Many of us have had that increased heart-rate that comes from a near-miss backing out of a parking spot in a crowded lot. No matter how careful you are, sometimes you just don’t see that car that’s backing out at the same time or that shopper who darts out from behind a parked car.
Rear view cameras solve this problem by giving you better visibility of the area behind your vehicle. When the vehicle is placed in reverse, the camera automatically turns on and the area in its direct path is shown on a screen in the center console. Many rear view cameras will superimpose an outline of the car’s size on the area so you can clearly see the space the vehicle is going to occupy.
How do rear view cameras work?
A small camera at the rear of the car transmits live video of the area behind the vehicle to the monitor at the front. More advanced systems use multiple cameras to show front and side views as well as the rear.
Are rear view cameras worth the cost?
Rear view cameras will be legally required as standard equipment in all new cars by 2018 and many manufacturers already offer them with all new cars. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) estimates that between 58 and 69 lives could be saved each year if rear view cameras were on every car. In our opinion, this is a feature that is worth including on your new car.
Which vehicles offer rear view cameras?
As of the time of writing, rear view cameras are offered as a standard or optional feature on these vehicles:
Acura Multi-View Rear Camera
Acura’s rear view camera comes standard on all models. The Surround-View Camera System is available with the Advance Package on the RLX.
Audi Rear View Camera
Audi’s rear view camera is available on most models as part of the Technology Package or Driver Assistance Package.
BMW Rear View Camera
BMW’s rear view camera is available on most models as part of the Driver Assistance Package, or Parking Assistant Package.
Buick Rear Vision Camera
Buick’s rear vision camera comes standard on the Verano (Verano Group and up), Regal, Lacrosse, Encore, and Enclave.
Cadillac Rear Vision Camera
Cadillac’s rear vision camera comes standard on the ATS Coupe, and ELR Coupe. The Escalade comes standard with Surround Vision which provides a birds-eye view of the vehicle.
Chevrolet Rear Vision Camera
Chevy’s rear vision camera is available on the Cruze, Malibu, Volt, Silverado, Equinox, and Impala. It comes standard on the Trax, Colorado, Tahoe, and Suburban.
Dodge ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera
Dodge’s rear view camera is available on the Caravan, Durango, Journey, Dart, Challenger, and Charger.
Ford Rear View Camera
Ford’s rear view camera is an optional upgrade on most models.
GMC Rear Vision Camera
GMC’s rear vision camera comes standard on the Acadia, Terrain, Canyon, and Yukon and is available on the Sierra and Savana.
Honda Rear View Camera
Honda’s single-angle rear view camera is standard equipment on all vehicles. A multi-camera system is an available upgrade on most models.
Hyundai Rear View Camera
Hyundai’s rear view camera comes standard on the Equus, Veloster, and Santa Fe and is optional on the Elantra, and Tucson. A multi-camera system is an available option on the Equus.
Infiniti Rear View Monitor
Infiniti’s rear view camera is standard equipment on most models. The multi-camera Around View Monitor is available in the Q50, QX50, QX60, QX70, and QX80.
Jeep ParkView Rear Back Up Camera
Jeep’s rear view camera is available on Compass, Renegade, Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee models.
Land Rover Surround Camera System
Land Rover’s surround camera system is an available upgrade on most models.
Lexus Backup Camera
Lexus’ back up camera comes standard on most Lexus vehicles.
Mazda Rear View Camera
Mazda’s rear view camera is available on most of its vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz Rear View Camera
Mercedes-Benz’ rear view camera is available as a stand-alone option on most models.
Nissan Rear View Monitor
Nissan’s standard rear view camera and Around View Monitor are available on most vehicles.
Porsche Surround View
Porsche’s four-camera system is optional on the Macan, Cayenne, and Panamera.
Subaru Rear Vision Camera
Subaru’s rear vision camera is standard on the XV Crosstrek, WRX, Legacy, Forester, and Outback models.
Toyota Integrated Backup Camera
Toyota’s rear view camera is standard on select versions of most of its vehicles.
Volvo Park Assist Camera
Volvo’s rear view camera is an available option for all vehicles.
Whether or not you want a rear view camera in your new vehicle, Cartelligent can help you get a great deal on exactly what you want. Call our team of car-buying experts at 888-427-4270 or get started today.