7 tech-loaded cars for under $20,000

For the latest in gee-whiz automotive technology, shoppers until recently had to consider luxury models if they could afford them. But now, even lower-priced cars come with a wide array of tech features.

"Many inexpensive new cars now feature technology that was unavailable at any price just a few years ago," says Jack Nerad, executive editorial director and market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "Today budget-conscious buyers can purchase an affordable sedan with amenities like a rearview camera, Pandora radio integration and full infotainment systems."

To assist shoppers, Nerad and other analysts at kbb.com have produced a list of cars that are loaded with tech features and that start at under $20,000 on Kelley's "fair purchase price," or average selling price.

Here is a closer look at seven of those cars. These cars are 2014 models except where 2015 is specified.

Mazda 3

Redesigned for 2014, the Mazda 3 is widely praised by reviewers for its crisp handling, good acceleration and comfortable interior. But Kelley analysts cite it as being the only car on its list with a so-called head-up display, which can project navigation and other information onto the windshield for the driver to read without looking away from the road. Safety features include rearview camera, lane departure warning and forward collision warning, all features that started in luxury cars. The Kelley selling price is $16,897, though you may pay more for versions with all the tech features.

2015 Honda Fit

Long praised for big cargo capacity in a small car, the redesigned 2015 Fit was named the top affordable small car by reviewers surveyed in U.S.News Best Cars. Kelley analysts note that its standard tech features include a rearview camera, Bluetooth connection for cell phones and audio controls on the steering wheel. The kbb selling price is $16,027. Optional tech features at additional cost include satellite and Pandora radio compatibility and Lane Watch, which uses a camera on the passenger side mirror to show the driver what is in the car's blind spot.

Dodge Dart

Test drivers praise the Dart for having a roomy, attractive interior. Kelley analysts note that the 8.4-inch touch screen in the dash is larger and easier to use than those in most competitors. Optional tech features include Bluetooth phone connection, a backup camera and navigation. The Kelley average price for the base model is $16,231.

Toyota Corolla

Reviewers find the Corolla comfortable and dependable, but not as much fun to drive as some of its competitors. Kelley praises it for the Entune infotainment system, which is easy to use. The system can read incoming texts and respond with preset messages, allowing the driver to respond without reading or texting unsafely. Standard tech features include Bluetooth phone connection, while a backup camera is among optional features. The average selling price of the base model is $16,215.

Kia Forte

The Kia Forte has a comfortable ride but its handling is not as crisp as some rivals like the Mazda3,reviewers say. But Kelley praises its easy-to-use touch screen infotainment system. And kbb analysts note that you can send a navigation destination from your computer straight to the Forte. And they note that options like heated rear seats and power folding side mirrors are available on few other compact cars. The base selling price is $15,760.

Ford Fiesta

Reviewers praise the Fiesta for combining a comfortable ride with crisp, fun-to-drive handling. U.S. News named it the best subcompact for the money. Its Sync system allows you to use voice controls for your cellphone or music. And the optional MyFord touch will read text messages to you. The base selling price is $14,291.

Chevrolet Spark

General Motors' minicar aimed at urban drivers is great at slaloming through traffic and squeezing into tight parking spaces. Reviewers praise it for a spacious interior given its small size. Kelley analysts note that the Spark has an inexpensive app that lets you display navigation from a smart phone on the car's screen -- avoiding usually costly built-in navigation. And like all GM cars, it comes with a hookup for OnStar, the emergency service that calls 911 in case of a crash. The least expensive car on the Kelley list, the Spark selling price starts at $12,476.