15 Vehicles Available with Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
With Android and iOS operating systems becoming the norm nowadays, it was only a matter of time until their makers began finding ways to integrate them to vehicles. Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are the two apps that let you make your phone and your car one. You’ll be able to access Google Maps and music apps such as Spotify and Pandora via the main infotainment screen by plugging it into a USB port. Combined with Bluetooth, everything is within easy access via the center stack controls or voice command. There’s no longer an excuse to take your attention away from the road or drive around with a phone in one hand. Here are 15 vehicles, from subcompacts to CUVs, that incorporate the apps to help prevent turning yourself into a cop magnet. Or worse.
Compact and Subcompact Cars: 2016 Chevrolet Spark
Even the most diminutive of cars are now available with cutting-edge tech, and the little Chevrolet Spark proves that. Featuring a new version of the MyLink infotainment system, the Spark is compatible with both Android Auto and CarPlay, giving you access to all your smartphone apps via the standard 7.0-inch touchscreen.
You’ll also be surprised at how much safety tech is packed into the new Spark, as it now comes with lane departure warning and forward collision warning in its highest trim level.
2016 Volkswagen Jetta
Out with old and in with the new. The Volkswagen Jetta gained a new infotainment system with a larger 6.3-inch touchscreen and new features, including Android Auto and CarPlay. However, the new infotainment system isn’t available on the base S trim, so you’ll have to jump up to more expensive variants to get a Jetta that can be part of your connected world.
A hybrid variant is also available for the environmentally conscious, and the hatchback-averse can opt for the fun-to-drive Jetta GLI should they want a trunk instead of a hatch.
2016 Honda Civic
Reborn and ready to take the crown as king of the compact class, the 2016 Honda Civic offers luxury-level equipment in the Touring trim and generous standard equipment in lower grades. Android Auto and CarPlay are available on nearly every trim level, so you’ll have access to everything in your smartphone.
Look for the coupe and hatchback body styles to follow after the Civic sedan, and after that, the performance-oriented Civic Si. Sometime in 2016 or 2017, the Civic Type R will arrive in the U.S. market for the first time.
2016 Volkswagen Beetle
Need a quirky two-door hatch or a convertible with plenty of character to stand out from the rest of the crowd? Then consider the Volkswagen Beetle and its bubbly yet charming demeanor. For 2016, the Beetle lineup gained a new infotainment system on all but the base trim. The new system adds all kinds of connectivity features and includes Android Auto and CarPlay.
Want a little bit of speed to go with your quirky, tech-savvy bug? Opt for the 210-hp Beetle R-Line, which is available with a six-speed manual or twin-clutch gearbox.
2016 Chevrolet Cruze
Back to shake up the compact class a little, the Chevrolet Cruze comes armed with an array of tech features, including a new MyLink infotainment system that comes with a handful of new connectivity options, Android Auto and CarPlay among them. This means everything in your smartphone will be at your fingertips via the 7.0-inch touchscreen or voice commands.
A diesel-powered variant will follow in 2016 for the 2017 model year and will likely be the most efficient variant.
2016 Volkswagen Golf
In the Volkswagen Golf range, there’s a model for everyone from your everyday consumer and families to auto enthusiasts and the environmentally conscious. When it first came to market, the Golf had an antiquated infotainment system. For 2016, the Golf’s onboard tech is arrived in the 21st century. It features improved functionality and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on all but the base S trim.
For those who want a little bit more speed than the Golf TSI can offer, consider the Golf GTI and Golf T hot hatches, which offer excellent performance and handling without sacrificing much in terms of comfort. Families, on the other hand, will be best served with the Golf SportWagen, which offers 66.5 cubic feet of total passenger space, enough to shame many crossovers in the market.
Midsize Cars: 2016 Kia Optima
Available on all but the base LX 2.4 trim of the new Optima, a new version of the Uvo infotainment system brings Android Auto and CarPlay into the Kia brand. You’ll be able to use Google Maps and music apps to keep yourself entertained on long road trips. Just make sure you keep messaging apps closed while driving and use voice commands when trying to make changes to your tunes or route.
Like its cousin, the Hyundai Sonata, the Kia Optima will also be available as a hybrid sometime next year for folks who want something more efficient than the LX variant equipped with the 177-hp, 1.6-liter turbo-four.
