If you’re in the market for a new vehicle and you spend a decent amount of time commuting, pay special attention to the tech features available that can make your drive smoother, less frustrating, and overall more enjoyable. From navigation systems to entertainment to advanced driver assists and safety features, these vehicles have the best high-tech features for commuters.
2017 Hyundai Elantra Sedan
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra looks impressive thanks to a full redesign, but what’s inside is equally as noteworthy with exciting new tech features that will improve any driver’s commute. Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility allow the driver to stay distraction-free on the commute while still performing essential functions like making calls, listening to music, sending a receiving texts or getting directions, either using touch screen options or voice controls. The Blue Link suite of features connects to any smart device and helps drivers locate nearby cafes or restaurants, lock the car remotely, or monitor the vehicle systems for potential care or upkeep needs.
The Smart Cruise Control feature detects vehicle in the lane ahead and automatically slows or speeds up the vehicle in order to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. This is a big advantage on the drive that keeps you flowing with traffic but limits frustration of stopping and starting during your commute.
Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 is a compact car with a big personality and impressive, user-friendly tech features.
Depending on your needs, it’s available as a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback and both models are versatile and practical. It comes standard with Bluetooth, a six-speaker audio system with USB port, auxiliary input and HD radio, and voice controls. Other options include automatic windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The advanced features on the Mazda 3 are also impressive and improve the quality of the ride, such as the adaptive cruise control that will slow down and speed up the vehicle automatically based on the position of the car in front, the head-up display and the impressive i-Eloop system that contributes to improving fuel efficiency.
2017 Audi A4
The Audi A4 is roomy for a small luxury sedan with a powerful engine, but it also comes with an impressive wealth of tech features. It uses an updated MMI infotainment system with a new dash top screen. The standard tech features include Bluetooth, an Audi Concert 10 speaker stereo system with all connectivity ports, and a 7 inch MMI color display with a 5 inch LCD instrument panel.
Other optional cloud-based features include Wi-Fi hotspot, news and weather information, travel and parking information and Google Earth mapping using 4G LTE connectivity. The system is also compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Advanced safety features in the Audi are also available, including emergency autonomous braking and forward collision warning.
2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid
The Ford Fusion Hybrid is excellent value for a practical and innovative non-luxury hybrid sedan. It’s among the best full size vehicle in its class across all categories. Tech in the Fusion Hybrid includes a rear-view camera, nine-speaker sound system with USB and auxiliary inputs, 4.2 inch LCD display and Ford’s MyKey parental control feature. The top two trim levels use an 8 inch touch screen and Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system, which is intuitive, straightforward, and much improved on the earlier MyFord Touch system. The Sync 3 supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with embedded 4G LTE connectivity.
Safety tech options abound in the Fusion including automated parking, lane keeping assist, rear cross traffic alert, auto high beams, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning and front collision warning with pedestrian detection. Hybrid features of the Fusion also benefit the commuter, with special features to assist in fuel conservation including power flow guide, different driving modes and SmartGauge with EcoGuide.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica
The Chrysler Pacifica comes with an impressive combination of technology and connectivity options to make your commute safer and more comfortable. It comes standard with a rear-view camera, Bluetooth, voice recognition, six-speaker sound system with USB and auxiliary inputs and 5-inch touch screen with the Uconnect Access infotainment system.
The Uconnect system connects through your smartphone to stream apps and includes other services like stolen-vehicle location and theft alarm and automatic collision notifications. The Uconnect smartphone app allows drivers to remotely luck and unlock doors, start the engine and locate the vehicle on a map. Updates to the system also include the Siri Eyes Free system for iPhone users and a Do Not Disturb feature for all connected phones. Advanced safety options include rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.
