Long before streaming apps became part of everyday driving, road trips often revolved around stacks of CDs. Passengers would take turns choosing albums, creating soundtracks that made long journeys more enjoyable. As Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and smartphone integration became standard features, CD players gradually disappeared from most new vehicles, with many automakers believing drivers had fully moved on to digital music.
Even so, a few new vehicles still include built-in CD players. Some manufacturers continue offering them because many customers still own large music collections and prefer listening to physical albums. In certain models, CD playback remains part of a premium audio package designed for drivers who value multiple listening options.
The vehicles featured here prove that this classic format has not disappeared completely. They combine modern technology with a feature many people still appreciate, allowing drivers to enjoy favourite albums, treasured collections, and old road-trip memories without relying on extra accessories or aftermarket equipment.
1. Subaru WRX (Premium / Limited / GT)
CD Player Detail: Stands as one of the last brand-new, factory-in-production cars in the United States to offer an optional center-console or glovebox-integrated CD player accessory through its Subaru Genuine Parts catalog.
- Engine: 2.4-liter Turbocharged Boxer-4
- Horsepower: 271 hp
- Torque: 258 lb-ft
- Size: 183.8″ L x 71.9″ W x 57.8″ H
Performance sedans and physical media might seem like an odd pairing, yet the WRX has quietly become something of a holdout for disc-loving enthusiasts who still want their turbocharged boxer engine and their burned mixtapes in the same package.
That 2.4-liter turbocharged engine produces a genuinely strong 271 horsepower, giving this sedan real teeth on a winding backroad, the kind of performance credentials that have nothing whatsoever to do with its surprising audio compatibility, yet somehow make the combination feel even more charmingly unexpected.
Rather than building the CD player directly into the dashboard like older vehicles once did, Subaru took a different approach here, offering it as an accessory through their Genuine Parts catalog, installable either in the center console or tucked inside the glovebox depending on buyer preference and dealer configuration.
Buyers interested in this feature should be aware that it is not included as a standard factory option. It must be requested when ordering the vehicle or added later by a Subaru dealership using genuine factory components instead of a generic third-party system.
Enthusiast forums have taken notice of this quirky holdout, treating it almost like a badge of honor among WRX owners who still burn playlists the old-fashioned way. For anyone specifically wanting a genuinely quick, engaging performance sedan without abandoning their disc collection entirely, the WRX offers a surprisingly rare combination in today’s streaming-dominated new car market.
2. Lexus IS 350 / IS 500
CD Player Detail: Prior to its full upcoming design refresh, Lexus kept a physical, old-school CD slot integrated right into the lower dashboard audio control panel beneath the climate buttons on the 2025 and select carryover 2026 models.
- Engine: 3.5-liter Naturally Aspirated V6 (5.0L V8 on IS 500)
- Horsepower: 311 hp (472 hp on IS 500)
- Torque: 280 lb-ft (395 lb-ft on IS 500)
- Size: 187.3″ L x 72.4″ W x 56.5″ H
Luxury sedans typically chase the newest possible technology, so finding a genuine CD slot tucked beneath the climate controls on a current Lexus IS feels almost like discovering a hidden time capsule inside an otherwise modern cabin.
Power figures here span a genuinely wide range depending on configuration, with the standard IS 350’s naturally aspirated V6 delivering 311 horsepower, while stepping up to the IS 500 unlocks a genuinely thrilling 472 horsepower from its naturally aspirated V8, numbers that place this sedan firmly among the more engaging options in its competitive segment.
That CD slot sits integrated directly into the lower dashboard’s audio control panel, a genuinely old-school placement that feels almost deliberately nostalgic compared to how most competitors have shifted entirely toward touchscreen-only media control in recent years.
Timing matters considerably here, though. Lexus has an upcoming full redesign planned for this generation, meaning current 2025 models and select carryover 2026 units represent something of a closing window for buyers specifically wanting this particular feature before it potentially disappears entirely from future IS generations.
For luxury sedan shoppers who’ve held onto physical media collections while everyone around them switched entirely to streaming, the current IS lineup offers a genuinely compelling combination of strong performance, refined luxury appointments, and that increasingly rare physical disc compatibility, making it worth serious consideration before this particular configuration potentially vanishes for good.
Also Read: 8 Cars With Low Quality Interiors That Wear Out by 60,000 Miles
3. Subaru Outback (Touring / Touring XT)
CD Player Detail: For the 2025 model year, Subaru uniquely included a factory-integrated CD player hidden inside the center console storage box as standard equipment, strictly limited to the top-tier Touring luxury trims.
- Engine: 2.5-liter Boxer-4 (2.4L Turbo on XT)
- Horsepower: 182 hp (260 hp on XT)
- Torque: 176 lb-ft (277 lb-ft on XT)
- Size: 191.9″ L x 73.0″ W x 66.1″ H
Subaru took a different approach with the Outback Touring by placing the CD player somewhere many drivers would never expect. Instead of fitting it into the dashboard, the company tucked it neatly inside the center console storage compartment.
