Times have changed quite a bit. Back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when you mentioned compact cars, people would think about cheap, economy-minded cars that were sometimes penalty boxes. These days, that’s no longer the case. Many mainstream compact cars are so tech-laden that you might question the value of getting a larger vehicle or one wearing a luxury badge.
Toyota Prius
The world’s most popular hybrid, the Toyota Prius, comes with new tech such as climate controls that blow air specifically to areas where passengers are seated and a system that tells pedestrians when you’re close. Add to that a revised hybrid powertrain that’s good for up to 58/53 mpg city/highway and a unique version of Toyota’s Entune infotainment system that helps you get the most out of every drop of fuel, and you’ve got a hybrid that will do everything it can to save the planet.
Subaru Impreza
Although it’s on its last years, the current-generation Subaru Impreza received an upgraded Starlink infotainment system that gives you access to your smartphone apps via the center touchscreen. The available EyeSight safety suite turns the Impreza into one of the safest compact cars available — its active safety features scored the highest marks in the IIHS’ front crash prevention test.
Kia Forte
Refreshed for the 2017 model year, the Kia Forte received a full suite of active safety features that enables it to stop itself and warn the driver of an impending collision. Additionally, the Forte gains the latest version of Kia’s UVO infotainment system and can now let your Android device or Siri take over your multimedia interface via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
Chevrolet Volt
Now able to travel 53 miles before the gas engine activates, the Chevrolet Volt offers up to 420 miles, giving it the same range as your typical non-hybrid car. For 2017, the Volt gains a full suite of active safety tech. Multimedia geeks should also revel in the new MyLink infotainment system, which offers easy controls, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, a large 8.0-inch touchscreen, and a Bose audio system.
Volkswagen Golf
With a version available for every taste, the Volkswagen Golf family offers a complete lineup of practical, frugal, and fun cars. You can also now add technologically advanced to that list. Volkswagen has added its new MIB II infotainment to the Golf lineup, giving it a better multimedia interface with a larger 6.5-inch touchscreen and the ability to support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Mazda3
One of the first compact cars to offer an infotainment system that’s a class above, the Mazda3’s MazdaConnect interface is user-friendly and features crisp graphics. In addition to a great multimedia system, the Mazda3 offers the i-Activsense safety suite, which adds an array of safety features that makes it one of a growing number of compact cars that can prevent a rear-end collision.
Hyundai Elantra
All-new for the 2017 model year, the Hyundai Elantra is now one of the most technologically advanced compact cars available. Not only does it come with an available active safety suite that includes everything from automatic emergency braking to pedestrian detection, but it also comes with a new user-friendly infotainment system and many class-above features, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration.
Chevrolet Cruze
Another compact car that’s all-new, the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze promises to offer technology in spades, especially when it comes to multimedia features. The new MyLink infotainment system comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, 4G LTE connectivity, and wireless mobile charging to keep your devices juiced for those long road trips.
Mini Clubman
The largest Mini, the Clubman, comes with all kinds of tech gadgets you’d usually find on parent BMW’s options list. From a head-up display and a self-parking feature to the new Mini Connected infotainment system, the Clubman can be packed with as much gadgetry as you please. Should you want active safety tech, Active Driving Assistant gives you such features as forward collision warning and lane departure warning in one package.
Honda Civic
For 2016, the Honda Civic received a major overhaul that turned it into the class benchmark in a hurry. The range-topping Touring model gives you an overload of technology, including a new HondaLink infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, a 450-watt audio system, a customizable 7.0-inch touchscreen, and navigation. There’s also the full Honda Sensing suite to help prevent head-on collisions or running off the road.
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