Top everyday tech cars (photos)

Not all cars are glamorous or superfast. Some do the job of getting you to work every day, and provide a little fun on the weekends. But these cars can also have tech chops, treating you to useful features such as navigation.

Wayne Cunningham

Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.

See full bio

Wayne Cunningham

Dec. 8, 2010 4:28 p.m. PT

1 of 5 James Martin/CNET

2010 Acura TL SH-AWD

The TL SH-AWD is a very different car than the standard TL, with a bigger engine and a proficient all-wheel-drive system designed to help during cornering. This car proved easy to drive around the city and fun to take out onto country roads.

Its cabin electronics are all very solid, with traffic integrated into the navigation system and an ELS audio system that produces very fine sound. We also like the scenic road database, which guides you to some of America's most picturesque sights.

Read the review.

2 of 5 Josh P. Miller/CNET

2011 Hyundai Sonata SE

Hyundai is doing things right with the new Sonata, giving it a body that stands out from the crowd of boring midsize sedans. Its direct-injection four-cylinder engine produces power efficiently, and it drives easily, making it good all-around transportation.

Hyundai has also been pushing the cabin tech, fitting the Sonata with an excellent voice command system, iPod integration, and navigation that includes traffic, weather, and other information.

Read the review.

3 of 5 Josh Miller/CNET

2010 Infiniti EX35 Journey

This small crossover is perfectly sized for cities, yet provides the practicality of an SUV. Its 3.5-liter V-6 is a well-proven engine, delivering responsive power.

Infiniti offers the usual round of cabin tech, very good navigation, stereo, and phone systems. But pushing the boundaries, Infiniti also includes an all-around camera system, letting you negotiate tight quarters without fear of a dent.

Read the review.

4 of 5 Josh P. Miller/CNET

2010 Mini Cooper S

It may look small, but the front seats are perfectly comfortable for most adults. And the Mini Cooper S makes for a stylish and fun car. Drive it to work every day, then take it out for weekend road trips. Its hatchback makes it suitable for grocery runs and getaways.

Mini offers a solid audio system, iPod connectivity, and a Bluetooth phone system. An available navigation system is easy to use and cleverly placed in the center of the speedometer.

Read the review.

5 of 5 Josh Miller/CNET

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX

The new WRX gets the same wide fenders and track as its beefy brother, the STI, but is a little more manageable for everyday tasks. Take it out to the track or roads where you can run free, and its standard all-wheel drive and powerful turbocharged engine will make for a very good time.

A little slow to get on the cabin tech bandwagon, Subaru is finally coming around, fitting the WRX with a decent navigation system and an even better stereo.

Read the review.