The Best Used Cars for High-Tech Features in 2025

If you want the most technology in a used car, start with Tesla Model 3/Y, Mercedes-Benz S-Class/EQS (with MBUX and, in some cases, Level 3 Drive Pilot), BMW iX/i4 and 2024+ 5 Series with Highway Assistant, GM models with Super Cruise (Cadillac CT6/Escalade; select Chevrolet/GMC trucks and SUVs), Ford Mustang Mach‑E and F‑150 with BlueCruise, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5/Kia EV6/Genesis GV60 trio. These models lead on driver-assistance, over‑the‑air updates, infotainment, and app-connected features. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize hands-free driving, infotainment polish, OTA updates, or value—so here’s how to decide.

What “best tech” means in a used car

“Best tech” spans safety, convenience, and software. The models below stand out based on driver-assistance (including hands-free capability), infotainment user experience and phone integration, over-the-air update support and pace, app features (remote preconditioning, phone-as-key), and long-term software support. Understanding these pillars will help you match a car’s strengths to your daily needs.

• Advanced driver-assistance: Adaptive cruise with strong lane centering, hands-free or even limited Level 3 where legal, reliable driver monitoring, and smooth automated lane changes.
• Infotainment and UX: Fast, intuitive systems with crisp graphics, robust voice control, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
• Software and OTA: Meaningful, frequent updates that add features or improve performance; robust mobile app ecosystem.
• Hardware foundation: Good sensor suites (camera/radar/LiDAR where applicable), high-resolution cameras, quality audio, HUDs, and digital cockpits.
• Value and durability: Features that work consistently, with reasonable subscription costs and strong reliability records.

Keep these factors in mind as you review the recommendations; not every car tops every category, but the standouts deliver the strongest overall tech experience in the real world.

Standout used cars by tech category

Hands-free and advanced driver-assistance leaders

The following models are notable for sophisticated driver-assistance, from polished lane centering to true hands-free on mapped highways and, in a few cases, limited Level 3 capability in specific jurisdictions.

• GM Super Cruise:
  – Cadillac CT6 (2018–2020): First widely available hands-free highway system in the U.S.; excellent lane centering and driver monitoring.
  – Cadillac Escalade (2021+), CT4/CT5 (2022+), Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra (2022+), and select 2023–2024 SUVs: Broad highway coverage, automatic lane changes on many trims; subscription required after trial.
• Ford BlueCruise (ActiveGlide on Lincoln):
  – Mustang Mach‑E (2021+), F‑150 (2021+), Expedition/Nautilus and others (select 2022+): Hands-free on mapped highways with regular OTA improvements; subscription-based after trial.
• Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot (Level 3, eyes-off, limited conditions):
  – S‑Class and EQS (2024+ U.S. models with option): Legal on specific California and Nevada highways at low speeds in traffic; check exact build for Drive Pilot hardware and eligibility.
• Tesla Autopilot and FSD Supervised:
  – Model 3/Y/S/X (2019+ especially strong; 2023+ Hardware 4 improves cameras): Excellent lane keeping and navigation on highways; FSD Supervised adds city-street capability but requires driver attention and varies by software version. OTA pace remains industry-leading.
• BMW Driving Assistant Professional / Highway Assistant:
  – iX and i7, and 2024+ 5 Series/i5: Refined lane centering and hands-free at highway speeds on certain routes (Highway Assistant on newer models); older 2019–2023 BMWs offer smooth assisted driving with attentive-hands requirements.
• Hyundai/Kia/Genesis Highway Driving Assist 2:
  – Hyundai Ioniq 5/6, Kia EV6, Genesis GV60/GV70/GV80 (2022+ depending on trim): Strong, natural lane centering and available automatic lane changes; generally hands-on, but among the most confidence-inspiring non-hands-free systems.
• Chevrolet Bolt EUV (2022–2023 Premier with Super Cruise):
  – Compact EV with bona fide hands-free highway driving at an affordable used price.

If hands-free operation is a priority, GM Super Cruise and Ford BlueCruise are the most accessible on the used market; Mercedes’ Level 3 is the most advanced but limited by location and speed. Tesla and BMW offer comprehensive suites with rapid software progress and broad availability.

Infotainment and connectivity champs

These models deliver fast, intuitive interfaces, great voice assistants, and seamless smartphone integration—key for daily usability and satisfaction.

