Quick Facts About 360-Degree Cameras
- 360-degree cameras provide added safety to drivers, especially when parking in tight spaces, eliminating blind spots, and avoiding pedestrians.
- Nearly every automaker offers at least one model with a 360-degree camera.
- Surround-view monitors let you view 360 degrees, making backing into and out of parking spaces easier. They’re also a valuable safety feature.
- Only a limited number of new models with a 360-degree camera cost less than $40,000.
You’ve probably heard the 360-degree camera called by various names: “bird’s-eye view” and “surround-view” are arguably the two most popular alternatives. But a rose by any other name, right? The 360-degree camera is gaining popularity as a must-have tool in new vehicles’ safety and driver-aid arsenals. However, the main stumbling block is that it’s an expensive add-on for most vehicles, at least for mainstream carmakers, where you find it on the options list for higher trim levels or as a standard feature of the most expensive trims.
A good example is the entry-level 2025 Toyota Camry LE at $29,795 (All prices include the destination charge.). You must move up to the Camry XLE ($34,795) before its Panoramic View Monitor (360-degree camera) appears as an option. Then it’s part of the $4,760 Premium Plus Package, bringing the total to $39,555. There are exceptions to the $40,000 threshold, but although growing in number, they are still few and far between. The availability of 360-degree cameras on lower-trim-level luxury models is better, but these models already cost $40,000 or more.
Despite the cost, we’ll make the case for a 360-degree camera on your next car.
- What Is a 360-Degree Camera?
- How Does a 360-Degree Camera Work in Cars?
- What Cars Have 360-Degree Cameras?
- Can I Install a 360-Degree Camera in My Vehicle?
- Is a 360-Degree Camera System Worth It?
- Our Take
What Is a 360-Degree Camera?
A 360-degree camera is a technology that is a composite of camera angles from several locations around the vehicle, joining to project an overhead perspective of your vehicle and the area surrounding it. The image projected on your vehicle’s display screen is much like one a drone or blimp would capture. It is an invaluable car feature when backing into or out of a confined space. For example, it makes backing into a narrow parking spot much easier and safer. Also, a split-view image and proximity alert for cars, people, pets, and objects are other features often partnered with a 360-degree camera.
Valuable Features of a 360-Degree Camera System
Although we hear less than we used to, carmakers are still working toward self-driving cars. To achieve that goal, a car must be aware of what surrounds it and its place within those surroundings. There is more than one method to accomplish this goal. However, the most common approach is through several cameras located around the exterior of a vehicle. The 360-degree camera is a happy by-product. Moreover, it is an advanced safety technology with several benefits, not the least of which is safely reversing into or out of tight parking situations. What are some of the features that make this technology so valuable?
- Top-down image: In other words, it’s a bird’s-eye view of your vehicle and several feet in every direction around it.
- Split-view screen: A rearview or backup camera only displays the area immediately behind your car when in reverse. The 360-degree camera includes your vehicle and the surrounding area in every direction. When backing up with a 360-degree camera, the split-screen displays the rearview and surround-view images. This dual image is particularly useful when parallel parking or pulling into a narrow parking space in a lot or parking garage. It’s invaluable when backing into such a space.
- Proximity alert: With a 360-degree camera, you can easily see an object behind you and correct your course. Why is this better with a 360-camera? Even if you already have some form of proximity safety alert, you may not be able to see the exact location of that object.
- Off-road usefulness: Although 360-degree cameras are beneficial as a safety feature, they also come in handy at other times, like off-roading. Having a clear view of objects and obstacles around the vehicle when off-pavement is a considerable advantage when four-wheeling.
- Larger vehicles need it: Now, here’s a Captain Obvious rule: The larger the car, the more helpful you will find a 360-degree camera.
How Much Is a 360-Degree Camera in a Car?
Rarely is a 360-degree camera priced as a stand-alone option on a new car, truck, or SUV. If you find one, it is probably somewhere in the $900-$1,200 range. Typically, carmakers include it in the price of a model’s higher trim level or bundle it into an option package that can cost thousands of dollars. In the aftermarket, a 360-degree camera kit can run between $200 and $900.
How Does a 360-Degree Camera Work in Cars?
Cobbling together that top view of your car and the surrounding area requires at least four cameras. However, there may well be more.
It begins with the rearview camera, a government-mandated feature on all new cars, light trucks, and SUVs. Usually, you’ll find side-view cameras mounted in the outboard side mirrors. Finally, a grille or front fascia camera captures the forward view.
The image you see on your display screen is the product of a software program engineered to stitch four or more views into a single coherent, seamless overhead image. An image-processing program receives all four images, weaving them together and synthesizing them to form the full 360-degree image. It then displays the entire image on your touchscreen or some other display, with a representation of your car in the center.
What Cars Have 360-Degree Cameras?
Nearly every automaker offers at least one model with a 360-degree camera. However, most mainstream carmakers don’t offer 360-degree camera technology on entry-level vehicles. Not surprisingly, this is because of the high cost of the cameras and the software required to produce the surround-view image. Finding this feature is easier as you reach the higher trim levels of most non-luxury brands. Luxury brands are more likely to offer 360-degree technology in their lower-end models.
Luxury Brands
You don’t need to search very far to find entry-level luxury models offering a 360-degree camera system, but you might need to move up a trim level or select an option package. Here are a few examples.
- 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class: This is the brand’s entry-level SUV. Its base GLA 250 grade ($44,150) began including the Mercedes Surround View System as standard for 2025.
