The Best Cheap Cars With Rear View Cameras For 2016

A relatively recent, and excellent, safety feature is the rear-view camera. In addition to protecting you against backing over such errant items as kid’s bicycles, skateboards, etc., they can help ensure you don’t run over actual kids. Back-up cameras can also be a real help when trying to park in tight spaces, showing you exactly how much space you have between your car and the one you’re parking in front of—saving you the expense of repairing scratched bumpers. The good news is the technology has become so affordable, it can be applied to just about any car, even those priced below $25,000. Note that a federal mandate requires all passenger vehicles to offer back-up cameras by May of 2018, but here’s a list of the best cheap cars with rear-view cameras you can buy now.

Buick Verano

First of all, this is an entry-level luxury model with a starting price of less than $25,000—remarkable in and of itself. Looking at the Buick Verano with the cash outlay in mind, you’ll be challenged to believe so much is available at such a reasonable price point. In addition to the rear-view camera, standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, remote engine start, Bluetooth, and voice recognition. Pricing starts at $21,065.

Chevrolet Cruze

It’s somewhat inaccurate to include the handsomely styled Chevrolet Cruze in a category called the best cheap cars with a rear-view camera for 2016. Yes, the Cruze has a reasonable price, but it’s far from being a “cheap” car. The Chevy is easily competitive with any of its rivals in the small sedan category. While the rear-view camera is part of an optional package, the Cruze can be ordered with features such as a seven-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, voice control, and smartphone connectivity for considerably less than $25,000. Pricing starts at $16,995.

Chrysler 200

The svelte Chrysler 200 is one of the best-looking models on this list of cheap cars with rear-view cameras, and it deserves way more love. To get the rear-view camera, go with the Limited trim package and the Convenience Group, which also gets you heated mirrors, a power-adjustable driver’s seat and satellite radio, all for less than $25,000. Pricing starts at $21,995.

Dodge Dart

Sharp exterior styling, an inviting interior treatment, engaging handling traits, and a host of the latest tech features make the Dodge Dart worthy of consideration. The most affordable route to the rearview camera is the Dart SXT with the Uconnect Touchscreen Group. This will also get you an 8.4-inch touchscreen interface, satellite radio, and iPod connectivity. The Android operating system is supported as well. Bluetooth, full power accessories, and keyless entry are standard on every version of the Dart. Pricing starts at $16,995.

Ford Focus

Ford’s Focus seemingly defies the laws of economics. First of all, when looking at the car you’ll swear it costs more than Ford’s suggested retail price. The thoroughly contemporary exterior styling is complemented by an absolutely brilliant interior treatment. Further, the level of standard equipment offered for the Focus is mind-boggling. The rear-view camera comes with even the most basic version of the car; other standards include voice controls, Bluetooth, and keyless entry. Pricing starts at $17,170.

Photo by Ford

Honda Accord

There’s a reason the Honda Accord is one of America’s favorite sedans year in and year out. Actually, there are many reasons. In addition to being one of the best cheap cars with a rear-view camera, the Accord is exceptionally reliable, comfortably spacious, thoughtfully laid out, and radiates an aura of substance. A long list of standard features includes automatic headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, full power accessories, Bluetooth, Pandora internet radio, and LED taillights. Pricing starts at $22,105.

Hyundai Elantra

Yes, we’ll admit it; we’re suckers for a pretty face—when said pretty face is solidly backed with reliability, a long list of standard features, an outstanding warranty, and entertaining dynamics. Easily one of the best cheap cars with a rear-view camera, the compact Hyundai Elantra offers an inexpensive opportunity to acquire a back-up camera as part of its Popular Equipment package for Elantra SE. Other features include Bluetooth, voice controls, a 4.3-inch touchscreen, full power accessories, satellite radio, a CD player, automatic headlights, foglights, and cruise control. Pricing starts at $17,250.

Mazda CX-5

The five-passenger Mazda CX-5, like all Mazda products, injects a healthy dose of driving fun into its segment. The model also delivers full power accessories, air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth, and an iPod interface. To get the rear-view camera as inexpensively as possible, opt for the Rear Camera package, which also brings Pandora, a 7.0-inch touchscreen interface, text message reading, automatic crash notification, and voice controls. Currently called the Mazda Connect Package, the name will change later in the model year. Pricing starts at $21,795.

Mazda Mazda3

Offered in both sedan and hatchback formats, the exceptionally agile Mazda Mazda3 is another car whose price qualifies it for this list of the best cheap cars with backup cameras—but, its styling, fit and finish, and level of equipment mark it as anything but cheap. Acclaimed by many as the most fun-to-drive car in its segment, the Mazda3 proves a reasonable base price can go hand in hand with exceptional road manners. The rear-view camera is listed among the Mazda3’s standard features, along with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, power folding mirrors, voice activation, Bluetooth, HD radio, and smartphone integration. Pricing starts at $17,845.

Mazda Mazda6

One of the sharpest-looking mid-size sedans currently on offer, the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 is also one of the more nicely equipped. To find this car on a list of the best cheap cars with a rear-view camera, the Mazda6 lists a rearview camera among its standard equipment set if you opt for the automatic transmission. You’ll also get voice activation, Bluetooth, Internet radio, iPod control, full power accessories, and air conditioning. From behind the wheel, the Mazda6 feels the equal of many considerably more expensive cars. Spacious and fuel-efficient, it's also priced well, starting at $21,495.