it lacks technology. Every Versa comes with rear automatic braking, which is a rare standard feature in any car class. Its list of standard safety features also includes forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and automatic high-beam headlights.

While the Versa’s modest engine power won’t let it pass many cars on the highway, its spectacular fuel economy will let it pass many gas stations. It’s EPA-estimated to get up to 32 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is a roomy five-seat crossover with a great warranty and a low starting price. It’s also a tech powerhouse, with a long list of included safety technology and optional features that are uncommon in its class.

That list includes Hyundai’s blind-spot view camera, with comes on most Santa Fe models equipped with the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Activating a turn signal displays a camera view of your blind spot on the instrument panel.

Lower-trim models in the Santa Fe lineup come standard with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Strangely, moving to higher trims requires a cable to connect a smartphone.

The Santa Fe currently holds a spot in the upper tier of our midsize SUV rankings.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid brings loads of technology to the minivan market, including a high-tech plug-in hybrid powertrain that provides 32 miles of electric-only range before seamlessly switching to efficient gasoline-electric hybrid driving.

With optional Amazon Fire TV integration, you can stream content to the van’s available 10.1-inch second-row touch screens. The rear-seat entertainment system also includes an array of entertaining and educational games.

A 10.1-inch Uconnect infotainment system that supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa comes standard, as does a tri-zone automatic climate control system. Audio systems with arrays of up to 20 speakers are available.

Kia’s Carnival minivan boasts a variety of high-tech goodies, including impressive passenger connectivity features and an unmatched array of safety tech. The 2024 Kia Carnival seats as many as eight in its flexible cabin.

With the available cabin-view camera, you can keep an eye on what’s going on in the back. It features night vision to watch passengers. The van offers a cabin intercom (which isn’t unique to the Carnival) and the ability for passengers to operate certain functions by voice command. The available dual-screen rear-seat infotainment system can wirelessly mirror content from Apple and Android devices.

The Carnival includes a rear-seat occupant alert system that alerts the driver before they leave a person or pet behind. Its safe exit assist alerts occupants of approaching vehicles. In some cases, it will prevent a door from opening.

The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport brings advanced off-road technologies to an affordable compact SUV. The Bronco Sport, which is based on the more conservative Ford Escape, features Ford’s G.O.A.T. Mode technology, which stands for Goes Over Any (type of) Terrain.

The G.O.A.T. modes electronically set the Bronco Sport up to tackle different types of terrain or driving conditions, such as slippery or sand. The off-road-focused Bronco Sport Badlands trim adds modes for Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawling.

Bronco Sports are also available with Trail Control, which acts like an off-road cruise control system with control over accelerating and braking each wheel to maximize traction. All Bronco Sport models come standard with the Ford CoPilot360 suite of advanced safety and driver assistance technology.

In our compact SUV rankings, the Ford Bronco Sport holds a spot near the top.

The 2023 Nissan Altima makes this list because it’s one of the cheapest sedans you can buy with an advanced semi-automated driving technology system. Nissan’s ProPilot Assist is available on mid-tier trim Altimas and up.

ProPilot Assist manages the sedan’s steering, braking and acceleration under certain conditions. While it’s a “hands-on” system that requires you to keep your hands on the wheel, it can prevent fatigue on long drives.

Upper trims of the Altima are also available with all-wheel drive and rear automatic braking – two features uncommon among midsize sedans.

The Altima holds a position in the middle of our competitive midsize car rankings.

The 2023 Toyota Venza is a car-like five-seat hybrid crossover that’s outfitted with a large array of standard driver assistance and safety technologies.

That’s not why it’s on this list, though.

The Venza makes the list because it can be fitted with a Star Gaze panoramic roof, making it one of the most affordable vehicles you can buy with that technology. The roof can be switched from frosted to clear at the touch of a button. It’s a feature that’s offered on some luxury SUVs but typically not found on mainstream crossovers.

Venzas are available with 8- and 12.3-inch touch-screen infotainment systems, a premium JBL audio system and a large head-up display. Power comes from a 219-horsepower hybrid powertrain, and all-wheel drive is standard.