- 2025 Lincoln Corsair: Anchoring Lincoln’s stable of SUVs, the 2025 Corsair has a starting price of $40,980 for its Premiere base trim. Its Collection II option group ($3,490) includes Lincoln’s Co-Pilot360 2.1 with a 360-degree camera. Total Price: $44,470.
- 2026 Genesis G70: This is the brand’s entry-level sedan. Its starting price is $44,200; however, you must move up to the 3.3T Prestige trim ($54,350) to gain the Surround-View Monitor.
Mainstream Brands
Some mainstream brands are more serious about 360-degree cameras than others. On the leading edge of the democratization of the surround-view camera, Nissan, Toyota, Mitsubishi, and other mainstream players prove a vehicle doesn’t need to cost over $40,000 to provide this important safety technology. In fact, in some cases, you can score a surround-view system well under the $40,000 ceiling — sometimes, well under $40,000.
Nissan
Nissan has more than one exception to the $40,000 rule. In fact, it has led the charge in democratizing 360-degree cameras, with models priced below $30,000 offering the feature.
Nissan offers its Intelligent Around View Monitor on every one of its crossovers, beginning with the Nissan Kicks. The entry-level 2025 Kicks S starts at $23,220. However, spring for the range-topping SR ($27,570) and surround-view is standard.
Nissan doesn’t offer surround view in the Versa, its smallest car. However, picking the Sentra in its mid SV trim ($23,430) tees you up for the optional Premium Package, including surround view, among other goodies. It will set you back another $2,620, which also includes the mandatory All Weather Package, for a total of $26,050. We’d argue that’s a bargain.
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Toyota
Regarding Toyota offerings, there are no sub $30,000 examples for surround-view (or Panoramic View Monitor in Toyota-speak). The best deal for acquiring it on the car side is the Prius hybrid. You must pass over the entry-level Prius at $29,485 and the next two trims to the top-of-the-line Prius Limited at $36,500. The good news is that adding surround view to the Prius will only set you back $1,085 for the Premium Package.
On the SUV side, the RAV4 offers it. With a starting price of $30,645, the LE trim anchors the RAV4 lineup. However, you must move up to the Limited grade ($38,950) and then add the Advanced Technology Package ($1,025) for a total of $39,975. It is also available on higher-grade Toyota models like the Highlander, Tacoma, Sienna, and Tundra.
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Other Models Under $40,000
There are several choices for scoring surround view costing less than $40,000, and we present some of them below. However, the average price point for even mainstream models that include 360-degree cameras is generally over $40,000.
- 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo + Tech Package ($2,200): $31,465
- 2025 Chevrolet Equinox LT + Safety and Technology Package ($1,085): $31,080
- 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander SE: $35,540
- 2025 Ford Escape ST-Line Select + Tech Pack #2 ($3,700): $38,390
- 2025 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus: $39,020
- 2025 Hyundai Sonata Limited Hybrid: $38,945
Automotive Brands That Offer 360-Degree Cameras
Here’s an example list of the brands currently offering a 360-degree camera safety device in at least one of their models.
- Acura
- Audi
- BMW
- Buick
- Cadillac
- Chevrolet
- Chrysler
- Fisker
- Ford
- Genesis
- GMC
- Honda
- Hyundai
- Infiniti
- Jaguar
- Jeep
- Kia
- Land Rover
- Lexus
- Lincoln
- Lucid
- Mazda
- Mercedes-Benz
- Mitsubishi
- Nissan
- Polestar
- Porsche
- Ram
- Rivian
- Subaru
- Toyota
- Volkswagen
- Volvo
Can I Install a 360-Degree Camera in My Vehicle?
In a word, yes.
Even when properly installed, the big “but” is that an aftermarket system probably won’t perform as well as a factory-installed one. Factory systems benefit from engineers tailoring the cameras and their locations to specific models. A one-size-fits-all aftermarket system can’t do that.
There are plenty of aftermarket 360-degree camera kits for sale. Typically, they include four cameras, required cables, and a control box. Some kits may also have a display screen or a remote control.
Cost and Labor Issues for Camera Kits
Prices run the gamut from $150 to $1,000, and that’s just for the kit. Having a third party install your equipment could easily add another $300 to $500.
Of course, if you are handy, have the tools, and have plenty of working space, you can install the kit yourself. However, there’s much more to it than simply attaching the cameras to your car and interfacing them with the control unit.
Be aware a fair amount of noodling, measuring, and calibration is involved in correctly aiming and locating the cameras. Not to mention wiring and electrical issues.
Is a 360-Degree Camera System Worth It?
We say yes, overhead-view cameras are worth it. However, the cost is (and will remain) a major hurdle. Affordable means different things to different people. We think anyone who shops for a vehicle in that $20,000-$30,000 range probably won’t be willing to pay several thousand more for a 360-degree camera. And it doesn’t matter how effective it is.
If you find yourself in that boat, you should probably check out one of the more affordable models we listed above.
Maybe the stress-free parking is worth springing for the extra $7,000-$10,000 it would ultimately cost to buy into the vehicle of your dreams that provides a surround view. But probably not.
On the other hand, it’s worth considering if one of the more affordable models equipped with it appeals to you. This is especially true if you are already in that low $30,000 ballpark. Adding it for an extra $1,500-$2,000 may be well worth stretching your budget a bit.
Our Take
The bottom line is that a 360-degree camera is an excellent feature. After you’ve experienced it, you won’t want to park without it again. However, if it’s built-in or an aftermarket addition, only you can decide if it’s affordable.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since its initial publication.
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