Android Auto, we’ve already reviewed it thanks to Pioneer allowing us to use their AVH-4100NEX system. But now it appears that car makers are finally pushing the software out to their cars. This week, the 2015 Hyundai Sonata will be the first car to hit the road with Android Auto on board. That is, without buying a third-party head unit. I got a chance to check out Android Auto – as well as Apple CarPlay – on the 2015 Sonata back in January at the North American International Auto Show here in Detroit. I was quite impressed with how well Hyundai had integrated Android Auto with their own infotainment system. You don’t always have to use Android Auto, but I’d recommend it.
If you just bought a Hyundai Sonata a few weeks ago, or even months ago, don’t worry. You’ll be getting an update to Android Auto in the “near future”. Basic rule of thumb there is any Sonata with a 7-inch screen for infotainment will be getting Android Auto via a software update. Which is a great thing on Hyundai’s part.
Hyundai isn’t the only one doing Android Auto, however they are the first. We are working with them to get hands on with the final product and should have more on that soon. Other car makers like Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, GM, and many others have also signed on for Android Auto, Audi actually has it in their R7 already. So it’s only a matter of time – which in the car industry, that can be years – before we see more and more cars with Android Auto on the road.
Many infotainment systems out there now are just clunky and impossible to navigate through while driving. While Android Auto is still a bit clunky, you can control it almost completely by voice. Which is a big selling point into making it easier to use. Android Auto is still in its early stages, so don’t be too surprised if we see lots of bugs in the 2015 Hyundai Sonata. But if you’ve been looking for a car, and like the Sonata, then this might be the time to take that step and buying it.