Luxury features, economy car

Base price: $19,080 - $23,360

Not only does Toyota's Prius feature hybrid technology, but the 2013 Prius c comes standard with a bevy of devices that once were available only as pricey options. Toyota's Smart Stop technology, brake assist, Bluetooth compatibility and USB ports are standard in all 2013 Prius c trim levels. The Entune infotainment system comes with the Prius c Three and Four trims, adding navigation as well as access to popular applications that supply everything from music to restaurant information to movie tickets.

2013 Toyota Prius c

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Base price: $15,995 - $20,995

Dodge has focused on attracting young buyers to its new Dart, and the available technology speaks well of the effort. In place of the traditional instrument cluster is a 7-inch thin-film transistor display, which allows for real-time display of performance information along with traffic and other data, and can be reconfigured by the driver into any one of numerous color and information combinations. In addition, drivers have the option of an 8.4-inch screen in the center console running Dodge's UConnect hands-free communication system.

2013 Dodge Dart

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Base price: $16,200 - $24,200

The Ford Focus has always been a "little car that could," and the 2013 edition does more than ever. Torque-vectoring technology and electronic stability control, active parking assist, Ford's Sync system — each Focus model plays host to technologies that would never have been seen in a car in its price range 10 years ago. The Sync system alone is decidedly high-tech when compared with the offerings in many modern luxury cars. The hot-hatch Focus ST is particularly attractive with its $23,700 price tag.

2013 Ford Focus

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Base price: $22,195 / $24,495

The Jeep Wrangler is still the rugged on- or off-road vehicle it always has been, but recent models have added some impressive modern conveniences. Both the base Wrangler Sport and Sport S come standard with the UConnect system, which provides access to apps and navigation-connected Internet searches. UConnect can also be used to remotely start and unlock the vehicle via a smartphone app. The tech bits on the Wrangler aren't simply entertainment-oriented: The 2013 Sport and Sport S trims come with hill-start assist, electronic stability control and Chrysler's electronic roll mitigation.

2013 Jeep Wrangler

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Base price: $12,185

The 2013 Chevrolet Spark doesn't make this list for its overwhelming amount of technology. It's here because even the least expensive LS variant, costing just over $12,000, comes with standard features such as an Ecotec 4-cylinder engine, OnStar communications, hill-start assist, stability control, an auxiliary power outlet and a driver information center that relays average fuel consumption, tire pressure and oil life through the Spark's instrument cluster. The 1LT and 2LT trims add Chevrolet's MyLink touch-screen radio, a USB port and a steering wheel with integrated audio and phone controls.

2013 Chevrolet Spark

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Base price: $21,700 / $23,720

The 2013 Fusion is built to compete with the best the world has to offer, at a competitive price. The 2013 Ford Fusion S and SE have a starting price of less than $25,000 and give you Ford's Sync system, MP3 capability, an audio input jack and satellite radio. Ford's AdvanceTrac system with electronic stability control, torque-vectoring control and a tire-pressure monitoring system are all standard equipment as well. The available technology and the 2013 Fusion's attractive styling seem to be effective: Ford says Fusion sales were up 28 percent in February over the same month in 2012.

2013 Ford Fusion

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Base price: $21,350 / $23,650

The entry-level and up-level trims of the Kia Optima sedan have played a big part in the rise of the Korean automaker's market share over the past few years. The comfortable, well-designed and affordable LX and EX trim levels come with tech items that include a stereo system with satellite radio and MP3 capability, vehicle stability management and brake assist, as well as options such as a Uvo infotainment system, a rear camera and navigation. Options for the EX trim include heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.

2013 Kia Optima

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Base Price: $20,880 / $24,495

The all-new 2014 Mazda Mazda6 is a well-equipped head-turner. The base Sport and midrange Touring trims come standard with Bluetooth capability, a back-up camera, a 5.8-inch display screen, Pandora radio capability, audio text-message delivery and replying, a USB port and Mazda's new SkyActiv engine and body combination. The new Mazda 6 is an expression not only of forward-thinking engine and body design, but also is an example of the new standard for tech and convenience features.

