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10 Best Carplay Cars
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Buying Guide for the Best Carplay Cars
Choosing a car with Apple CarPlay support can be a smart decision if you want seamless, convenient integration between your iPhone and your car’s infotainment system. With CarPlay, you can make calls, send messages, get directions, and control music using either touchscreen controls or voice commands through Siri. To find the right car for CarPlay, it's important to look beyond the basic 'CarPlay compatible' badge and focus on how well the system is integrated, as well as other features of the car’s multimedia system that will affect your daily use.CarPlay Version and UpdatesCarPlay comes in different versions, and newer updates usually bring improved features and interface tweaks. The CarPlay version supported in a car depends on the car’s infotainment system and how often the manufacturer provides updates. Some cars receive over-the-air or dealer updates while others remain static after purchase. It's important because newer versions offer better compatibility, screen layouts, and app support. If you want access to the latest features, look for cars whose infotainment systems are regularly updated by the manufacturer, and consider how comfortable you are with updating the system if required.
Touchscreen Size and ResponsivenessThe size and quality of the touchscreen where you use CarPlay matters for visibility and ease of use. Screens come in different sizes, from compact 5-inch displays to large 12-inch or wider screens. Larger, higher-resolution screens make maps and apps easier to see and navigate, while small screens can feel cramped. Responsiveness also affects how easy it is to interact with CarPlay. Choose a display size that fits your comfort level and your typical driving experience—bigger is better if multiple people use the car or you rely heavily on navigation, but a medium screen might be enough for simple music and messaging control.
Wired or Wireless CarPlaySome cars offer only wired CarPlay, which requires you to plug your phone into a USB port, while others support wireless CarPlay, which connects via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Wired connections are reliable and maintain your phone’s charge, but involve extra cables. Wireless CarPlay lets you keep your phone in your pocket, which is convenient for frequent short trips or if you want a tidier interior, but your phone’s battery will drain faster unless you use a car charger. Think about how you use your phone on the go—if you hate plugging in, wireless is worth looking for; if you want to keep your phone charged or don't mind a cable, wired CarPlay is just fine.
Voice Control and Button IntegrationHow well a car supports voice commands and integrates call and media controls on the steering wheel can impact your CarPlay use. Some cars allow you to activate Siri or control media using physical buttons and voice activation, while others limit controls to the touchscreen. Physical buttons and a dedicated voice command button are easier and safer to use while driving. If hands-free operation is important to you, prioritize cars with robust voice integration and easy-access steering wheel controls, especially if you frequently make calls or issue navigation commands while driving.
Infotainment System CompatibilityNot all infotainment systems run CarPlay equally well. Some may have faster processors and simpler interfaces, resulting in smoother transitions and less lag. Others might have more cluttered menus or slower response times. If you care about a smooth, quick experience with minimal distraction, check reviews or try out the system in person if possible to see how CarPlay runs. The best fit depends on how much you rely on quick navigation between apps and how tolerant you are of delays or complex menus.
Audio System QualityCarPlay streams music, podcasts, and calls, so the quality of your car’s speakers, amplifiers, and overall audio setup affects your listening experience. Audio system quality ranges from simple speaker setups to premium branded audio packs with surround sound. If music or call clarity is important to you, pay attention to the audio setup and consider whether it's upgradeable in the trim you want. Pick based on how much time you spend in the car listening to music, podcasts, or using voice navigation.