Comfort and technology used to sit at opposite ends of the price spectrum. Heated seats were once reserved for luxury vehicles, while Apple CarPlay was a feature mostly seen in brand new cars. Today, the used car market tells a different story.
Many mainstream models introduced both features years ago, which means budget buyers can now enjoy modern connectivity and cold-weather comfort without spending a fortune.
Heated seats might seem like a small luxury, but they make a big difference in daily driving. On chilly mornings they warm up faster than cabin heaters, making short commutes much more comfortable.
Apple CarPlay, on the other hand, transforms an older car’s infotainment system. It allows drivers to use familiar apps for navigation, calls, messages, and music directly through the car’s screen, making everyday driving safer and more convenient.
When these two features appear together in an affordable used car, the value becomes very appealing. You get a vehicle that feels more modern inside, even if it is several years old. That matters for people who rely on their cars every day and want useful features rather than just basic transportation.
This list highlights ten used cars that, in certain trims and model years, came from the factory with both heated front seats and Apple CarPlay. All can be found in many global markets for under $12,000 depending on condition and mileage.
I will present two cars at a time, with detailed guidance on which versions to look for, why they are good buys, and what to check before purchasing.
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1. Ford Fiesta 2017 to 2018 Titanium and higher trims
The later years of the Ford Fiesta brought a big improvement in in-car technology. Higher trims such as Titanium, Titanium X, and well equipped ST-Line versions came with Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system.
This system supports Apple CarPlay from the factory, giving this small hatchback modern smartphone integration that still feels current today.
Heated front seats were typically included as part of comfort or winter packages on these upper trims. Combined with available heated steering wheels in some markets, the Fiesta becomes far more pleasant in colder weather than its size might suggest.
This is especially valuable in a small car, where cabins warm up quickly and heated seats provide instant comfort on short trips.
The Fiesta is ideal for city driving. It is compact, easy to park, and light on fuel. Adding CarPlay means you can use real time navigation, music streaming, and voice messaging through the central screen rather than relying on a phone mount. That makes the car feel much newer and more connected than many older budget vehicles.
When shopping used, confirm that the car actually has the SYNC 3 system with a touchscreen that supports CarPlay. Plug in your phone and test it. Make sure both front seat heaters work on all settings.
Seat heating elements can fail with age, so a full test is important. Also check general interior wear, since higher trims often have partial leather that should be in good condition.
Mechanically, these Fiestas are inexpensive to run. Routine maintenance is simple, and parts are widely available. As long as the infotainment screen and seat heaters function correctly, you can get a small, modern feeling hatchback with real comfort and connectivity for a very reasonable used price.
2. Hyundai Elantra 2017 to 2018 Limited and similar trims
The Hyundai Elantra from this period is one of the best compact sedans for feature value. Around 2017, Hyundai began offering Apple CarPlay in many markets, especially on mid and upper trims. Versions such as Limited, Elite, or similarly named high trims often came with both CarPlay and heated front seats from the factory.
The Elantra’s interior feels more spacious than many small cars, which makes heated seats even more enjoyable during longer drives. In colder weather, they provide quick warmth without having to blast the climate control. For commuters, this is a daily comfort you quickly get used to.
CarPlay adds another layer of usefulness. The Elantra’s touchscreen integrates well with smartphones, allowing drivers to use navigation apps, stream music, and handle calls safely. This feature makes an older Elantra feel surprisingly modern compared to other used cars in the same price range that still rely on basic Bluetooth audio only.
When searching the used market, focus on trims that clearly list both heated seats and smartphone integration. Test CarPlay by connecting your phone and checking that maps, calls, and audio all function properly. For the seats, verify that both heating levels work and that there are no warning lights or intermittent cutouts.
The Elantra is also known for relatively low running costs. Fuel economy is good, and maintenance is straightforward. Because many were sold globally, parts are easy to find.
If you pick the right trim, you end up with a comfortable, practical sedan that delivers modern tech and everyday warmth at a budget friendly used price.
3. Volkswagen Golf 2016 to 2018 SE, Match, Highline and similar trims
The Volkswagen Golf has long been known for offering a more premium feel than most compact hatchbacks, and mid to upper trims from around 2016 onward often combined heated front seats with Apple CarPlay.
This makes it one of the most well rounded used cars for buyers who want comfort, technology, and solid driving manners in one affordable package.
