All articles tagged with #infotainment
A Jalopnik columnist argues that the old DIN and double-DIN standards for car stereos enabled cheaper, DIY-friendly upgrades and simpler, more reliable audio in dashboards, while modern integrated infotainment systems are slower, uglier, and harder to upgrade; the piece laments the industry shift away from standardized head units and suggests keeping or returning to DIN-like solutions for true customization and easier repairs.
Lexus again leads the JD Power 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study with just 151 problems per 100 vehicles, with Buick and MINI following; the industry average rose to a record 204 PP100 as software, infotainment, and connectivity issues dominated owner reports. Plug-in hybrids were the least dependable powertrain, while gasoline vehicles improved, and brands like Volkswagen, Volvo, and Land Rover posted higher problem rates.
Hyundai is launching a completely new third-generation Kona EV with a bolder, boxier, rugged look (mirroring the Santa Fe/Tucson family and inspired by the Crater Concept) and a refreshed Pleos Connect infotainment system. Prototypes spotted in Korea, the US, and Europe suggest a design shift from a mid-cycle refresh, with a launch expected around 2027 for the 2028 model year and powertrain options including pure electric, hybrid, and gasoline.
The 2027 Silverado 1500 debuts with a refreshed design and a broader powertrain lineup, including two new V8s (5.7L and 6.6L), a 2.7L turbo, and a Duramax 3.0L diesel; interior tech gets a major upgrade with an 11.5-inch passenger screen on higher trims, plus a 12.2-inch gauge cluster and a 16.3-inch center display on the base Work Truck. It will be offered in seven trims and built in Flint, Michigan and Tonawanda, New York, with pricing and on-sale timing to be announced; Super Cruise Level 2 is highlighted for towing.
Rivian's Chief Software Officer argues that AI-powered, agent-like infotainment will replace traditional app mirroring—reducing reliance on CarPlay/Android Auto and giving automakers tighter control and new monetization paths—though the tech isn't ready and consumer adoption remains uncertain.
JD Power's 2026 reliability study ranks Volkswagen as the least dependable brand, reporting 301 problems per 100 cars (vs. 204 industry average) largely due to infotainment and exterior issues; Volvo, Land Rover, Jeep, and Audi also ranked poorly, while Lexus and Buick had the fewest problems, and Toyota’s overall score was middling amid rising software-driven complexities in modern cars.
Ford is recalling about 1.74 million U.S. vehicles over rear-view camera display issues caused by overheating in the infotainment module or inverted imagery. The recall covers 2021–2026 Broncos and 2021–2024 Edges, plus 2020–2022 Escapes, 2020–2024 Corsairs, and 2020–2024 Aviators and Explorers. Ford will provide a free APIM software update for Broncos and Edge; a remedy for the other models is under development with owner notices to follow. Drivers can check VINs on the NHTSA or Ford recall sites; no injuries have been reported.
iOS 26.4 beta code suggests Apple is building an AirPlay-like feature for CarPlay that would let users stream Apple TV to a car’s dashboard, with a parked‑only restriction to keep driving safe. Apple TV would be available first, potentially followed by other apps like YouTube or Twitch. If realized, this could deepen iPhone ecosystem lock‑in as Tesla and other automakers pursue CarPlay integration.
Ars Technica reviews the 2026 Mazda CX-5, which grows in size for more interior space and introduces a Google-based Android Automotive OS infotainment system with a large touchscreen and a new touch-based interface (no rotary controller). It’s a global model starting at $29,990, powered by a Skyactiv-G 4‑cylinder (187 hp) with a 6‑speed automatic, and while refined to drive, it remains more of a comfortable family SUV than a performance model; real-world fuel economy sits in the low- to mid-20s mpg, with a Hybird version coming next year and lifetime software updates to the system.
Apple's CarPlay Ultra, initially exclusive to luxury cars like Aston Martin, may soon be available in the more affordable Hyundai Ioniq 3, an electric vehicle expected to cost around $35,000 with a 365-mile range, potentially making advanced Apple integration accessible to a broader audience.
Apple's iOS 26 beta introduces significant updates to CarPlay, including customizable widgets for easier access to time, controls, and notifications, a new Liquid Glass interface for better visual layering, tapbacks for quick messaging responses, and Live Activities for real-time updates, addressing many user frustrations with current car interfaces.
Lucid Air vehicles now support Android Auto through an over-the-air update to Lucid OS 2.7.0, allowing seamless use of Android smartphones for maps, media, and messaging via wired or wireless connection, enhancing the vehicle's infotainment system.
Polestar confirms it will offer Apple's CarPlay Ultra in future electric vehicles, although no specific timeline has been provided. CarPlay Ultra, which offers deep integration with vehicle systems, is currently available in Aston Martin models and is expected to be adopted by other automakers like Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis over the next year or more.
GM's decision to reject Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in favor of its own integrated infotainment system is criticized for prioritizing car-specific user interfaces over the seamless experience users have with their phones. Critics argue that people prefer the continuity of their phone's interface in cars, as they spend more time using their phones than driving. The article suggests that GM's approach reflects a misunderstanding of user priorities, as most drivers want their phone's functionality to integrate smoothly with their vehicle's system.
GM's decision to eliminate CarPlay from its electric vehicles has faced criticism and a rocky start, particularly with the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV. In a recent interview, GM's software VP Baris Cetinok, who joined after the decision was made, defended the move, emphasizing the company's goal to create a deeply integrated and seamless infotainment experience. Despite initial challenges, GM believes this strategy will ultimately enhance customer satisfaction by offering a fully integrated vehicle and software ecosystem.