The crossover claims a spot in the lower half of our ranking of hybrid SUVs.

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offers many high-tech features for the money, starting with two available powertrains, each accompanied by all-wheel drive. You can get a traditional hybrid powertrain or a sophisticated plug-in hybrid system that can go 33 miles on electricity alone.

Lower trims of the crossover feature an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Upper trims get a larger 10.25-inch screen, but only get wired smartphone connectivity.

Hyundai offers the Tucson Hybrid with Remote Smart Park Assist. The system allows drivers to park their SUV in a tight space from outside the vehicle. When they return, the system can unpark the car before they get in.

The hybrid crossover supports “phone-as-key” technology, so you can leave your key fob at home. It’s the top-scoring model in our hybrid SUV rankings.

How can a sports car with an almost $65,000 price tag be considered an affordable option? It’s because the mid-engine 2023 Chevrolet Corvette offers exceptional performance and technology at a price that’s a bargain compared to similarly performing sports cars.

The Corvette is powered by a massive V8 that’s shoehorned into the car’s midsection. It’s paired with a high-tech eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that makes lightning-fast gear changes. An available Magnetic Ride Control system continually adjusts the shocks for maximum performance.

One of the car’s best party tricks is its nose-lift system, which lifts the vulnerable front end a bit over an inch to clear obstacles such as speed bumps. You can program the locations of obstacles into the navigation system, and the nose will automatically lift each time you approach one.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee isn’t the cheapest midsize SUV you can buy, but it may be one of the most technologically advanced for the money. It starts with its powertrain options, which include a plug-in hybrid (the 4xe model) that allows the SUV to travel up to 26 miles on electricity alone.

Jeep offers the Grand Cherokee with several options that aren’t available in class rivals. It’s available with a night vision camera that highlights people and animals beyond the reach of the Jeep’s headlights. Its Uconnect 5 infotainment system is available with a 10.1-inch central screen and a 10.25-inch front passenger screen that’s filtered so it doesn’t distract the driver.

The midsize SUV’s dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system can stream Amazon Fire TV content while you’re driving.

Being a Jeep, the Grand Cherokee is offered with a plethora of off-road technologies.

The 2023 Hyundai Kona EV features a 201-horsepower battery-electric powertrain with an EPA-estimated range of 258 miles on a single charge. It can be charged at a variety of charging stations, including public DC fast chargers.

Though Kona Electric buyers just lost access to the Federal EV Tax Credit, you can still take advantage of state, local and utility incentives.

The Kona Electric is outfitted with a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality comes standard, as does rear cross-traffic alert and a long list of other advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies.

The 2024 Kia Seltos stands out for its innovative application of technology. Though it has a low starting price, the Seltos comes standard with a wealth of safety technologies.

Every Seltos features lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, driver-attention monitoring and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. It’s available with cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert and Safe Exit Assist to keep people from opening doors into the path of approaching traffic.

Kia offers Highway Drive Assist on the Seltos. It combines stop-and-go adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist to provide a hands-on, semi-automated driving experience.

The Seltos is available with either 8- or 10.25-inch touch-screen infotainment systems with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.

Ford surprised the industry when it launched the Maverick pickup. Not only is it the first genuinely compact pickup the market has seen in years, but it’s also, by far, the least expensive. Even more surprising, its low base price includes a high-tech hybrid powertrain with excellent fuel economy.

According to the EPA, a 2023 Ford Maverick equipped with the hybrid powertrain can get 40 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Hybrids typically get better fuel economy in the city than on the highway.

Ford also published the specifications for many of the vehicle’s attachment points, making it easy for customers to create custom 3D-printed accessories. All Mavericks support Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and an onboard Wi-Fi hot spot. Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and automatic high-beam headlights come standard.

The Audi A3 has a host of high-tech features, including a 10.1-inch MIB 3 touch-screen infotainment system. The interface supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Tri-zone automatic climate control comes standard, as does a 10.3-inch digital instrument panel. A 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrument panel is available. A bit surprising is the Audi’s brief list of standard safety technologies, which is shorter than you’ll find in several competitors.

