Voice command systems in cars let you make phone calls and carry out other important tasks without taking your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel. Some cars are so good at meeting your needs, they will play the music you ask for by name. Voice command over music usually works with an iPhone, iPod or USB thumbdrive plugged in. These four cars are waiting to be your automotive DJ.

2013 Acura RDX

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 (Very good)

The good: The ELS audio system produces excellent sound, with crisp highs and strong bass, and voice command lets the driver request music by name. The rear seat offers plenty of leg room.

The bad: The voice command system does not include dial-by-name functionality with a paired phone’s contact list.

The cost: $34,320

The bottom line: The 2013 Acura RDX is a comfortable and easy-driving small SUV with a premium feel, though the cabin tech shows some flaws that will prove frustrating over time.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ

Rating: 3 stars out of 5 (Good)

The good: The standard MyLink infotainment system offers a wide range of digital audio sources and limited app integration. SiriusXM Travel Link provides movie showtimes, sports scores and weather on the dashboard.

The bad: The Pioneer-branded premium audio system doesn’t sound very premium. You have to choose between navigation and the MyLink system.

The cost: $27,830

The bottom line: The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ is a comfortable ride with a good level of standard cabin tech, but it’s a few thousand bucks overpriced when compared with the competition from Ford, Honda and Toyota.

2013 Ford Escape Titanium

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 (Very good)

The good: This car has a variety of convenience features, such as a hands-free liftgate, that make owners’ lives easier. Available Active Park Assist steers the car into parallel-parking spots automatically. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine delivers good power and efficiency.

The bad: The MyFord Touch system, while improved dramatically, still feels slow to respond and slightly cluttered.

The cost: $30,370

The bottom line: The 2013 Ford Escape Titanium is a whole new car, inside and out, offering great tech where the rubber meets the road and unique automation technologies that make it an easy car to live with.

2013 Lexus GS 450h

Rating: 4 stars out of 5 (Excellent)

The good: With its hybrid gas-electric power train, this model reliably averages 30 mpg. Its adaptive suspension gives it unexpectedly good cornering. The Enform system brings in apps such as Facebook, Yelp, OpenTable and Bing search.

The bad: The joystick controller on the console feels plasticky, and it is difficult to accurately control the onscreen pointer.

The cost: $58,950

The bottom line: The 2013 Lexus GS 450h is a tech tour de force, getting outrageously good fuel economy for this class of car with its hybrid drive system and giving drivers the convenience of popular apps integrated with the cabin electronics.