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Android Auto: Everything you need to know

Android Auto was announced back in 2014 and started off as essentially a smartphone projection system for your car. Users could tether their Android smartphone, running Android 5.0 Lollipop or above, to their vehicle’s built-in infotainment system. Since then, the number of car manufacturer partners and compatible models, countries where it is supported, and features and capabilities of Android Auto have increased significantly.
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Below is everything you need to know about Android Auto. Check out what it has to offer, the various markets it covers, the vehicles and car manufacturers that support the platform, and finally, how to add it to your existing vehicle.
Functionality and features

As mentioned, Android Auto began as a non-independent system. This basically extended the functionality of your Android smartphone to the car’s dashboard head unit using a car-friendly user interface. With the older system, you had to tether your phone to the car with a USB cable. And of course, the car had to support the platform for this to work.
Things have changed quite a bit since then. Users can now use the Android Auto app without needing a compatible car or aftermarket stereo system. You can place the phone on a mount and connect it to your car system. This requires Bluetooth and an AUX cable or other alternatives. Of course, if you already have a car or a third-party stereo system that supports the service, you can keep using it just as before.

Even though Android Auto is still mostly dependent on your smartphone, that is slowly going to change over the next couple of years. As announced at Google I/O 2017, Android Auto will be built into car themselves, with Android controlling everything on the dashboard, from music to climate control, and more. Google showed off the new system in Audi and Volvo vehicles earlier last year, but other companies have yet to announce their participation.
At CES 2018, two companies, Kenwood and JVC, showed off Android Auto head units that will be able to connect to your phone wirelessly. To back that up, Google rolled Android Auto Wireless in April. There are some caveats though. For now, Android Auto Wireless is compatible with only certain phones – specifically the Google Pixel or Pixel XL, the Google Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL, the Nexus 5X, or the Nexus 6P. You will also need a Wi-Fi certified HUD, with the options currently limited to a few from Kenwood and JVC.
If you do meet the limiting requirements, you no longer have to worry about physically connecting your phone to the HUD anymore. Android Auto Wireless is something that users have been clamoring for and it’s great to see it available now. That said, this feature is admittedly at a very early stage. But it can only grow and get better from here.

Android Auto functionality includes navigation via Google Maps and Waze, music control, voice control for replying to messages, making calls, and more. You can also use your third-party apps, including Pandora, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Skype, Whatsapp, Google Hangouts, Stitcher Radio, PocketCasts, and a whole lot more. You can find the full list of compatible applications here.
At the end of 2016, the company also brought system-wide “Okay, Google” support to the platform, making it possible to control essentially every part of your infotainment experience using your voice. That has been further improved upon recently, with the extremely capable Google Assistant making its way to Android Auto earlier this year. However, Google Assistant with Android Auto is currently available in the US.
Countries where Android Auto is available

The service was initially launched in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, the UK, and the US. Since then, Google rolled out support for the Android Auto app in several new countries including Argentina, Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, India, Japan, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the US territory of Puerto Rico, Russia, Switzerland, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Cars Android Auto is compatible with

