Last Summer, Chevrolet was the first of General Motors brands to announce Android Auto availability. While they rolled out Apple CarPlay to a few models, there was no Android Auto available just yet. However, as of today, it is indeed available. Those of you with a vehicle that is slated for the update will need to take your car into your dealer to have it installed. Chevrolet (as well as Buick, GMC and Cadillac) say it should only take 30 minutes. However it’s a good idea to plan on being their longer, in case issues arise.
Models that are eligible in the 2016 model year include the Buick Regal and Lacrosse. The Cadillac ATS, CTS, ELR, Escalade and XTS. Chevrolet’s Malibu, Impala, Volt, Camaro, Corvette, Colorado, Silverado, Tahoe and Suburban. Finally, GMC’s Canyon, Sierra and Yukon. The update is available to these models at no charge at all. So if you happen to own the 2016 model of any of these, it’s time to take a stroll to the dealership and get that update. Especially if you’ve been wanting to get Android Auto. Cadillac also mentioned that their roll-out of Android Auto will continue this year with the 2016 Cadillac CT6 and 2017 Cadillac XT5.
Chevrolet is the only one, so far, that is offering Android Auto on their entire lineup. Buick, Cadillac and GMC will continue to expand theirs in 2016 and moving into 2017. Android Auto will be part of the infotainment system and also work with OnStar. It will work with AT&T’s 4G LTE if you opt to do so. As you can easily connect your phone to the car or truck’s built-in WiFi, brought to you by AT&T, and then plug in your phone and use it. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our feature on why having Android Auto built-in to the car is better than having an after-market head unit.
Android Auto is getting more and more traction. Always great to see, especially with new technology hitting the market. Typically the auto industry is very slow to adopt new technology, so it’s nice to see them adopting to Android Auto and even Apple CarPlay so quickly.