• Mercedes-Benz with MBUX (2021+; Hyperscreen on EQS/EQE): Slick graphics, strong natural-language voice control (“Hey Mercedes”), widescreen layouts, and robust nav with AR overlays on many trims.
• BMW iDrive 8/8.5 (2022+ i4/iX; 2023–2025 rollouts across lineup): Quick responses, deep customization, quality voice assistant, and wireless CarPlay/Android Auto; frequent Remote Software Upgrades.
• Uconnect 5 (Stellantis: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram; 2021+ on many models): Among the most intuitive, with snappy performance and excellent wireless CarPlay/Android Auto stability.
• Ford SYNC 4/4A (2021+ F‑150, Mach‑E, others): Large screens with practical layout, good voice control, strong CarPlay/Android Auto support, and OTA improvements.
• Toyota Audio Multimedia / Lexus Interface (2022+): Big step forward with cloud-based nav and reliable wireless CarPlay/Android Auto; simpler menus than prior Toyota systems.
• Hyundai/Kia/Genesis (ccNC on 2024+ and late-2023 select models; earlier systems still solid): Crisp UX, rapid phone pairing, over-the-air maps on newer head units; look for wireless smartphone mirroring.

For pure polish, Mercedes MBUX and BMW iDrive 8/8.5 are standouts; Uconnect 5 and SYNC 4/4A deliver excellent everyday usability and value, especially in mainstream trucks and SUVs.

OTA-first brands and software ecosystems

If you want a car that keeps getting better, prioritize brands known for fast, meaningful over‑the‑air updates and strong app features.

• Tesla (2017+ across lineup; 2019+ especially active): Class-leading OTA cadence that adds features, refines Autopilot/FSD Supervised, and improves UI and efficiency; robust mobile app with remote control and scheduling.
• Ford (2021+ “Power-Up” models like Mach‑E/F‑150): Frequent OTA updates to driver-assistance, infotainment, and charging; BlueCruise feature upgrades via subscription.
• BMW (2019+ with Remote Software Upgrade): Regular feature adds and refinements; iX, i4, i7 and 2024+ 5 Series see the most frequent updates.
• Mercedes (2021+): Consistent OTA improvements for MBUX, navigation, and some assistance features; paid feature unlocks available on select models.
• Rivian R1T/R1S (2022+): Rapid OTA feature rollouts, off-road modes, and UI enhancements; excellent app integration.
• Polestar 2 and Volvo (2021+/2022+): Google built-in with OTA updates; steady improvements to range estimates, apps, and UX.
• Volkswagen ID.4 (2021+): OTA pace improved on 2023+ builds with upgraded hardware; check that earlier cars have been brought up to current software.
• Hyundai/Kia/Genesis (2023+ broader OTA capability): Newer models increasingly get software and map updates over the air; verify build and update history.

For the most dynamic software experience, Tesla remains the benchmark, with Ford, BMW, Mercedes, Rivian, and the Volvo/Polestar duo offering strong, maturing ecosystems.

EVs with standout tech

These electric models pair strong software with charging and efficiency features that matter in daily use.

• Tesla Model 3/Y (2019+; 2023+ for Hardware 4 cameras): Leading navigation and route planning with battery preconditioning, dense fast-charging network access, and rapid OTA updates.
• Hyundai Ioniq 5/6 and Kia EV6 (2022+): Efficient E-GMP platform with 800V charging, vehicle-to-load power, solid HDA 2 assistance, and user-friendly infotainment.
• Ford Mustang Mach‑E (2021+): BlueCruise-capable, good SYNC 4A UX, improving charging and battery management via OTA; choose 2022+ for refinements.
• Rivian R1T/R1S (2022+): Adventure-focused tech with sophisticated drive modes, frequent OTA features, and excellent camera views; premium pricing but rapid software progress.
• Audi Q8 e‑tron (formerly e‑tron, 2020–2024): Quiet luxury, top-tier cameras, and polished MMI; look for 2023+ for improved efficiency and charging curve.
• Polestar 2 / Volvo C40/XC40 Recharge (2021+/2022+): Google built-in, clean UX, steady OTA cadence, and strong safety suites.
• Chevrolet Bolt EUV (2022–2023 Premier): Affordable EV with available Super Cruise, making it a unique tech-value pick.

If charging convenience and software updates matter most, Tesla leads, while Hyundai/Kia excel at efficiency and fast charging; Rivian, Audi, and Polestar/Volvo bring premium touches and steady OTA progress.

Best tech value (many under $25,000, depending on market)

If you’re shopping value-first, these models deliver reliable safety tech, modern infotainment, and useful convenience features without premium pricing.