It is a small detail, yet it gives the interior a cleaner appearance while allowing owners to enjoy their favourite CDs without drawing attention to the feature. That clever placement adds a touch of character that many modern vehicles no longer offer.
Under the bonnet, the standard Outback Touring comes with a boxer four engine producing 182 horsepower, delivering dependable performance for daily driving and long-distance journeys. Buyers looking for stronger acceleration can choose the Touring XT, which features a turbocharged version of the same engine producing 260 horsepower. This gives drivers the freedom to choose between better fuel economy and extra performance without giving up the premium features available in the Touring range.
Unlike older vehicles with a visible disc slot on the dashboard, the Outback keeps its CD player hidden inside the center console. The design helps maintain a modern-looking cabin while still supporting physical media for people who have built music collections over many years.
It also protects the player from dust and accidental damage while keeping it within easy reach whenever it is needed. Subaru made this feature standard on every 2025 Outback Touring instead of treating it as an optional extra. Buyers do not need to place a special order or pay additional money to get it.
At a time when many rival crossovers have completely removed CD players, Subaru continues to support drivers who still enjoy listening to compact discs. It is a thoughtful decision that respects loyal customers without sacrificing the modern features expected in today’s vehicles.
4. Lexus LC 500 (Coupe / Convertible)
CD Player Detail: Because luxury grand-touring buyers demand premium audio, models paired with the reference-grade Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System feature a sleek physical CD slot seamlessly blended into the leather-wrapped center stack.
- Engine: 5.0-liter Naturally Aspirated V8
- Horsepower: 471 hp
- Torque: 398 lb-ft
- Size: 187.4″ L x 75.6″ W x 53.0″ H
Grand touring cars exist specifically to make long drives feel genuinely luxurious, and Lexus clearly understood that philosophy extends beyond just comfortable seats and a smooth ride into genuinely premium audio equipment, CD slot included.
That naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 produces a genuinely thrilling 471 horsepower, delivering the kind of visceral, high-revving character increasingly rare among modern performance cars that have largely shifted toward turbocharging or electrification instead of preserving this kind of naturally aspirated theater.
Pairing that engine with the reference-grade Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System unlocks this particular CD slot, seamlessly integrated into the leather-wrapped center stack rather than feeling like an awkward afterthought bolted onto an otherwise thoroughly modern interior.
Audiophile buyers specifically seeking out this premium sound system for its genuinely superior audio quality often discover the CD compatibility as a welcome bonus rather than their primary purchasing motivation, proof that sometimes the best physical media experiences happen almost accidentally alongside pursuing other genuine quality benchmarks.
Given how the LC 500 already positions itself as a genuinely special, low-volume grand tourer rather than a mainstream daily driver, this kind of old-school touch feels entirely appropriate rather than out of place. For buyers specifically seeking both genuinely exceptional audio quality and old-school physical media compatibility wrapped inside a stunning, low-slung coupe or convertible body, few current new cars deliver quite this compelling a combination.
5. Toyota Highlander (Limited / Platinum)
CD Player Detail: While most family crossovers rely purely on Bluetooth, Toyota kept a physical CD media option on higher-end configurations to appeal to older buyers with massive physical disc collections.
- Engine: 2.4-liter Turbocharged Inline-4
- Horsepower: 265 hp
- Torque: 310 lb-ft
- Size: 194.9″ L x 76.0″ W x 68.1″ H
Family road trips used to mean a stack of CDs within arm’s reach of the front passenger seat, and Toyota apparently hasn’t forgotten that particular tradition entirely, even as most competing three-row crossovers have moved on completely toward Bluetooth-only audio systems.
That turbocharged 2.4-liter engine delivers a genuinely strong 265 horsepower alongside 310 lb-ft of torque, numbers that give this family hauler confident acceleration and towing capability, entirely separate from its surprising physical media compatibility, yet worth mentioning for buyers weighing this SUV’s broader capabilities.
The CD player is offered exclusively on higher-end Limited and Platinum trims, reflecting its appeal to a specific group of buyers. It caters to owners who have built extensive physical music collections over the years and prefer to continue enjoying their CDs rather than converting them to digital formats simply to keep pace with changing technology.
Grandparents road-tripping with grandkids, families passing down old favorite albums, this feature genuinely serves a specific, sentimental purpose beyond pure practicality, letting Toyota’s more traditional customer base keep using media they’ve owned and enjoyed for years without forcing an unwanted transition toward streaming-only listening habits.
Given how thoroughly most three-row family crossovers have abandoned this format entirely, Toyota’s decision to preserve it specifically on their higher trims feels like a genuinely thoughtful accommodation for a demographic that automakers sometimes overlook entirely while chasing younger buyers exclusively focused on the newest possible in-car technology and connectivity features.
6. Lexus ES 350
CD Player Detail: The baseline premium audio deck on the 2025 layout explicitly retained a dashboard disc entry lane, though it is being phased out as the completely redesigned generation rolls onto the market.
