Getting self-driving technology on a budget
A growing number of compact models under $30,000 are now packing elemental autonomous features
Tomorrow’s cars, we’re told, will be able to drive themselves without human intervention, picking us up at the front door and dropping us off at the office before parking themselves in the company garage.
In the meantime, a growing number of cars and trucks in virtually all price and size classes now are offering what are elemental self-driving systems, though they’re marketed as accident-avoidance safety technology.
These include so-called adaptive cruise control that uses forward facing sensors to maintain both a set speed and distance from the traffic ahead on the highway, along with forward auto-braking systems that can apply the brakes if the vehicle is closing in too quickly on another car or other obstruction and the driver isn’t reacting quickly enough. Some models also offer a lane keeping assist system, which is an advanced version of a lane departure warning system that not only sounds an alert if the vehicle is inadvertently crossing the lane markers, but will use auto-braking and/or steering assist to nudge the car back into the lane.
Here are the 10 leastexpensive cars and crossover SUVs to offer the above selfdriving features; since only a few models make them standard we’re noting what each model costs when so equipped (including the destination charge), based on 2017 prices:
1. Toyota Corolla. The compact Corolla sedan comes standard with adaptive cruise control, forward auto-braking with pedestrian detection, and lane departure alert with steering assist; lowest price as equipped around $19,400.
2. Honda Civic. Honda’s stylish compact car can be equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control with LowSpeed Follow, a Forward Collision Warning with Collision Mitigation Brake System, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keeping Assist, and a Road Departure Mitigation System as part of the Honda Sensing Package; lowest price as equipped around $21,400.
3. Kia Forte. Kia’s compact sedan can be equipped with a Front Collision Warning System with Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist, either via the Technology Package on the S model or the Premium Plus Package on the EX; lowest price as equipped around $21,670.
4. Toyota Prius. This high-mileage hybrid comes standard with adaptive cruise control, forward auto-braking with pedestrian detection, and lane departure alert with steering assist; lowest price as equipped around $24,400.
5. Nissan Sentra. Nissan’s compact sedan can be equipped with Intelligent Cruise Control and Forward Emergency Braking as part of the Premium Technology package on SL and SR trim levels; lowest price as equipped around $24,800.
6. Honda Accord. Honda’s midsize sedan can be equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control, a Forward Collision Warning with Collision Mitigation Brake System, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keeping Assist, and a Road Departure Mitigation System as part of the Honda Sensing Package; lowest price as equipped around $25,200.
7. Toyota RAV4. This compact crossover SUV comes standard with adaptive cruise control, forward auto-braking with pedestrian detection, and lane departure alert with steering assist; lowest price as equipped around $25,400.
8. Subaru Legacy. Limited and Premium models of Subaru’s midsize sedan can be equipped with a PreCollision Braking System, Reverse Auto-Braking, and Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist via the optional EyeSight package; lowest price as equipped around $26,300.
9. Mazda CX-3. The top version of this small and
sporty SUV can be equipped with the i-Activesense Package that includes Radar Cruise Control and Smart Brake Support; lowest price as equipped around $27,100.
10. Subaru Impreza. The optional EyeSight Package on this all-wheel-drive compact sedan/ hatchback includes Adaptive Cruise Control, a Pre-Collision Braking System, a Reverse Automatic Braking System, and Lane Keep Assist; lowest price as equipped around $27,400.