When you’re shopping for a new car and looking at the snazzy new model on your dealer’s lot, you may hear the word connectivity thrown around a bunch. It’s a feature that’s often advertised, and connectivity does make a number of things easier. Just how much is that cool new connectivity going to cost you? Most automakers of high-volume mainstream compacts have incredibly basic infotainment systems that cater more to cost than technology. To give you a better idea of what you should expect, we’ve assembled a few of the most popular small cars on the market and present the costs associated with getting their “better” infotainment system.
Ford Focus
The Ford Focus is known for being one of the more capable handlers in the segment, especially when you consider the ST and RS trims. But for the vast majority of people, trims like the SE will get them through the daily commute and everywhere else they need to go. The base S trim isn’t available with the latest Sync 3 system, which is Ford’s latest and greatest, so you need to step up to the SE.
A 2016 Ford Focus SE sedan retails for $19,390, but getting the Sync 3 system requires shoppers to get the $1,495 Navigation with Sony and Sync 3 package. One caveat to getting the Navigation/Sync 3 package is that you’re also required to get the 201A equipment package, which adds a whole slew of nice features (leather seats, 17-inch wheels, rear disc brakes, a rear center armrest, and foglights, to name a few) but also adds $1,995 to the price, bringing MSRP to a total of $22,880.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is one of the best-sellers in the compact sedan segment, and like the Ford Focus, the base LX trim is not available with the best the Japanese automaker has to offer. To get Honda Link, the automaker’s smartphone interface, or Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, you have to step up to the EX.
A 2016 Honda Civic EX has an MSRP of $21,875 and includes Honda Link, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay as part of its standard features. Honda doesn’t give buyers the option of purchasing the feature on its own, so the closest reference for a connectivity price tag is the 2016 Honda Civic LX with a CVT (the only transmission option for EX models), which has an MSRP of $20,275.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla isn’t one of the more exciting cars in the segment, but as far as dependable transportation goes, it’s a choice that appeals to the logical side in buyers. Toyota’s top-tier infotainment system is called Entune, which includes a 6.1-inch screen, Siri Eyes Free, iPod connectivity and control, and the Scout GPS Link App.
Pricing is straightforward. A 2016 Toyota Corolla LE retails for $19,570 and can be had with the Entune Audio Plus with Connected Navigation App package for just $675 more. Total price is $20,245. Curiously, we could only configure a Corolla LE with the Entune package if we selected Barcelona Red as our exterior color. Hope you like red cars if you want the fancy stereo from Toyota!
Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra is available with the automaker’s upgraded infotainment system in the SV trim and above. NissanConnect comes with the automaker’s navigation system and Mobile Apps compatibility, which integrates the functionality of some popular smartphone applications (Pandora, weather, Facebook, and others) into the Sentra’s built-in sound system.
A 2016 Nissan Sentra SE has an MSRP of $19,385, and adding the optional NissanConnect infotainment system will cost buyers an extra $1,020. The Driver’s Assist package, which includes the NissanConnect system, also includes a blind-spot warning system, SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link, and a rear cross-traffic alert.
Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen is one of the companies that has agreements with Apple and Android and features their respective smartphone integration platforms in addition to their in-house solution, called MirrorLink. When you’re comparing between the various Jetta trim levels, it’s easy to know which one has the connected features. Look for the words “with Technology” in the configurator.
A 2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S has an MSRP of $18,500, and a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S with Technology has an MSRP of $19,495. Just $995 gets you Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Volkswagen’s MirrorLink, a bigger touchscreen (6.3 inches versus 5.0 inches on the base S), and a rearview camera.
Chevrolet Cruze
The Chevrolet Cruze is much touted, especially by the automaker’s marketing department, as one of the most connected cars in the segment. They’re not wrong, as even the base Cruze L with a manual transmission sports a MyLink 7.0-inch color touchscreen, support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a 4G LTE built-in Wi-Fi hot spot. Not bad for an MSRP of $17,495.
To step up to a car with built-in navigation (say, perhaps, your smartphone loses all signal in the middle of nowhere?), you’ll have to go all the way up to the Premier with an automatic, which has an MSRP of $23,995 for 2016. To get navigation you need to select both the Enhanced Convenience package (wireless mobile device charging, a 110-volt outlet, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic climate control, and added heating for the outboard rear seats) and the Sun and Sound with Navigation package (sunroof, Bose nine-speaker sound system, and navigation). The two packages ($865 and $1,995, respectively) ring up for an extra $2,860.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra, recently refreshed, has stepped up its game and offers a few different levels of connectivity. The Elantra features optional Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. A base non-connected 2016 Hyundai Elantra SE with an automatic (very few options are available with the manual) has an MSRP of $18,985.
To get the first level of connectivity, the aptly named Popular Equipment package for SE adds a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a rearview camera, automatic headlights, and a few other options you’ll want for an extra $800, bringing the total to $19,785.
Kia Soul
The Kia Soul, which dethroned the late Scion xB from the throne of popular/quirky compacts, has been one of the automaker’s most successful models. The Soul is a versatile hatchback that can be used to haul all sorts of cargo, especially with the rear seats down. Kia’s connected suite of technology is called UVO, which supports voice-command navigation, has an app for certain functions (locking, unlocking, and remote starting the vehicle), and comes paired with an Infinity audio system and navigation in the Soul +.
A 2016 Kia Soul + goes for a MSRP of $20,250. To get UVO and a larger 8.0-inch color touchscreen, buyers must opt for the $1,800 Audio package. It’s little pricey compared to some others, but it also bundles automatic climate control in addition to navigation and an Infinity sound system.
Mazda3
The Mazda3 is a favorite among the Motor Trend staff for its willing chassis and sportier-than-it-needs-to-be demeanor. Some of the other compacts out there (Toyota, we’re looking at you) have a tendency to feel and look like an A-to-B appliance. If you like sporty driving but have to submit to the reality of commuting or family life, a Mazda3 is an excellent compromise. Even the most basic $18,680 2016 Mazda3 i Sport comes with the automaker’s Mazda Connect infotainment system, which features Pandora/Stitcher/Aha internet radio integration and a 7.0-inch color touchscreen.
To upgrade to a system with navigation, you have to step up to the 2016 Mazda3 i Grand Touring, which has the navigation system as part of its standard equipment and has an MSRP of $23,680. That’s $5,000 more than the automaker’s most basic offering, which does include some integration but obviously has less connectivity.
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