During these years, many Golfs came equipped with Volkswagen’s updated infotainment system that supported smartphone integration from the factory.
Apple CarPlay works through the central touchscreen and steering wheel controls, allowing drivers to access navigation, music, and calls familiarly and easily. This feature helps the car feel far newer than its age suggests.
Heated front seats were commonly included in higher trims such as SE, Match Edition, Highline, or similar depending on market. In colder climates, these seats quickly become one of the most appreciated daily features. Instead of waiting for the cabin heater to warm up, drivers and passengers get immediate comfort, which is especially useful on short commutes.
The Golf’s cabin design is simple and functional, with supportive seats and good visibility. Combined with CarPlay and heated seats, the interior feels both modern and comfortable. The hatchback body style also adds practicality, offering flexible cargo space that works well for shopping, luggage, or everyday gear.
When buying used, confirm that the car actually has the correct infotainment unit that supports CarPlay. Test it with your phone to ensure it connects smoothly and that the touchscreen responds well.
For the heated seats, check that both sides warm up evenly and that the switches function properly. Look for signs of heavy wear on seat bolsters, especially if the car has higher mileage.
Mechanically, the Golf offers a balanced mix of comfort and efficiency. Routine maintenance costs are reasonable, and the driving experience is more refined than many rivals. A well maintained example with the right trim can give you a near premium feel, heated comfort, and full smartphone integration for a price that still fits within a tight used car budget.
4. Mazda 3 2017 to 2018 Touring, Grand Touring and similar trims
The Mazda 3 from this era is a strong choice for drivers who enjoy a sporty feel without sacrificing comfort or technology. Around 2017, Mazda began offering Apple CarPlay capability in many markets, and higher trims often included heated front seats, making this compact car a smart used buy for feature focused shoppers.
Mazda interiors are known for their clean design and high quality materials compared to many other cars in the same class.
In Touring, Grand Touring, or equivalent upper trims, heated seats add an extra level of comfort that makes daily driving more pleasant, especially during colder seasons. The seats themselves are supportive, which is helpful for both short city drives and longer trips.
Apple CarPlay brings modern connectivity to the Mazda 3’s infotainment system. Using the center screen and control knob, drivers can access maps, music, calls, and messages easily. This helps keep attention on the road while still enjoying the benefits of smartphone integration. It also means the car does not feel outdated inside, even years after it was built.
The Mazda 3 is available as both a sedan and a hatchback, giving buyers flexibility depending on cargo needs. The hatchback version is especially practical, while the sedan offers a more traditional look. In either body style, the combination of CarPlay and heated seats makes the cabin feel well equipped for a car in this price range.
When shopping used, make sure the infotainment system actually supports CarPlay, as earlier models may not. Test it with your phone and check that menus load quickly and the screen responds properly. For the heated seats, verify both heating levels work and inspect the seat surfaces for excessive wear.
The Mazda 3 is also known for good fuel economy and engaging handling. Maintenance costs are typically reasonable, and the car has a reputation for reliability when properly cared for. Choosing the right trim allows you to enjoy sporty driving, modern tech, and warm seats without exceeding a modest used car budget.
5. Honda Civic 2017 to 2018 EX, EX-L and higher trims
The Honda Civic from this generation is one of the most well rounded compact cars on the used market. Around 2017, Honda began including Apple CarPlay in many mid and upper trims, and heated front seats were often bundled into higher specification versions.
This makes the Civic a strong candidate for buyers who want modern features in a dependable, fuel efficient package.
Inside, the Civic feels more upscale than many earlier compact cars. The dashboard layout is clean, and the touchscreen infotainment system is easy to reach and use.
With Apple CarPlay, drivers can access navigation apps, music streaming, calls, and messages through the car’s display. This feature keeps the technology experience current, even if the vehicle itself is several years old.
Heated front seats are especially valuable in daily use. On cold mornings they warm up quickly, making short drives far more comfortable. In trims such as EX-L or similar upper versions depending on market, heated seats were often paired with upgraded interior materials, which adds to the overall sense of quality.
The Civic is available as a sedan, coupe, and hatchback in many regions, giving buyers flexibility in style and practicality. The hatchback is particularly useful for carrying larger items, while the sedan offers a more traditional shape. Regardless of body style, the combination of CarPlay and heated seats makes the interior feel well equipped for the price.
