7 Popular Cars With In-Built Dash Cams (With Pictures)

Dash cams, which were once uncommon, are now becoming standard in newer cars due to increasing demand for security while driving.

Dashboard cameras are video recorders that are connected to the dashboard of your car and start recording once you start it.

So, if you’ve ever felt the need for a dashcam, this article will provide you with a list of vehicles that have them built-in when you purchase a vehicle

1. Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek is a small SUV that provides users with good fuel economy and decent cargo/interior room. However, It lacks the sporty feel and sharp acceleration of some rivals, but its affordable pricing makes up for that in a way.

Like most Subaru models, the Crosstrek has the Subaru Eyesight safety system. The system is set up as two wide-angle cameras placed near the rear window.

Basically, these cameras help with driver assist features including:

• Lane control
• Adaptive cruise control, and
• Pre-collision braking detection

The cameras can work similarly to regular dash cams but are more high-tech.

With the EyeSight system active, the camera will record around 22 seconds of footage if your vehicle is involved in a crash.

Twenty-two seconds doesn’t sound like a lot, but it can help prove the guilty party in a crash and help settle insurance claims. The only problem is that you cannot re-watch the footage on your phone or download it on your computer.

Other Subaru models with the EyeSight rear-facing camera include:

• Subaru WRX
• Subaru Legacy
• Subaru Ascent
• Subaru Outback
• Subaru Impreza

Check out this list of problems with the Subaru Crosstrek.

2. Cadillac CT6

Cadillac was one of the first American manufacturers to offer factory-installed dash cams.

The CT6 was among Cadillac models lucky to have the dash cams and featured them until 2019. However, from our research, Cadillac seems to have discontinued factory-fitted dash cams on its newer models.

In the case of the CT6, Cadillac setup four full HD cameras in different areas on the exterior. Locations where installation happened include:

• Both door-mounted rear-view mirrors
• The front grille, and
• The rear trunk lid

Called the Surround Vision Recorder, this system can record using either the front camera or rear camera. The system can also activate all four cameras to conduct a 360-degree recording of the vehicle.

On the CT6 models, the Surround Vision Recorder can provide a front view like any dash cam.

Footage from the SVR is stored on an SD memory card located in the trunk. However, you can also view and save the video footage on your personal computer.

Like typical dash cams, the SVR system can help protect your vehicle from theft. In particular, it will activate all cameras once it detects a theft attempt on your vehicle.

The SVR can also record videos up to five minutes long and has night vision features.

Here are the best years and the worst for Cadillac CT6.

3. Chevrolet Corvette

For some years now, Chevrolet has fitted its Corvette supercars with a video-recording feature called the Performance Data Recorder (PDR).

The PDR combines footage from a dash cam and vehicle data recorded by the car’s computer to calculate driver performance.

We can’t blame you if you feel the PDR is a glorified GoPro camera for cars. Still, it has some solid dash cam features.

For instance, you can activate Valet Mode to record vehicle data and take video clips when others use the car. However, the problem with the PDR is that you have to switch it on for it to work.

This means that it won’t record accident footage if you fail to turn it on earlier. Also, it cannot detect potential collisions like the Subaru EyeSight feature.

The PDR is more useful for those who have multiple track days and want to record their races or performances. Thankfully, the 32GB SD card that comes with it can hold up to 13 hours of driving data.

Please also read our article about cars with front bench seats.

4. Tesla Model S

The Tesla Model S is one of the more mainstream examples of dash cams being used in vehicles.

At first, the eight surrounding cameras didn’t have typical dash cam functionality. However, Tesla released an update that made the cameras double as a dash cam.

Known as TeslaCam, the forward-facing cameras allow drivers to record and store video footage on USB storage.

Tesla cameras will start recording by themselves, which is important to be aware of. Here’s more on what causes Tesla cameras to record.

From what we can tell, the TeslaCam records constantly. But, if you want the footage saved, you have to push the dash camera icon button and save the last 10 minutes of footage.

While this is convenient, TeslaCam has a few issues that are worth discussing.

Notably, the system cannot automatically save footage – you have to press a button to save the recording yourself. This can be problematic in an accident where you may forget to click the button.

The other issue stems from Tesla’s safety system. If your Model S gets involved in a serious crash, all electrical power to the vehicle will be cut to prevent battery danger.

This means your vehicle’s dash cam devices won’t work in such situations and won’t record useful footage.

Bringing this issue to light, I recommend you read our article which talks about 10 Cars With The Best Backup Cameras

Other Tesla models with the TeslaCam technology include:

• Tesla Model X
• Tesla Model 3

Make sure to also read our article about popular cars with a heads-up display.

5. BMW X7

The presence of dash cams on a BMW vehicle shows the technology is gaining wide acceptance among luxury models, too.

Called the “Drive Recorder,” the technology uses surround-view cameras that double as dash cams.