2014 Mazda Mazda6

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Base price: $22,000

The Fiat 500 Abarth is, pound for pound, about as much fun as you can have in a new car for the least amount of money. From the 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine to the performance-tuned suspension and brakes to the twin intercoolers and electronic stability control, the Abarth condenses the sports tuning of higher-end cars of recent years into a charming, affordable package. Topping it all is a hands-free phone, MP3 capability and a premium audio system that is to be expected in a contemporary new car.

2013 Fiat 500

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Base price: $21,995

Subaru's new people-mover comes with the requisite stereo, MP3 and Bluetooth bells and whistles, but its drivetrain design is what stands out for a car in its price range. The combination of the Crosstrek XV's symmetrical all-wheel drive, boxer engine and available continuously variable transmission help it reach 33 mpg on the highway and qualify it as a partial-zero-emissions vehicle. Safety features are advanced as well, including a litany of braking systems and airbags constantly monitored by sensors so they can deploy in the most effective manner.

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek

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Base price: $17,600

The Hyundai Veloster was designed with tech-savvy younger buyers in mind, which is apparent the moment you hop into the quirky 3-door hatchback. A 7-inch touch-screen display controls the optional navigation or satellite radio, or it can be used as a monitor for video devices plugged into the Veloster's 115-volt power outlet. Even the Veloster's key has a techie edge to it; the car will recognize the key and unlock itself as you approach. The base Veloster packs a lot of gadgets for a sub-$18,000 car, and the 200-horsepower Turbo trim, starting at $22,100, is a hoot.

2013 Hyundai Veloster

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Base price: $25,845

OK, the Hyundai Sonata Limited pushes past the $25,000 threshold a little bit — but it's worth it. High-definition radio, Bluetooth, a USB port, traction control, stability control and more are all standard on the Limited, and options include a 7-inch navigation screen and a rearview camera. What puts the Sonata Limited on this list are its standard heated rear seats, which aren't even an option on the lower-priced Sonata GLS and SE trims. If you're looking at the Sonata, we'd recommend spending a little extra on the Limited. Your passengers will thank you.

2013 Hyundai Sonata

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Base price: $19,999 / $21,749

Suzuki's affordable midsize sedan continues to fly under the radar of the American buyer, but it deserves more attention than it's getting. Starting at just under $20,000, the base Kizashi FWD trim comes equipped with a tuned suspension, traction control, electronic stability control, keyless entry, information display and a USB input. Jumping to the SE FWD trim adds the option of Suzuki's sport-tuned continuously variable transmission. The 2013 Suzuki Kizashi is a great daily commuter sedan that merits consideration among its competition.

2012 Suzuki Kizashi

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Base price: $20,595

Despite its image as a docile hauler, a well-equipped wagon is more often than not exactly what a family needs, and the 2013 Jetta SportWagen is a great option. With three power outlets; the Latch child-seat anchor system; an Intelligent Crash Response System, which unlocks the doors, turns on the hazard lights and shuts off power to the fuel pump after a collision; anti-slip regulation; electronic differential lock and more, the 2013 Jetta SportWagen brings not only the tech but safety and convenience as well.

2013 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen

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Base price: $22,200

Since its inception, the Ford Mustang has been about performance and value, and the 2014 V6 base version lives up to that standard and then some. Even before adding the V6 Performance package, the 2014 Mustang pumps out an impressive 305 horsepower and comes with sequential LED taillights, selectable power-steering assist and stereo with an auxiliary audio input jack. The V6 Performance package adds stouter chassis and suspension pieces along with a 3.31 limited-slip rear axle, and still keeps the price of the 2014 Mustang just less than $25,000.

2013 Ford Mustang

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For more information on the vehicles in this slideshow, click the links below:

-Toyota Prius c
-Dodge Dart
-Ford Focus
-Jeep Wrangler
-Chevrolet Spark
-Ford Fusion
-Kia Optima
-Mazda Mazda6
-Fiat 500
-Subaru Crosstrek XV
-Hyundai Veloster
-Hyundai Sonata
-Suzuki Kizashi
-Jetta SportWagen
-Ford Mustang

James Tate cut his teeth in the business as a race team crew member before moving to the editorial side as Senior Editor of Sport Compact Car, and his work has appeared in Popular Mechanics, Automobile, Motor Trend and European Car. When not writing, Tate is usually fantasizing about a vintage Porsche 911.