When shopping for a used Civic, confirm that the infotainment system supports CarPlay and test it with your phone. Make sure both heated seats function correctly on all settings.
Also check for general interior wear, especially on seat surfaces and control buttons. The Civic’s reputation for reliability is strong, but regular maintenance records are still important.
With good fuel economy, comfortable ride quality, and a long track record for durability, the Civic is a practical choice. Choosing a trim that includes both heated seats and CarPlay gives you a compact car that feels modern and comfortable without stretching beyond a reasonable used car budget.
6. Kia Sportage 2017 to 2018 EX, SX and similar trims
For buyers who prefer a small SUV rather than a compact car, the Kia Sportage from this period is an appealing option. Around 2017, Kia expanded Apple CarPlay availability across many models, and upper trims of the Sportage often included heated front seats as standard or part of comfort packages.
The higher seating position of the Sportage gives drivers a better view of the road, which many people find more comfortable and confidence inspiring.
Heated seats in an SUV cabin are particularly appreciated during colder months, as the larger interior can take longer to warm up using only the climate system. Seat heaters provide immediate comfort for both driver and passenger.
Apple CarPlay integration helps modernize the Sportage’s infotainment system. Through the central touchscreen, drivers can use familiar smartphone apps for navigation, music, and communication.
This reduces the need for phone mounts and keeps attention more focused on driving. For commuters and families alike, this connectivity makes everyday travel easier.
The Sportage also offers practical interior space. There is room for passengers in both rows and a useful cargo area for groceries, sports gear, or luggage. This makes it a versatile choice for people who need more space than a small sedan or hatchback can provide, while still staying within a modest budget.
When buying used, check that the infotainment system includes CarPlay and test all functions with your phone. Verify that both front heated seats operate properly and that the switches respond consistently. Inspect the interior for wear, especially if the vehicle was used heavily for family duties.
The Sportage is generally affordable to maintain, and parts are widely available in many markets. With the right trim, you can get the comfort of heated seats, the practicality of a compact SUV, and the convenience of CarPlay without exceeding the $12,000 target in many used markets.
7. Subaru Impreza 2018 to 2019 Premium and Limited trims
The Subaru Impreza is a compact car that stands out because it offers all wheel drive as standard in most markets. In the 2018 and 2019 model years, many mid and upper trims also included Apple CarPlay along with heated front seats.
This makes the Impreza a strong choice for buyers who want extra traction, modern tech, and everyday comfort in one affordable used package.
Inside, the Impreza feels practical and straightforward. Subaru updated its infotainment system during these years to support smartphone integration, allowing drivers to use Apple CarPlay through the central touchscreen.
This gives access to navigation, music, and messaging apps in a familiar format, which helps the car feel more current than many older compacts.
Heated front seats are especially appreciated in vehicles that are often driven in colder or wet climates, which is exactly where many Imprezas spend their lives.
Quick seat warmth adds comfort on chilly mornings and short trips where the cabin might not fully warm up. In trims like Premium or Limited, heated seats were often standard or included in common option packages.
The Impreza is available as both a sedan and a hatchback. The hatchback offers more flexible cargo space, making it a practical choice for people with active lifestyles or frequent shopping trips. Combined with all wheel drive, this versatility makes the Impreza suitable for a wide range of daily uses.
When shopping used, confirm that the infotainment system supports CarPlay and test it with your phone. Make sure both heated seats warm up properly and that the switches function without flickering or delays. Also check the condition of the interior, especially the seat surfaces, as heated seat elements can be affected by heavy wear over time.
With good fuel efficiency for an all wheel drive vehicle and a reputation for durability when maintained properly, the Impreza offers a lot of value. Finding one with both heated seats and CarPlay gives you a compact car that feels modern, comfortable, and capable in a variety of weather conditions.
8. Chevrolet Cruze 2017 to 2018 LT and Premier trims
The Chevrolet Cruze from this period is another compact car that can combine heated seats and Apple CarPlay at a very accessible used price. Around 2017, Chevrolet made CarPlay widely available across many models, and higher trims of the Cruze often included heated front seats as part of comfort packages.
The Cruze interior is designed with everyday usability in mind. The infotainment system is straightforward, and CarPlay integration allows drivers to use familiar smartphone apps through the touchscreen. This makes navigation, music streaming, and hands free communication much easier than relying on older built in systems.