The Rivian R1T is a fierce electric pickup truck with a ton of impressive features, and it leads our rankings for its class. The whole truck is innovative, from its fresh design to its potent and efficient powertrain. The R1T can seat five passengers and it’s available with up to 835 horsepower.

The R1T’s Gear Tunnel isn’t necessarily high-tech, but it’s an example of what automakers can do when they’re not constrained by preconceived notions. This cargo area runs across the width of the vehicle, tucked between the cabin and the bed, and is perfect for long items. For more technical features, check out the Kneel Mode and camp leveling features, which use the R1T’s air suspension system to lower the truck when parked for easy access, and to level out the truck when parked on uneven pavement.

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is currently the top-ranked hybrid car we review. It’s fantastic all around, and it takes a super fussy reviewer to find a noteworthy drawback. This sedan comfortably seats five and features plush materials and upscale design, and its fuel economy ratings top out in the 50s. It’s a winner.

The Sonata Hybrid features an elegant and sophisticated exterior design and incorporates some cool tech features. Hyundai’s Digital Key is a smartphone app for Android users that enables the smartphone to operate the vehicle. The car’s owner can digitally give access to friends or family to unlock or even drive the car with this optional feature.

The Ford F-150 Lightning is a fully electric version of the venerable, top-selling pickup truck. It’s efficient, powerful, functional, spacious and loaded with features, including some really fun EV-only features.

The F-150 Lightning comes with a choice of two powertrains. The base model combines two electric motors and a 98-kWh battery pack for a total of 462 horsepower and 240 miles of range. For 580 horsepower and up to 320 miles of range, depending on trim, opt for the 131-kWh battery pack.

We like the Ford Intelligent Backup Power feature, which uses the F-150 Lightning’s onboard generator to power accessories, appliances, or, in the case of power outages, even your whole home. Such systems are called V2L, or vehicle-to-load, charging, and it’s an increasingly common feature available with some EVs.

Compared to vehicles of just a decade ago, all of today’s cars are technological wonders, with more safety, connectivity and infotainment features than ever. When it comes to finding one that fits your needs, lifestyle and budget, our new car rankings and reviews are a great place to start.

Your car shopping adventure isn’t over when you find the right car. Next, you have to find the best deal on the car you want. Our new car purchase deals page showcases the best financing and cash-back offers available in the marketplace. Our lease deals page is the place to see lease offers with low monthly payments and minimal due at signing.

The U.S. News Best Price Program connects shoppers who want to buy or lease a new car with local dealers. It offers significant savings with pre-negotiated prices, home delivery and online sales options.

While trading your car in at the dealership is easy, you may be able to get more cash by selling it yourself. Our instant cash offer program gives you a price from a certified local dealer when you enter some basic information about your current vehicle.

• 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV – $27,800 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10
• 2023 Hyundai Elantra – $20,950 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10
• 2023 Nissan Rogue – $27,360 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2/10
• 2023 Subaru Forester – $26,395 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2/10
• 2023 Toyota Sienna – $36,885 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10
• 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA – $37,500 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.6/10
• 2023 Nissan Versa – $15,980 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.7/10
• 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe – $28,750 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
• 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid – $50,495 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10
• 2024 Kia Carnival – $33,200 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.5/10
• 2023 Ford Bronco Sport – $29,215 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
• 2023 Nissan Altima – $25,630 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.4/10
• 2023 Toyota Venza – $34,120 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.6/10
• 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid – $31,350 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.7/10
• 2023 Chevrolet Corvette – $64,500 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.3/10
• 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee – $40,130 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1/10
• 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric – $33,550 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10
• 2024 Kia Seltos – $24,390 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10
• 2023 Ford Maverick – $22,595 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10
• 2023 Audi A3 – $35,400 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1/10
• 2023 Rivian R1T – $73,000 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.4/10
• 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – $28,100 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10
• 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning – $49,995 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.3/10