• Honda Accord (2018–2022): Honda Sensing with solid lane centering and adaptive cruise; straightforward infotainment with CarPlay/Android Auto.
• Mazda3 (2020–2022) and CX‑5 (2021–2022): Polished driving aids, crisp UI, and high-end features like HUD on upper trims.
• Subaru Outback/Forester (2020–2022): EyeSight driver-assistance is dependable and well-tuned; useful camera views and practical UX.
• Toyota RAV4 and Camry (2019–2022): Toyota Safety Sense 2.x is robust and reliable; 2022+ infotainment is notably improved.
• Nissan Altima and Rogue (2019–2021) with ProPILOT Assist: Affordable lane-centering cruise that reduces fatigue on highways.

These mainstream models may not be the flashiest, but they deliver the tech most drivers actually use daily—at prices that make sense.

Years, trims, and options to target (and why)

Pinpointing the right year and package can dramatically change the tech you get. Use the notes below to narrow your search.

• Tesla Model 3/Y: 2021+ for improved build quality and heat pump; 2023+ for Hardware 4 cameras. Verify whether the car has Ultrasonic Sensors (pre-late-2022) if you prefer traditional park sensors; Tesla Vision parking has improved but feels different.
• GM Super Cruise: Confirm the exact option on the VIN; early CT6 units pioneered the system. For trucks/SUVs, 2022+ Silverado/Sierra/Escalade with Super Cruise have wider road coverage and automatic lane changes.
• Ford BlueCruise: Look for Co‑Pilot360 Active 2.0/BlueCruise hardware and active subscription; capability improves with OTA, but a paid plan is typically required after trial.
• Mercedes Drive Pilot: Only specific 2024+ S‑Class/EQS builds have the full Level 3 hardware; confirm activation and market eligibility (currently limited to certain CA/NV highways and speeds).
• BMW: 2024+ 5 Series/i5 and i7/iX offer the newest Highway Assistant features; earlier 2019–2023 models with Driving Assistant Professional are still excellent.
• Hyundai/Kia/Genesis: 2022+ for HDA 2 on many EVs; 2023+ models increasingly support broader OTA updates. Verify wireless CarPlay/Android Auto on the specific trim.
• Volkswagen ID.4: Prefer 2023+ for faster infotainment hardware and improved software; ensure earlier cars have received major OTA updates.
• Chevrolet Bolt EUV: 2022–2023 Premier with Super Cruise is the tech sweet spot; confirm module and subscription status.

Always confirm the presence of specific packages via VIN or a build sheet; many headline features are optional and can’t be added later if the hardware isn’t present.

Ownership and subscription caveats

Some advanced features require ongoing subscriptions or can vary across owners, especially on the used market. Keep the following points in mind before you buy.

• Hands-free systems (Super Cruise, BlueCruise, Lincoln ActiveGlide) often include a trial period but require a paid plan for continued use; pricing and map coverage evolve over time.
• Tesla software features (Enhanced Autopilot, FSD Supervised) are tied to the car but have occasionally changed status on resale; verify features on the vehicle’s screen and in the Tesla app before purchase.
• Infotainment bundles and connected services (navigation, remote start, traffic data) may need subscriptions after a free trial—budget for these ongoing costs.
• Check for OTA update history; a car that’s been consistently updated is more likely to deliver the experience you expect on day one.

Verifying active subscriptions, transferable features, and update status up front helps avoid surprises and ensures you get the tech you’re paying for.

Bottom line: Which used cars have the best tech?

If you want the most advanced driver-assistance and software-first experience, Tesla (Model 3/Y) is the broadest bet, with GM Super Cruise and Ford BlueCruise models offering excellent hands-free highway capability. For luxury infotainment and cutting-edge options, Mercedes (S‑Class/EQS with MBUX and, where available, Drive Pilot) and BMW (iX/i4 and 2024+ 5 Series) lead. Among EVs, Ioniq 5/6 and EV6 mix fast charging with polished assistance and UX, while Rivian delivers rapid OTA progress and adventure-ready tech. Budget-minded shoppers should target late‑2010s to early‑2020s Hondas, Mazdas, Subarus, and Toyotas for dependable safety tech and solid infotainment.

Summary

The best tech-packed used cars in 2025 are Tesla Model 3/Y; Mercedes S‑Class/EQS; BMW iX/i4 and 2024+ 5 Series; GM Super Cruise models like the Cadillac CT6/Escalade and newer Chevy/GMC trucks; Ford Mustang Mach‑E and F‑150 with BlueCruise; and the Hyundai Ioniq 5/6, Kia EV6, and Genesis GV60. Choose based on your priorities—hands-free capability, polished infotainment, OTA update cadence, or value—and verify the exact year, trim, hardware, and subscription status before you buy.