Heated front seats add an extra layer of comfort that many compact cars at this price point do not offer. On cold days, they provide quick warmth that improves short commutes and early morning drives. In trims like LT with certain packages or Premier versions, heated seats were often included along with other convenience features.
The Cruze is offered as both a sedan and a hatchback in many markets. The hatchback version is particularly practical, offering more cargo flexibility while maintaining compact exterior dimensions that are easy to manage in city traffic.
When buying used, verify that the infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and test it using your phone and a USB cable. Check both heated seats on all heat settings to ensure they work consistently. Inspect the interior for signs of heavy wear, especially on seat cushions and controls.
The Cruze is generally affordable to maintain and offers good fuel economy, which makes it a practical daily driver. Choosing the right trim gives you a comfortable cabin, modern smartphone connectivity, and useful cold weather comfort features without pushing your used car budget too far.
9. Skoda Octavia 2016 to 2018 SE L, Style and similar trims
The Skoda Octavia is known for offering a lot of car for the money, and well equipped versions from around 2016 onward often included both heated front seats and Apple CarPlay. This makes it one of the most practical choices for buyers who want space, comfort, and modern tech in a used vehicle that still fits a modest budget.
The Octavia’s cabin is roomy for a compact class car, with generous rear legroom and a large cargo area, especially in the hatchback and wagon versions.
Heated seats add a welcome touch of comfort in colder weather, helping the car feel more premium during daily use. They are especially useful in a spacious cabin where air heating can take longer to warm the interior.
Apple CarPlay was introduced through Skoda’s updated infotainment systems in many markets during these years. Once connected, drivers can use navigation apps, stream music, and manage calls and messages through the touchscreen. This feature keeps the technology experience modern and intuitive, even in a car that is several years old.
Because the Octavia often serves as a family or commuter car, the combination of CarPlay and heated seats makes everyday driving more enjoyable. The car’s refined ride and solid build quality also contribute to a comfortable experience on both short city trips and longer highway journeys.
When buying used, make sure the infotainment system supports CarPlay and test it with your phone. Check that both front heated seats function properly on all settings. Inspect the interior for wear, especially on higher mileage examples that may have seen heavy family use.
The Octavia is also known for good fuel efficiency and practical ownership costs. With its strong mix of space, comfort features, and modern connectivity, a well specified example offers excellent value for buyers seeking a used car that feels more upscale than its price suggests.
10. Toyota Corolla 2019 to 2020 high trims in select markets
In some global markets, later versions of the Toyota Corolla began offering Apple CarPlay along with heated front seats on higher trims. While earlier Corollas were more basic inside, these newer versions brought a noticeable upgrade in both comfort and technology, making them appealing used buys when found at the right price.
The Corolla is known worldwide for reliability and low running costs. Adding heated seats makes daily driving more comfortable in cooler climates, especially on short trips where the cabin heater might not have time to fully warm up. This small feature can make a big difference in everyday satisfaction.
Apple CarPlay integration brings the Corolla’s infotainment system up to modern expectations.
Drivers can use familiar smartphone apps for navigation, music, and communication through the car’s screen, reducing the need for separate phone mounts. This helps the car feel current and convenient, even a few years after production.
The Corolla’s interior is practical and well laid out, with comfortable seating and good visibility. It works well as a commuter car, a first vehicle, or a reliable family runabout. With CarPlay and heated seats, the cabin feels better equipped than many older compact sedans in the same price range.
When shopping used, it is especially important to verify the exact trim and market origin, since not all Corollas worldwide included both features. Test CarPlay with your phone and confirm that both heated seats operate correctly. As always, check service history and general condition.
Because of its strong reputation for durability, the Corolla can be a smart long term buy. Finding a higher trim example with both heated seats and CarPlay gives you dependable transportation with modern comfort and connectivity at a used price that can still fall under the $12,000 mark in many regions.
You do not have to buy a brand new car to enjoy modern connectivity and cold weather comfort. Many compact cars and small SUVs from the late 2010s offer factory heated seats and Apple CarPlay, and several can now be found under $12,000 on the used market.
By focusing on the right trims and carefully checking that both features work properly, you can get a car that feels far more modern and comfortable than its price suggests.
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