Spin It Like It's '06
Most cars moved on from CDs without looking back, but some understood that music is more than background noise—it’s a personal history. Some drivers chase the comfort of a familiar track, while others hold onto the ritual of loading a disc by hand and not fiddling with Bluetooth. Wondering which vehicles still honor the playlists you made and the albums that ruled your youth? Here are 20 rides that kept CD players alive for drivers who still use them.
1. Toyota Camry
Reliable and refined, the Camry supported CD playback across trims well into the early 2020s. If you're after simple, disc-friendly controls with crisp sound, 2012–2021 models are your sweet spot. They’re easy to find, especially among secondhand sedans with lower mileage.
AIMHO'S REBELLION 8490s on Wikimedia
2. Infiniti QX80
A rare modern SUV that still treats CDs like royalty! Every 2024 QX80 includes a CD player standard, housed within its luxury dash alongside a Bose premium sound system. For those who want plush seating, V8 power, and physical media support, it’s all still here, new.
Charles from Port Chester, New York on Wikimedia
3. Subaru Outback Touring
Among non-luxury crossovers, the Outback Touring trim stands out as one of the last to offer a CD player, still available in select 2024 models. Long drives, scenic routes, and burned albums pair nicely here. Just confirm with your dealer before you cue up that road trip mix.
Charles from Port Chester, New York on Wikimedia
4. Subaru Legacy
Until about 2021, the Legacy included CD players on several trims, including the Touring XT models. You’ll still find these in excellent shape at dealerships or private sales—ideal if you want modern safety with an old-school audio touch.
Tokumeigakarinoaoshima on Wikimedia
5. Lexus IS
The IS sedan held the line for audiophiles. CD players remained available through 2022 in many trims. Lexus combined MP3 compatibility with cabin clarity, and buyers still hunt for low-mileage examples that skip over streaming entirely.
6. Lexus RC
Sporty yet classic, the RC included factory CD slots from 2015 through 2023, depending on trim. Lexus's attention to audio detail means your discs still sound bold—if you can find one of these elegant coupes secondhand.
7. Lexus ES
Luxury and loyalty came standard in the ES. CD players remained in many trims into 2024. Even now, you can find new or very recent used models that still come with disc playback, making this one of the last holdouts for physical media fans.
8. Lexus GX
As of 2024, the GX still ships with a factory CD player in many trims. It pairs rugged capability with refined tech, making it one of the rare new vehicles to support discs without adapters or mods. A top pick for audiophiles who drive off the beaten path.
9. Lexus LC 500
A visual and auditory stunner, the LC 500 included CD players in its luxury audio setups over recent years. While some 2024 models may phase it out, many used trims offer that signature boom when you load up your favorite album.
Charles from Port Chester, New York on Wikimedia
10. Mazda 6
The Mazda 6 made driving fun and music tactile. CD players were standard through 2021 U.S. models, just before the car was discontinued. Look for 2016–2020 Grand Touring trims if you want punchy handling and crisp playback.
11. Lexus LX 600
Lexus’s flagship off-roader still makes room for your disc collection. With the Mark Levinson audio package, the 2024 LX 600 includes a built-in CD player that complements its lavish tech suite. Old-school fidelity meets new-school force in one of the last luxury giants to spin CDs.
Charles from Port Chester, New York on Wikimedia
12. Nissan Frontier
Simple, strong, and CD-equipped! Frontiers kept disc players through at least 2019, especially in base trims. Older models feel refreshingly straightforward. If you’re seeking a truck that lets you spin tracks with zero touchscreens, this one’s a hidden gem.
2019 Nissan Frontier CrewCab SV 4x4 Full Tour & Start-up at Massey Toyota by Massey Toyota
13. Nissan Maxima
Until 2023, every Maxima trim came with a CD player. This V6-powered sedan gave your music a dynamic stage. You can check the used car market for 2016–2022 models with Bose systems—many even support MP3 discs.
14. Toyota Highlander
The Highlander’s midsize charm included CD players through the 2019 model year. Ideal for families who wanted easy playlists on long drives, this SUV still delivers comfort and functionality in used listings across the United States.
Rutger van der Maar on Wikimedia
15. Nissan Rogue
The 2014–2018 Rogue SL and SV trims came equipped with CD players and user-friendly controls. These models balance modern safety features with tactile audio playback. For budget-conscious drivers wanting Bluetooth and a disc slot in the same dashboard, the mid-2010s Rogue is a smart, accessible option.
16. Cadillac Escalade
For those who want a stereo that treats CDs like gold, the Escalade delivers. CD players remained part of its upscale setup through the 2020s, especially in trims with premium sound systems. Expect rich playback and commanding presence—all in one luxurious package.
17. Volkswagen Jetta
The Jetta dropped CD players after 2018, but earlier models combined clean German design with full-album support. Choose 2014–2017 trims if you’re hunting for that Euro-slick experience with your burnt mixes riding shotgun.
18. Hyundai Santa Fe
Santa Fe models from the 2000s through 2017 carried CD players in base and mid-level trims. Families loved the reliability, and music lovers appreciated the simplicity. Today, they’re popular secondhand picks for affordable, disc-friendly driving.
19. Honda HR-V
Every HR-V trim from 2016 to 2018 came with a CD player standard. Small but mighty, it let you cruise with curated soundtracks minus Bluetooth confusion. The used market is full of clean examples that keep it classic.
20. Subaru Forester
CD support ended with the 2018 model year, but early Foresters were trailblazers—literally and musically. Look for Premium or Limited trims from 2013–2017 for AWD adventures backed by a familiar playlist and a real volume knob.
