7 Cool Tech Features for Cars and Trucks

Buying a late-model used vehicle can be a smart, budget-friendly way to get the features you want in your next ride. Read on to learn about some of the latest and greatest car and truck tech!

Seats that cool, warm, and even massage you

Alright, these may not exactly be a necessity of life. That is, until you climb into your car in the blazing hot summer sun or on a skin-numbing, sub-zero-degree morning. Or when you’re halfway into an all-day road trip. While heated and cooled seats are not new technology, seats that massage their occupants are more available and popular than ever.

Some domestic vehicles that offer massage seating include the 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum and the 2016 Cadillac Escalade Premium. Imports that feature these massaging, inflating and deflating air chambers include the 2017 Audi Q7 Prestige and the 2017 BMW 750i.

If you prefer to pass on the massage, heated seats are more common, available in cars like the 2017 Chevy Equinox LT and the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport.

Smartphone savvy

You don't have to buy a brand-new car to make full use of your smartphone. Many of today's late-model used cars have embraced the latest Android Auto® and Apple CarPlay™ features. Android Auto simplifies how an Android® smartphone connects, making plug-and-play quite simple. The interface usually allows for either voice command or steering wheel controls.

Many 2017 cars offer Android Auto standard, including these models:

• 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
• 2017 Buick Encore
• 2017 Cadillac ATS
• 2017 Honda Accord

Some late-model used cars offering Apple CarPlay connectivity come standard in these models:

• 2017 Acura NSX
• 2017 Buick Regal
• 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
• 2017 Chrysler 300

For iPhone® users, many 2017 vehicles can display the phone's familiar icons on their navigation screens and let drivers use the interface for navigation, to play music, or to make hands-free calls.

Turbocharge your ride

Selecting a late model pre-owned car can give you more turbocharged engine options than ever before. For 2017, many turbocharged engines provide increased power and a more exciting driving experience. Turbos are available in a surprisingly wide range of cars, from the 2017 MINI Cooper S and the 2017 Ford Mustang EcoBoost® to the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze and the 2017 Ford Explorer Sport. Many late-model car buyers can quickly discover the benefits and driving enjoyment they get with a turbocharged engine.

More driver-assist options

If you're the type of driver who can't wait to embrace more autonomous driving options, there's good news: more and more late model used vehicles have semi-autonomous driving features available. Lane-change warning systems are available on the 2017 Honda Accord Touring models and the 2017 Ford Explorer XLT includes parking sensors. If you are in search of a higher performance car with parking sensors, the 2016 Ford Mustang GT is an excellent option. Used cars like the sporty 2017 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG S include multiple autonomous features like park assist, parking sensors, and blind spot monitoring.

Aerial-view monitoring

Along with rear- and side-view cameras, many manufacturers have developed vehicles that offer drivers a 360-degree, panorama view around their cars. Nissan’s Around View® monitor system is popular on select trims of vehicles like the 2016 Maxima Platinum and the 2016 Rogue SL. Toyota’s late-model vehicles, like the 2017 RAV4 (Limited and Platinum trims), 2016 Highlander (Limited/ Limited Platinum trims) give drivers a “Birds Eye View” of their vehicles to help with added visibility while parking.

Gaming? Sure!

Families will appreciate this feature almost immediately, especially in a crossover or minivan like the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. While video screens have been common in family-size vehicles for years, the 2017 Pacifica ups the ante with built-in gaming apps in the Touring L Plus trim. Touch-screen monitors flip up from the headrest in the seat in front of the user. The system also allows passengers to stream other content from their smartphones.

Late-model electric and hybrid vehicles

If your “green” intentions exceed your budget for a new electric or hybrid vehicle, consider one of the many available late-model, used options. Battery and charging technologies seem to improve every year. Choose from a variety of cars including:

• 2017 Chevrolet Volt
• 2017 Honda Civic Hybrid
• 2017 Ford C-Max
• 2017 Nissan LEAF

Many of these models have advanced features like smartphone compatibility, rearview cameras, and other driver-assist features.

Looking to learn more? CarMax can help you get the most out of your car-buying budget.

• Get pre-qualified for a vehicle purchase at CarMax.
• Start shopping now.

Unless otherwise noted, information relating to these featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.