If you’re in the market for a used vehicle, and one of your top priorities is that it must have Apple CarPlay, consider buying compact crossover SUV. These vehicles exhibit the ride, handling and fuel economy of a small car, while offering a higher ride height and more versatile interior space. Most can be equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD), a feature helpful in places where it snows, but also quite nice for those who like outdoor adventures in places without paved roads.
2017 Buick Encore ($19,800-$23,000)
Unlike most small SUVs, even the least expensive base Buick Encore comes standard with Apple CarPlay. The Encore’s standard 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is a bit underpowered with only 138 horsepower on tap. The Preferred II model offered a 154-hp turbocharged engine upgrade, so if you can find one of these, you’ll have no issues with performance. Because the Encore is on the smaller side of the compact-SUV scale, rear seat room and cargo space aren’t going to be its major selling points. See what’s for sale near you.
2017 Chevrolet Trax ($15,500-$23,000)
The Chevy Trax shares the same dimensions and base engine as the Buick Encore, but with a bit less content and a lower price. The Trax is passable to drive, but its small size makes it easy to park and maneuver in tight city confines. Apple CarPlay is standard on every trim, as is OnStar that includes a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. All-wheel drive is optional, but ups the price. See what’s for sale near you.
2017 Ford Escape ($19,000-$24,000)
The Ford Escape is a well-known commodity in the compact-SUV world, offering high-tech features, a choice of turbocharged engines, and a suspension that makes it fun to drive. Apple CarPlay can be found on the SE trim when ordered with the optional Technology Package and comes standard on the Titanium version. As the Escape’s resale values are on the low side, finding a nicely equipped one for a good price shouldn’t be too difficult. See what’s for sale near you.
2017 Hyundai Tucson Limited ($23,000-$25,000)
The Hyundai Tucson is a stylish and sporty compact crossover that’s big on features, interior room and comfort. The only model that offers Apple CarPlay is the top-of-the-line Limited, but if you forgo the AWD option, you should be able to find one just under our $25K cutoff. Because you’ll be looking at the Limited trim, you’ll also be getting a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, heated front seats, leather seating, and a 405-watt 8-speaker audio system. See what’s for sale near you.
2017 Kia Sportage ($21,000-$25,000)
The Kia Sportage is a sleek, small SUV with a sporty feel, roomy interior and stylish good looks. It’s also loaded with standard features usually optional on other models. Apple CarPlay is available on the EX trim and higher. The Sportage’s 184-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine delivers descent performance, but fuel economy numbers in the low-to-mid-20-mpg range may be a deal killer. On the plus side, the EX includes leather seats, a power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and more. See what’s for sale near you.
So what’s next?
OK, I’m interested in some of these SUVs, so I’d like to see what I can get for my current car.