2016 Honda Accord
Refreshed for 2016 to ensure that it remains one of the top midsize sedans available, the Honda Accord now offers tech features usually not found in mainstream cars, making it one of the most technologically advanced in its class. Honda’s new infotainment system is also now in the Accord, giving owners the ability to integrate their mobile phones using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
Need something a little more stylish but still want an Accord? Consider the Accord Coupe, which has the same tech features as its sedan sibling plus an available six-speed manual gearbox for the 278-hp, 3.5-liter V-6.
2016 Volkswagen Passat
Refreshed with a new face and a host of new onboard technology, the 2016 Volkswagen Passat can now compete with its peers. It features a new infotainment system with Android Auto and CarPlay capability, so Passat owners no longer have to choose between getting an expensive navigation option or not.
For those wanting the quickest, most Germanic midsize sedan available today, the Passat is also available with a 280-hp, 3.6-liter VR6 engine mated to a quick-shifting twin-clutch gearbox.
2016 Chevrolet Malibu
All-new for 2016 and sporting a sexier exterior design while losing nearly 300 pounds, the Chevrolet Malibu returns as a powerhouse when it comes to onboard technology. Featuring a new iteration of the MyLink infotainment system that also has Android Auto and CarPlay compatibility, the Malibu is one of few midsize sedans that are ahead of the game when it comes to in-car connectivity.
Need a little bit of power to go with your connected car? No worries thanks to the Malibu’s available 250-hp, 2.0-liter turbo-four. A hybrid variant will also be available with the same in-car tech as the gas-only Malibu plus class-leading fuel economy.
2016 Cadillac CTS
A former Motor Trend Car of the Year winner, the Cadillac CTS is one of the best-driving midsize luxury sport sedans available today, and it now gains more tech features via the integration of Android Auto and CarPlay. This means you won’t need to go crazy with CUE’s control and can use voice commands instead to get your route in or change a song.
Want to turn your luxury sport sedan into a supersonic sledgehammer? Opt for the 640-hp CTS-V, which uses the same engine and eight-speed automatic found in the Chevrolet Corvette Z06.
2016 Volkswagen CC
Although it’s long in the tooth, the Volkswagen CC is up to date when it comes to onboard tech thanks to a new infotainment system that’s been added for 2016. It now has Android Auto and CarPlay compatibility, Wi-Fi connectivity, and an improved 6.3-inch touchscreen.
You won’t be lacking in grunt with the CC, as the car continues to come standard with the venerable 2.0-liter turbo-four and six-speed twin-clutch gearbox or a more powerful 3.6-liter VR6 engine.
Crossovers and Trucks: 2016 Chevrolet Silverado
Recently refreshed with an improved MyLink infotainment system featuring a 7.0- or 8.0-inch touchscreen, the Chevrolet Silverado range offers an extensive amount of in-car connectivity. Android Auto, CarPlay, and 4G LTE connectivity are available regardless of whether you have the Silverado 1500 or the heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 models.
Those who want to get pampered while hauling heavy payload should consider the Silverado in High Country trim, which comes with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and an available DVD/Blu-ray entertainment system.
2016 GMC Sierra
Like its cousin, the Chevrolet Silverado, the GMC Sierra comes with an improved version of the IntelliLink infotainment system featuring a 7.0- or 8.0-inch touchscreen and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. What separates the Sierra from its Chevrolet relative, however, is it has a better-appointed interior and unique equipment such as a wireless charging pad.
Additionally, the exclusive Denali trim level is an option. It adds unique details such as a chrome grille, 20-inch wheels, signature LED headlights with LED accent and LED foglights, Magnetic Ride Control, and embossed front seats.
2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
Although it’s been around since 2007, the Volkswagen Tiguan got a much-needed injection of technology for 2016 with the addition of a new infotainment system called MIB II. This gave it Android Auto and CarPlay compatibility along with a larger 6.3-inch touchscreen and VW Car Net Wi-Fi connectivity.
Owners will have easy access to the content of their smartphones, so there’s no need for poking around or taking your attention away from the road. All you’ll need to do is use voice commands to get you a route or change your music.
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