But, before we proceed, you must know that the BMW Drive Recorder doesn’t have the full functionality of a regular dash cam.

Say, you’re in an accident, the Drive Recorder will only record 20 seconds before the accident and 20 seconds after the accident. You can manually activate the Drive Recorder via the iDrive infotainment system before it starts recording.

What we do like though is that recorded footage can be viewed on the vehicle’s infotainment display in the cabin or exported via a USB stick.

That said, the Drive Recorder wouldn’t beat an aftermarket dash cam in terms of functionality. However, it can help you record those memorable drives and may provide enough accurate accident footage to help your case with an insurer.

Note that the Drive Recorder isn’t standard on BMW vehicles. Instead, it is part of an optional upgrade package that also offers the Parking Assist system.

Other BMW vehicles with Drive Recorder dash cam technology include:

• BMW 3 Series
• BMW 7 Series
• BMW 8 Series
• BMW X5

Also, check our article about cars with the least blind spots.

6. Mercedes-Benz

Dashcam technology has been included in various Mercedes-Benz models equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, including the:

• E
• A
• CLA
• CLS
• GLA
• GLC
• GLS
• GLB, and
• GLE Class

This dashboard camera can be activated by the driver.

Despite its simplicity in comparison to competitors such as BMW and Tesla, the system includes a useful loop-recording capability. This feature ensures that the video length matches the current storage space, and when the storage is full, older files are overwritten automatically. The video is saved in separate two-minute MP4 files.

Notably, the Mercedes-Benz dashcam only records from its front camera and requires a USB stick or external storage device to save footage, as opposed to BMW, which uses onboard storage. While less sophisticated, this approach offers greater flexibility in organizing recorded content.

For better accessibility, the dashcam allows media to be downloaded to a smartphone app or other USB-capable devices. Furthermore, while the car is in parking mode, the recordings can be seen on the media display screen within the cabin.

7. Toyota

Toyota’s Genuine Dash Camera is an optional feature available for a variety of Toyota models, including the:

• Toyota Camry 2022-2023
• Toyota Highlander 2022-2023
• Toyota Prius 2023
• Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Prime 2023
• Toyota Sequoia Hybrid 2023
• Toyota Sienna Hybrid 2021-2023
• Toyota Tacoma 2022-2023
• Toyota Tundra 2022-2023
• Toyota Venza 2021-2023

Toyota’s dashcam, unlike some other integrated dashcams, is not technically built into the car but is a convenient add-on easily available at the dealership. This optional device allows ongoing recording and footage storage for a variety of situations.

But what truly makes this dash camera good quality are its capabilities:

• Accident Detection: When an accident is detected, the dash camera automatically keeps track of footage.
• Parking Surveillance: The dash cam monitors the surroundings even when the car is parked. It activates when the G-force sensor detects an impact and records for up to 60 seconds after the incident occurs.
• Event Recording: You can even capture memorable events with the Action button, saving footage from 12 seconds before and 8 seconds after.
• Adventure Mode: For long-distance travel, the dash cam can record in a single continuous file, making it simple to download and share later.

Non-Built-In Dash Cams – What Are Your Options?

While many manufacturers incorporate these gadgets into the cars they make, there are an endless number of dash cams available beyond factory setups.

After some research, here are some options we recommend.

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2

The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 is a compact dash cam that prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing capabilities.

This small dash cam, barely larger than a keychain and priced at $99.99, has quite a stealthy design, particularly when placed discreetly behind the rear-view windshield.

Despite its small size, the Mini 2 delivers outstanding video quality with Full HD recording at 30 frames per second using a 140-degree lens.

Garmin’s Dash Cam Auto Sync also compensates for the lack of built-in GPS by allowing synchronization with other Garmin dash cams for complete locational data.

The Mini 2’s magnetic installation in a compact plastic arm configuration ensures minimal windscreen space consumption while allowing for easy detachment and reattachment.

The Mini 2 keeps operation simple with just two buttons and straightforward voice control. Garmin’s Drive app allows for quick setup, updates, and live display.

Nextbase 622GW

The 622GW is a great investment for individuals in need of a non-built-in dashcam because it includes advanced features such as:

• Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
• Bluetooth
• Alexa support
• Emergency-calling option for automatic assistance in the event of an accident

This dash cam also features an easy-to-use interface, 4K resolution, night vision, GPS tracking, and 24-hour parked-car surveillance.

The 622GW comes standard with a front-facing camera, with the option to add a 1080p rear camera for $100 and/or a 1080p internal camera for another $100.

Summary

The addition of built-in dash cameras has not only changed the driving experience but has also raised safety standards to new levels.

Notably, manufacturing giants such as Tesla, BMW, Subaru, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and Toyota have emerged as pioneers in outfitting their vehicles with top-tier dash cams that showcase good video quality and a variety of features that keep you safe while on the road.

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