- Engine: 3.5-liter Naturally Aspirated V6
- Horsepower: 302 hp
- Torque: 267 lb-ft
- Size: 195.9″ L x 73.4″ W x 56.9″ H
The current Lexus ES 350 marks the end of an era for drivers who still enjoy listening to music on CDs. As Lexus prepares to introduce a completely redesigned version of the sedan, the built-in CD player found in today’s model is expected to disappear.
That means buyers who still value physical media have only a short time left to purchase a brand new Lexus with this familiar feature before it becomes part of the brand’s history. Under the bonnet is a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 302 horsepower.
The engine delivers smooth acceleration, quiet operation, and dependable performance that perfectly suits the ES 350’s comfortable personality. Rather than focusing on aggressive driving, the sedan provides a calm and refined experience, making it a favourite among people who value comfort, reliability, and effortless cruising on both city roads and highways.
Inside the cabin, the CD player is neatly built into the dashboard alongside the audio controls, making it easy to access without changing the clean interior layout. Buyers who still own music collections on compact discs can enjoy them without needing extra devices or adapters.
It is a simple feature, yet one that continues to matter to many drivers who prefer keeping their favourite albums close at hand. Anyone hoping to buy a new Lexus with a factory-installed CD player should not wait too long. The next-generation ES is widely expected to leave physical media behind as the company embraces newer technology.
Once production of the current model ends, finding another brand-new Lexus sedan with this feature could become extremely difficult. For people who still appreciate CDs, this may be the last real opportunity to own one straight from the showroom.
7. Subaru Forester (Limited / Touring)
CD Player Detail: Similar to its Outback sibling, recent production runs of the Forester equipped with the premium sound packages feature an in-dash or console-mounted CD configuration.
- Engine: 2.5-liter Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4
- Horsepower: 180 hp
- Torque: 178 lb-ft
- Size: 183.3″ L x 72.4″ W x 68.1″ H
Following directly in its Outback sibling’s footsteps, the Forester carries this same physical media accommodation into Subaru’s compact crossover lineup, proving this particular decision reflects genuine brand-wide philosophy rather than a one-off feature limited purely to the larger Outback model.
That naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer engine produces a modest, genuinely dependable 180 horsepower, prioritizing everyday reliability and Subaru’s signature all-weather confidence over outright performance figures, fitting nicely alongside this crossover’s broader reputation for practical, no-nonsense daily usability.
Depending on specific production timing and configuration, buyers might find this CD player positioned either directly in the dashboard or integrated within the center console, similar to the flexibility Subaru has shown across different models in this same broader lineup rather than committing to one single, universal placement approach.
Premium sound package requirements mean this feature isn’t universally available across every Forester trim, echoing similar restrictions found on comparable Subaru models throughout this list, specifically limited to Limited and Touring configurations rather than base or mid-tier trims within the broader lineup.
Given Subaru’s clear, consistent pattern of preserving physical media compatibility across multiple models simultaneously, buyers specifically loyal to this brand and genuinely attached to their CD collections have more options within Subaru’s current lineup than shoppers meaningfully considering almost any other manufacturer currently selling new vehicles in today’s overwhelmingly streaming-focused automotive market.
Also Read: 8 Cheapest New Cars You Can Buy In 2027
8. Cadillac Escalade / Escalade ESV
CD Player Detail: While the massive 55-inch curved front display handles streaming, choosing the rear-seat theater entertainment package on specific luxury variants adds a physical disc slot inside the lower front console to accept CDs and DVDs.
- Engine: 6.2-liter Naturally Aspirated V8
- Horsepower: 420 hp
- Torque: 460 lb-ft
- Size: 211.9″ L x 81.1″ W x 76.7″ H
Massive, imposing, and dripping with luxury technology, the Escalade might seem like the least likely candidate on this entire list to retain physical disc compatibility, yet its rear-seat entertainment package quietly preserves exactly that option for families specifically wanting it.
That naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 produces a genuinely commanding 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, giving this full-size luxury SUV serious towing and hauling capability alongside its considerable presence on the road, entirely separate from whatever media format passengers choose to enjoy during the ride.
Up front, Cadillac’s genuinely massive 55-inch curved display handles the bulk of modern infotainment duties, streaming, navigation, and connectivity all running through that impressive digital canvas rather than any traditional physical media format whatsoever.
The disc slot itself lives specifically within the optional rear-seat theater entertainment package, tucked inside the lower front console, designed primarily to accommodate DVDs for backseat passengers during long family trips, while conveniently also accepting standard CDs for anyone wanting music playback through that same physical format.
Given how thoroughly the Escalade otherwise commits to cutting-edge digital technology throughout its cabin, this small, specifically optional nod toward physical media feels genuinely surprising, proof that even the most technologically advanced luxury SUVs on the market haven’t entirely abandoned families who still want the option of popping in a favorite DVD or CD during a long road trip together.
