Since the advent of Apple CarPlay, a number of mainstream auto brands offered the smartphone interface to connect their vehicles directly with the user’s iPhone, allowing integration with calls, texts, music and, of course, Siri.  We’ve updated our original article on Apple CarPlay to bring additional information about the 2019 and 2020 model years.

On vehicles that are equipped with CarPlay, all the driver needs to do is plug in any iPhone (5 or above) and authorize the phone using a thumbprint or passcode. The phone will connect directly with the CarPlay interface and the familiar app icons will appear on the car’s touch screen. The iPhone itself will remain locked while CarPlay is in use to eliminate the temptation to use it directly while driving. (For information on the Android version of this Android Auto, see Should your new car have Android Auto?)

CarPlay can be controlled via the touchscreen, using the vehicle’s own screen controls, or through speech using Siri.

What apps and functions does Apple CarPlay support?

The selection of apps and functions is limited by Apple to the following:

  • Phone: CarPlay will make and receive calls on screen and using Siri
  • Texting: Drivers can use Siri to send texts and have incoming messages read out loud
  • Maps: Siri can direct driver’s using Apple Maps or third party navigation systems
  • Music/Radio: The following music and audio apps are supported:
    • Apple Music
    • Audible
    • Audio Books
    • Audiobooks.com
    • CBS Radio
    • iHeartRadio
    • iTunes
    • MLB AtBat
    • Overcast
    • Pandora
    • Podcasts
    • Rdio
    • Spotify
    • Stitcher

Apps designed by the car’s manufacturer will also be supported as they are developed and released.

Does Apple CarPlay include WiFi?

No. Apple CarPlay uses the phone’s data plan to connect to the internet or the vehicle’s own WiFi which is only available on select models. (See Should you opt for a WiFi hotspot in your new car?)

Which vehicles offer Apple CarPlay?

As of the time of writing, Apple CarPlay is offered as a standard or optional feature on these vehicles:

Acura

NSX, MDX, TLX, and RDX models

Audi

A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, Q2, Q5, Q7, Q8, R8, and TT models

Aston Martin

Vantage, Vanquish, Rapide and DB9 Volante models

Bentley

Bentayaga

BMW

2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 series, 6 Series, 7 Series, i3, X1, X2 X3, X4, X5, and X6 models (The first year is free, then requires a subscription of $80/year. Operates wirelessly.)

Buick

Regal, LaCrosse, GL6, Excelle, Encore, and Envision models.

Cadillac

ATS, CTS, CT6, ELR, Escalade, XTS, XT4 and XT5 models

Chevrolet

Blazer, Bolt, Camaro, Colorado, Corvette, Cruze, Equinox, Impala, Malibu, Silverado, Sonic, Spark, Suburban, Traverse, Tahoe, Trax, and Volt models

Chrysler

300 and Pacifica models

Dodge

Charger, Challenger, and Durango models

Ferrari

FF, F12, 488, California T, GTC-4 Lusso, 812 Superfast, and Portofino models

FIAT

FIAT 500, 500L, and 500X models

Ford

C-Max, EcoSport, Edge, Escape, Expedition, Explorer, F-150, Super Duty, Fiesta, Flex, Focus, Fusion, Taurus, Transit, Transit Connect, and Mustang models

Genesis

G80

GMC

Canyon, Sierra, Yukon, and Acadia models

Honda

Accord, Civic, CR-V, Fit, Pilot, Ridgeline, and Odyssey models

Hyundai

Azera, Sonata, Elantra, Tucson, Veloster, IONIQ, Kona, Santa Fe, and Santa Fe Sport models

Infiniti

Infiniti has not yet announced when CarPlay will be available.

Jeep

Compass, Grand Cherokee, Renegade, and Wrangler models

Kia

Optima, Cadenza, Forte, Forte5, Sorento, Sportage, Soul, Stinger, Niro, Sedona, and K900 models

Land Rover

Land Rover has not yet announced when CarPlay will be available

Lexus

ES, LC, LS, RC, AND UX MODELS

Lincoln

MKC, MKS, MKT, MKX, MKZ, Nautilus, Navigator, and Continental models

Mazda

Mazda has not yet announced when CarPlay will be available

Mazerati

Ghibli and Levante models

Mercedes-Benz

A-Class,B-Class, CLA-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, and SL-Class models

MINI

Clubman and Countryman

Mitsubishi

Mirage, Mirage G4, Outlander models

Nissan

Altima, GT-R, Kicks, Leaf, Rogue, Maxima, and Murano models

Porsche

718 (Cayman & Boxster), 911, Panamera, Macan, and Cayenne models

Ram

1500, 2500, 3500, and 4500 models

Subaru

Ascent, Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, and WRX models

Toyota

Avalon, Corolla Hatchback, C-HR, and RAV4 models

Volkswagen

Atlas, Beetle, CC, Golf (e-Golf, GTI, Golf R), Golf SportWagen, Passat, Tiguan, Jetta models

Volvo

S60, S90, V60, V90, XC40, XC60, and XC90 models

Whether or not you want Apple CarPlay in your new vehicle, Cartelligent can help you get a great deal on exactly what you want. Call our team of car-buying experts at 888-427-4270 or get started today.