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Top 4 easiest cars to park
These picks will practically slide into the parking space for you.
With parking assistance technology continuing to evolve, it’s not uncommon to find backup cameras and collision warning systems standard on many car models these days. But some go above and beyond by offering automated assistance to help you more easily slip into and out of parking spots.
How we chose these cars
We chose these cars based on which parking assistance technology is included standard on basic trims, the level of automation present and the price point. For the best car to park manually, size played the biggest role — although other features like a backup camera and collision warning system also factored in to the final decision.
Easiest cars to park with automated assistance
While most modern cars are getting easier to park thanks to standard rearview cameras, opting for automated parking assistance can make things even easier.
Budget option: 2019 Toyota Prius LE
- MSRP: $24,980
- MPG (city/highway): 54/50
- NHTSA safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars
- JD Power reliability rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Coming in at just under $25,000, the Toyota Prius LE is a step up from the basic trim — and it comes standard with more features to help you park. Like the Prius L, it has a vehicle proximity notification system (VPNS), a backup camera and Toyota Safety Sense, which includes precollision and lane departure warnings.
And by opting for the middle-grade trim, you’ll also get parking assistance, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts. All told, it’s a pretty good deal if you’re looking for an affordable, fuel-efficient car that makes parking that much easier.
Midrange option: 2019 Ford Escape Titanium
- MSRP: $32,620
- MPG (city/highway): 22/29
- NHTSA safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars
- JD Power reliability rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
The Ford Escape Titanium comes standard with parking assistance and a rearview camera. Your car will be able to steer itself in or out of a parking spot with limited assistance from you. And there are also scanners to help you find an appropriate space to parallel park.
If you opt for Ford’s Safe and Smart System — only available with the Titanium trim — you’ll also have access to forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, cross-traffic alerts and lane-keeping alerts. While you’ll have to dish out a little more for the pricier trim, it could be worth it when it comes time to squeeze into a tight spot.
Luxury option: 2019 Tesla Model S
- MSRP: $79,990
- MPGe (city/highway): 101/102
- NHTSA safety rating: Not rated
- JD Power reliability rating: Not rated
If you really want to commit to a parking system that does nearly all the work for you, the Tesla Model S might be a good choice. Not only is it able to parallel and perpendicular park with just the touch of a button, but the Model S also comes with the Summon feature. This allows you to retrieve your car by using the fob, meaning it can back out of a garage — or parking space — without you having to be inside.
Easiest car to park yourself: 2019 Smart EQ Fortwo Passion Coupe
- MSRP: $25,390
- MPGe (city/highway): 124/94
- NHTSA safety rating: Not rated
- JD Power reliability rating: Not rated
If you’re planning on sticking to manual parking, why not go tiny? The Smart EQ Fortwo is the smallest car around, making it easy to maneuver in and out of tight spots. For the price, it’s not a bad buy, especially when you consider the ease you’ll have parking. You can also opt to add Rear Park Assist for $250 — just keep in mind this isn’t available for the basic trim.
What should I consider when looking for a car that’s easy to park?
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on automation but still want a simple parking experience, pick a car that has one or both of these features:
- Rearview camera. If the car you’re interested in has an infotainment system, chances are it also has a rearview or backup camera. When you’re able to see what’s behind you, you can back in and out of parking spaces that much easier.
- Collision warnings. Any time you’re too close to another car or an object on the sidewalk, your car will let you know. This simple system makes it easy to ensure you aren’t about to bump bumpers with anything that might leave a dent.
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Updated January 28th, 2020
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Bottom line
If you live in the city — or just hate parking in general — these cars can help you slip into a parking space with relative ease. But even if you had your heart set on a different model not featured here, most new cars come standard with at least a rearview camera that can help make parking easier.
When you’re ready to buy, compare your car loan options to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
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