Hyundai is now supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in more models. There were some reports around the beginning of the year about the updates needed for Apple CarPlay to work with 2015 Hyundai Sonatas. There was also some confusion about the update for Android Auto for 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid owners. We also have information about Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra that starts with a price of $17,985 (including $835 destination) for $100 less than the MSRP of the 2016 model. New for 2017 is a 4G LTE data connection.
We talked with Miles Johnson from Hyundai. He says that Apple CarPlay is not compatible with the navigation software on the 2015 Hyundai Sonata. Hyundai is working on a remedy in which the navigation SD card will be upgraded so that it will work with Apple CarPlay.
Update May 26, 2016: Hyundai announced that Hyundai is releasing free updates for select compatible 2015-2017 Hyundai models with the 7″ touchscreen or Navigation including Sonata, Genesis, Elantra, Tucscon, Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport.
Update March 31, 2016: We received word that new 2016 Hyundai Sonata non-hybrid models are now shipping and are at dealers with dealers. The update to CarPlay for previously purchased 2016 Hyundai Sonatas and 2015 Sonatas with navigation will be free and available later
Usually, the price for a new map SD Card is around $175-$200. Johnson would not comment on the price for the navigation upgrade for the Sonata 2015/2016. Some reports stated that Hyundai would charge for the CarPlay update. Hyundai technically is not charging for the CarPlay update but for the new telematics mapping SD Card that is compatible with Apple CarPlay. We suspect the price to around $100. The update is expected to be within the first quarter of 2016.
Hyundai sated in a recent news release “In early 2016, Hyundai will have additional information regarding the availability of CarPlay and Android Auto on other models. This will include information on how existing owners of compatible vehicles with Hyundai’s fourth-generation navigation system or Display Audio can update their vehicles with these features.”
On the other front, of 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid owners who have navigation. Hyundai is working on the update for Android Auto which is compatible with 2016 models.
Before buying a 2017 Hyundai Elantra, be aware that all Elantras come standard with iPhone USB and auxiliary input jacks and SiriusXM satellite radio. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay require 7″ and 8″ displays.
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra launches this month with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for those equipped with 7″ and 8″ navigation system with voice texting, access to music stored on the phone and third-party audio apps.
For the popular equipment package with the 7″ display the price is $800 that also adds, a rearview camera w/ dynamic guidelines, auto headlamp control, 16” alloy wheels, steering wheel audio controls, cruise control and heated outside mirrors.
The 8″ display is part Limited Tech Package for $2,500 with
– Infinity premium audio w/ 8 speakers inc. center channel & subwoofer
– Clari-fi Music Restoration Technology
– 4.2” color TFT instrument cluster display
– Power sunroof
– Heated rear seats
– Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink and compass.
CarPlay lets drivers make calls, get directions optimized for traffic conditions, listen to music, and access messages. With CarPlay, Siri provides drivers an eyes-free experience by responding to requests through voice commands that are easily and directly accessed through the steering wheel’s voice button. Using a Lightning connector, CarPlay works with iPhone 5 and current models running the iOS 7.1 or higher operating systems. Elantra provides an available second USB port for charging because of this wired connection.
Functionality allows owners of compatible vehicles to use the voice command button on the steering wheel to ask Siri questions without taking their eyes off the road. Siri Eyes Free supports making calls, selecting and playing music, composing and reading back text messages, using Maps and getting directions, reading notifications, finding calendar information, and adding reminders, among other functions.
CarPlay compatible apps are
- Podcasts
- Audiobooks
- iHeartRadio
- At Bat from MLB.com
- Spotify
- Stitcher
- CBS Radio
- Overcast – podcast app.
- Audiobooks.com
- Audible
- Pandora
- Slacker Radio
- Vox
Elantra is also compatible with Android Auto for Google Maps, streaming audio, voice-controlled search capabilities and over 40 approved smartphone apps. Android Auto is compatible with Android phones running Android 5.0, Lollipop or higher.
Integration with Google’s voice actions and predictive Google Now functionality through Android Auto. Android Auto functionality allows owners of compatible vehicles to find destinations in Google Maps, set appointment reminders, make and receive calls, respond to text messages with intuitive voice commands, and more.
Android Auto Compatible Apps
- Android Auto
- OnChatt
- Radio Paradise
- KSL News
- DoggCatcher Podcast Player
- OverDrive
- Pandora Radio
- Amazon Music with Prime Music
- Nextplus Free SMS Text + Calls
- 7digital Music Store
- MLB.com At Bat
- Player FM: Podcast offline!