Many car manufacturers are a part of the Open Automotive Alliance, as you can see below. And the number of supported models has steadily increased. That said, there are still a few more manufacturers that we’re hoping will offer compatible vehicles. Bentley, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Koenigsegg, and Mazda are some of the big names would be great additions.
Abarth | 2017 595 2017 695 |
---|---|
Acura | 2017 Acura NSX 2018 Acura MDX 2018 Acura TLX |
Alfa Romeo | 2017 Giulietta 2017 MiTo 2018 Giulia (coming soon) 2018 Stelvio (coming soon) |
Aston Martin | 2018 Rapide 2018 Vanquish 2018 Vantage |
Audi | 2016 Audi Q7 2017 Audi A3 2017 Audi A4 2017 Audi A5 2017 Audi A6 2017 Audi A7 2017 Audi R8 2017 Audi TT 2017 Audi Q2 2018 Audi Q5 |
Buick | 2016 Regal 2016 LaCrosse 2017 Encore 2017 Envision |
Cadillac | 2016 ATS 2016 ATS Coupe 2016 ATS Sedan 2016 ATS-V 2016 ATS V-Coupe 2016 ATS V-Sedan 2016 CTS 2016 CTS Sedan 2016 CTS-V 2016 CTS V-Sedan 2016 ELR 2016 CT6 2016 CT6 Sedan 2016 Escalade 2016 Escalade ESV 2016 XTS 2017 XT5 2017 CT6 Plug-in |
Chevrolet | 2016 Camaro 2016 Camaro Convertible 2016 Colorado 2016 Corvette 2016 Corvette Convertible 2016 Cruze 2016 Impala 2016 Malibu 2016 Silverado 2016 Silverado HD 2016 Spark 2016 Suburban 2016 Tahoe 2016 Volt 2017 Aveo 2017 Bolt EV 2017 Colorado/S10 2017 Cruze Hatchback 2017 Onix 2017 Prisma 2017 Sonic 2017 Trailblazer 2017 Trax 2018 Equinox 2018 Traverse |
Chrysler | 2017 300 2018 Pacifica |
Citroen | 2017 C-Elysee 2017 C3 2017 C3 Aircross 2017 C4 2017 C4 Picasso 2017 Grand C4 Picasso 2017 Jumpy 2017 SpaceTourer |
Dodge | 2017 Challenger 2017 Charger 2018 Durango |
DS | 2017 DS4 2017 DS5 2018 DS7 CROSSBACK |
FIAT | 2017 500 2017 500L 2017 500X 2017 Argo 2017 Tipo |
Ford | ALL 2017 Ford models will support Android Auto across all trims |
Genesis | 2017 G80 |
GMC | 2016 Canyon 2016 Sierra 2016 Yukon 2016 Yukon XL 2016 Yukon Denali 2017 Acadia |
Holden | 2016 Spark 2016 Captiva 2017 Astra 2017 Barina 2017 Colorado 2017 Trailblazer |
Honda | 2016 Civic 2016 Accord 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell 2017 CR-V 2017 Freed 2017 Pilot 2017 Ridgeline 2018 Fit 2018 Odyssey |
Hyundai | 2015 Azera 2015 Genesis 2015 Grandeur 2015 Sonata 2016 Elantra GT 2016 i10 2016 i20 2016 i30 2016 i40 2016 Ioniq Electric 2016 Ioniq Hybrid 2016 Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid 2016 Sonata Hybrid 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid 2016 Tucson 2016 Creta 2017 Avante 2017 Elantra 2017 Kona 2017 Maxcruz 2017 Sante Fe 2017 Santa Fe Sport 2017 Velostar |
Jeep | 2017 Compass 2018 Wrangler 2018 Grand Cherokee |
Karma | 2018 Revero |
Kia | 2014 Soul 2015 Carnival 2015 K5 2015 Optima 2015 Optima Hybrid 2015 Sedona 2015 Soul EV 2016 Sorento 2017 Cadenza 2017 Carens 2017 cee'd 2017 Forte 2017 Forte Koup (coming soon) 2017 Forte5 2017 K3 2017 K7 2017 Niro 2017 Optima Plug-in Hybrid 2017 Rondo 2017 Sportage 2018 Morning 2018 Picanto 2018 Pride 2018 Rio 2018 Stinger (coming soon) 2018 Stonic 2019 K9 (coming soon) 2019 K900 (coming soon) |
Lamborghini | 2018 Aventador 2016 Centenario (coming soon with software update) 2019 Hurucan (coming soon) 2019 Urus (coming soon) |
Lincoln | 2017 Continental 2017 MKC 2017 MKX 2017 MKZ 2017 MKZ Hybrid 2017 Navigator |
Mahindra | 2015 XUV500 |
Maruti Suzuki | 2014 Ciaz (software update) 2015 Baleno (software update) 2015 S-Cross (software update) 2016 Vitara Brezza (software update) 2016 Ertiga (software update) 2017 Dzire 2017 Ignis |
Maserati | 2017 Ghibli 2017 Levante 2017 Quattroporte |
Mercedes-Benz | 2017 A-Class 2017 B-Class 2017 CLA Coupe 2017 CLA Shooting Brake 2017 CLS Coupe 2017 CLS Shooting Brake 2017 E-Class Cabriolet 2017 E-Class Coupe 2017 E-Class Sedan 2017 E-Class Wagon 2017 GLA 2017 GLE 2017 GLE Coupe 2017 GLS 2017 SL 2017 SLC 2018 Mercedes-Maybach 2018 S-Class Sedan 2018 S-Class Coupe 2018 S-Class Cabriolet 2018 G-Class 2018 GLC Coupe 2018 GLC SUV 2018 C-Class Sedan 2018 C-Class Coupe 2018 C-Class Wagon 2018 C-Class Cabriolet |
Mitsubishi | 2016 Pajero 2016 Pajero Sport 2017 ASX 2017 Delica D:2 2017 Delica D:2 Custom 2017 i-MiEV (coming soon) 2017 Mirage 2017 Mirage G4 2017 Outlander 2017 Outlander PHEV 2018 Eclipse Cross (coming soon) |
Nissan | 2018 Altima 2018 Leaf 2018 Maxima 2018 Murano 2018 Rogue |
Opel | 2016 Adam 2016 Astra 2016 Corsa 2016 Insignia 2016 Karl 2016 Mokka 2016 Zafira 2017 Amper-e 2017 Crossland X |
Peugeot | 2017 208 2017 2008 2017 301 2017 308 2017 308 SW 2017 3008 2017 508 2017 508 SW 2017 5008 2017 Expert 2017 Traveller |
RAM | 2018 1500 2018 2500 2018 3500 2018 Chassis Cab |
Renault | 2017 Captur 2017 Clio 2017 Clio Estate 2017 Espace 2017 Grand Scenic 2017 Kadjar 2017 Kangoo 2017 Koleos 2017 Master 2017 Megane 2017 Megane Estate 2017 Scenic 2017 Talisman 2017 Talisman Estate 2017 Trafic 2017 Twingo 2017 ZOE |
Seat | 2016 Alhambra 2016 Ataca 2016 Ibiza 2016 Leon 2016 Toledo 2017 Arona |
Skoda | 2016 Fabia 2016 Fabia Combi 2016 Octavia 2016 Octavia Combi 2016 Rapid 2016 Rapid Spaceback 2016 Superb 2016 Superb Combi Yeti 2016 2017 Kodiaq 2018 Karoq |
smart | 2017 forfour 2017 fortwo 2017 fortwo cabrio |
Ssyangyong | 2017 G4 Rexton |
Subaru | 2017 Impreza 2018 BRZ (coming soon) 2018 Legacy Outback (coming soon) |
Suzuki | 2016 Hustler 2016 Ignis 2016 Lapin 2016 Solio 2016 Solio Bandit 2016 Spacia 2016 Spacia Custom 2016 Spacia Custom Z 2016 Swift 2016 WagonR 2016 WagonR Stingray |
Tata Motors | 2017 Nexon |
Vauxhall | 2016 Adam 2016 Astra 2016 Corsa 2016 Insignia 2016 Mokka 2016 Zafira 2016 Viva 2017 Amper-e 2017 Crossland X |
Volkswagen | 2016 Beetle 2016 Beetle Cabriolet 2016 CC 2016 Golf 2016 Golf Cabriolet 2016 Golf Sportsvan 2016 Golf Variant 2016 Jetta 2016 NMS-Passat 2016 Passat 2016 Passat Variant 2016 Polo 2016 Scirocco 2016 Sharan 2016 Sagitar 2016 Suran 2016 Tiguan 2016 Touran 2017 Arteon 2017 CrossFox 2017 Fox 2017 Gol 2017 Saveiro 2017 Voyage 2018 Atlas 2018 Teramont Commercial Vehicles: 2016 Amarok 2016 Caddy 2016 California 2016 Caravelle 2016 Multivan 2016 Transporter 2017 Crafter |
Volvo | 2017 S90 2017 V90 2017 V90 Cross Country 2017 XC90 2018 XC60 |
Aftermarket stereos Android Auto is compatible with

