The List of Cars with Android Auto

• Using a vehicle’s infotainment screen for useful apps while driving is safer than trying to view the small screen on a smartphone.
• Newer vehicles often feature wireless Android Auto, while the wired version using a USB port is more common when shopping for used cars.
• Many smartphone apps aren’t available for Android Auto because games and video streaming, for example, would distract drivers.

Android mobile device users can bring many of their favorite apps along when connecting to a newer car’s Android Auto system.

Android Auto is like Apple CarPlay but compatible only with the Google-developed software found on many smartphones. The technology harnesses a vehicle’s central infotainment screen to access numerous navigation, entertainment, and communication apps.

First introduced in the 2015 Hyundai Sonata, Android Auto is available on almost all new cars. Let’s dive a bit deeper to discover this helpful smartphone integration.

• How Does Android Auto Work?
• Useful Android Auto Apps
• Cars With Wireless Android Auto

How Does Android Auto Work?

Using either a standard charging cable or, in some cars, a wireless connection, Android Auto communicates directly with a user’s smartphone to display unique versions of select apps on the big screen.

As you can imagine, the big, fixed display is much safer to operate while driving than a handheld device with a small screen.

Android devices come ready for Android Auto. Users must connect their smartphones and follow a few quick prompts that grant the car access to some data. Then, the screen shows a grid of app icons and a few secondary virtual buttons.

You might see different icons than a friend or spouse will see when their devices connect to Android Auto. It depends on what applications you have installed on your phone. At the very least, you’ll see icons for Google Maps, access to messaging and phone dialing, and one with the automaker’s logo. That last icon provides easy access to return to the car’s native — or built-in — software, where you’ll find features such as radio and vehicle settings.

Wired Android Auto is far more common when shopping for a used car for sale with Android Auto. You’ll need a standard charging cable that plugs into one of the vehicle’s USB ports. If you don’t immediately see Android Auto on the infotainment screen, that may mean you’ve found a charge-only port. Your owner’s manual can direct you to a data port that allows communication and charging.

Many new cars now feature wireless Android Auto, which utilizes a Wi-Fi signal to automatically connect when you start the vehicle. Like wired Android Auto, the wireless version requires a quick initial setup before you can head off.

RELATED: Wi-Fi in Cars: Is It Really Necessary?

Useful Android Auto Apps

Not every smartphone app has an Android Auto version. Those that do, such as Google Maps, Spotify, and Waze, have been optimized for easy on-the-go use. That means they likely have a more straightforward design with fewer bells and whistles.

You won’t find games, most news services, or streaming video apps since these would be too distracting for drivers.

Cars With Wireless Android Auto

Nearly every new model comes with Android Auto capability. In some cases, you may have to add an option package or step up to another trim level. Pay attention to trim levels when shopping, especially with used cars. For instance, the base 2022 Hyundai Accent SE lacks Android Auto, while the midlevel Accent SEL includes a larger screen with the tech.

Wireless Android Auto first became available on select BMW models in late 2019. Since then, availability has expanded to many automakers and models. Again, research the trim levels of the vehicles you’re interested in. Some new cars for sale with Android Auto have wired functionality in base models but gain wireless capability in higher trims.

Here are the 2023 and 2024 models with wireless Android Auto.

• • Acura Integra, MDX, RDX
  • Alfa Romeo Tonale
  • Audi A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, E-Tron, E-Tron GT, Q3, Q5, Q7, Q8
  • BMW 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, 8 Series, iX, i4, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, Z4
  • Buick Enclave, Encore GX, Envision
  • Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Lyriq, XT4, XT5, XT6
  • Chevrolet Blazer, Bolt EV, Bolt EUV, Camaro, Colorado, Corvette, Equinox, Malibu, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, Trailblazer, Traverse
  • Chrysler Pacifica, 300
  • Dodge Durango, Hornet
  • Ford Bronco, Edge, Escape, Expedition, F-150, F-250, F-350, Mustang Mach-E
  • GMC Acadia, Canyon, Hummer EV, Sierra, Terrain, Yukon
  • Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, HR-V, Pilot
  • Hyundai Elantra, Kona, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Sonata, Tucson, Venue
  • Infiniti Q50, QX50, QX55, QX60, QX80
  • Jaguar E-Pace, F-Pace, F-Type, I-Pace, XF
  • Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Grand Wagoneer, Wagoneer
  • Kia Carnival, Forte, K5, Niro, Rio, Seltos, Sorento
  • Lexus ES, GX, IS, LS, LX, NX, RX, RZ, TX, UX
  • Lincoln Corsair, Navigator, Nautilus
  • Maserati Ghibli, Levante, Quattroporte
  • Mazda CX-50, CX-90, Mazda3, MX-5 Miata
  • Mercedes-Benz C-Class, EQB-Class, EQE-Class, EQS-Class, GLB, GLC, GLE, S-Class
  • Nissan Ariya, Frontier, Titan
  • Porsche 911, Cayenne, Panamera, Taycan
  • Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, ProMaster
  • Toyota bZ4X, Corolla, Crown, Grand Highlander, Highlander, Mirai, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tundra, Venza
  • Volkswagen Arteon, Atlas, Golf, ID.4, Jetta, Taos, Tiguan

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated for accuracy since it was originally published.