If you aren’t in the market for a new car, you also have other options. Add Android Auto support to your existing vehicle with compatible aftermarket stereos from Kenwood, Panasonic, Pioneer, Sony, JVC, JBL, and more. Find the full list of compatible models below. But if you are looking for the best options, do check out our roundup of the best Android Auto HUDs.
Alpine | i209 i902D iLX-207 iLX-702D INE-W710D INE-W977A INE-W977HD X208AU X208U X209D X802D-U X902D |
---|---|
Clarion | NXV977D |
CVTE | U621P U701P U702P U703P |
JBL | Legend CP100 |
JVC | KW-M730BT KW-V830BT KW-V930BW KW-V930BWM |
Kenwood | DDX9016DABS DDX9016S DDX9016SM DDX9017DABS DDX9017S DDX9017SM DDX916WS DDX916WSL DDX916WSM DDX917WS DDX917WSM DDX9702S DDX9703S DDX9716BTS DDX9716BTSR DDX9717BTS DDX9902S DDX9903S DMX7017BTS DMX7017DABS DMX7704S DNX516DABS DNX7160BTS DNX716WDABS DNX7170DABS DNX773S DNX8160DABS DNX8160S DNX8160SM DNX8170DABS DNX893S DNX9170DABS DNX9170S DNX9170SM MDV-Z904 MDV-Z904W |
MACROM | M-DL9000 |
Panasonic | Strada CN-F1D |
Pioneer | AVH-2300NEX AVH-2330NEX AVH-3300NEX AVH-4100NEX AVH-4200NEX AVH-4201NEX AVH-X8700BT AVH-X8750BT AVH-X8790BT AVH-X8800BT AVH-X8850BT AVH-X8890BT AVH-Z5000BT AVH-Z5000DAB AVH-Z5050BT AVH-Z5050TV AVH-Z5080TV AVH-Z5090BT AVH-Z7000DAB AVH-Z7050BT AVH-Z7050TV AVH-Z7080TV AVIC-7100NEX AVIC-7200NEX AVIC-7201NEX AVIC-8100NEX AVIC-8200NEX AVIC-8201NEX AVIC-F70BT AVIC-F70DAB AVIC-F70TV AVIC-F77DAB AVIC-F80BT AVIC-F80DAB AVIC-F80TV AVIC-F88DAB FH-9300DVS |
Sony | XAV-AX100 XAV-AX200 |
Unimax | F2-AVX7MX |
So, there you have it for this roundup of all things Android Auto!