- BBC Media Player
- Open Radio
- Radio Sound
- LibriVox Audio Books Free
- djay FREE – DJ Mix Remix Music
- EvolveSMS
- IRCCloud
- audioBoom
- Voice Infos
- Telegram
- WhatsApp Messenger
- Spotify Music
- Skype – free IM & video calls
- Stitcher Radio for Podcasts
- BeyondPod Podcast Manager
- Mudaas – Discover New Music
- Text Me – Free Texting & Calls
- iHeartRadio Free Music & Radio
- NPR One
- Contacts +
- Kik
- Hangouts
- Pocket Casts
- LibriVox Audio Books Supporter
- Talkray Free Calls Texts Chats
- Google Play Music
- textPlus Free Text + Calls
- Threema
- TuneIn Radio – Radio & Music
- icq video calls & chat
The new multi-touch screen supports swipe gestures and a the new home screen has multiple functions.
Display Audio combines the best of phone-based connectivity technologies with Blue Link. Blue Link provides a full suite of safety and diagnostic features, as well as features that are only possible with an embedded telematics system, such as remote engine start, stolen vehicle recovery and remote door lock/unlock.
Hyundai’s eight-inch navigation system offers an enhanced display and home screen that shows map and music information, regardless of the music source.
Blue Link brings connectivity directly into the car with technology like Remote Start with Climate Control, a Monthly Vehicle Health Report, Remote Door Lock/Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Recovery. Remote features can be accessed via Hyundai’s smartphone app or Web portal. Blue Link also features maintenance alerts and safety features, such as Automatic Collision Notification and SOS. The next-generation Blue Link system uses a 4G connection. The Blue Link Connected Care package includes safety and diagnostic features and is standard for one year on equipped models.
BLue Link remote services are free for the first three months and $99 a year after that. The connected care package is free for the frist year and $99 a year there after. The guidance package is free for the first three months and $99 a year after the trial ends.
Android Auto is currently available on 2015 and 2016 Sonata models.
Recently I bought a Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited, and was disappointed to find out that it did not included Apple CarPlay. Today when I called HyundaiUSA the Customer Service person told me that he did not know when CarPlay will be available for that model, I asked if it would be days, weeks, months or years and he responded that it would not be years; still a non answer as I still do not not whether CarPlay will be available at all.
I have talked to Hyundai PR reps they are working on it. The last time they gave a date they were late, so they are not giving out dates.
Hi ,, I just bought a 2015 Sonata Hyprid Limited and I can’t find the download link in my Hyundai . any advice
As far as we know the Hybrid doesn’t have Android Auto or CarPlay, yet. They are working on it.
Who cares? I don’t want to be looking at my phone while I’m driving anyway!!! It’s a very unsafe distraction!
Hi Lynn. I purchased a 16′ Sonata Eco that automatically includes the popular equipment package. It does have Android Auto but no Carplay. I read the article – would the update be available for the 16′ Sonata with just the popular equipment package(no factory navigation)?
You’ll have to contact Hyundai. The good news is that you have Android Auto, some Hybrid owners didn’t get it. If Android Auto runs, most likely CarPlay will work. Only Hyundai knows for sure.
Why are hybrid cars not on the list?
When I talked to Hyundai PR, it turns out the headunits are different for the hybrids.
Hyundai maintains that they are working on the situation.
I purchased a 2015 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T Limited Sport back in August 2015. It came with Android Auto but not Apple Carplay. I own an iPhone. I contacted my dealer to find out when the Apple Carplay SD card would be available. I was told that it would not be offered for the 2015 Hyundai Sonata. I hope that’s not true.
I’m about to buy a 2016 Hyundai Hybrid Sonata (in about 3 days), where’s the press release for this? I don’t want to commit to a vehicle several years (financing) if there’s no groundwork for it to be still “relevant” in some years (I believe android auto is gonna help keep features up to date on cars)
According to the Hyundai USA website:
Android Auto is currently available in the 2015 Sonata with navigation. The compatible navigation system with 8-inch touchscreen display is available on the 2015 Sonata Sport, Eco, Limited, 2.0T and Limited 2.0T models. Android Auto is standard on 2016 Sonata SE, Sport, Sport 2.0T, Eco, Limited and Limited 2.0T. Not currently available on Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid models.
I was told my 2015 hybrid would have it last year. I’m still waiting. Wait for it to be installed before you but.
Why is there a compatibility issue with the built in Maps? Car Play should be using Apple Maps, that is part of the point of the system.
Why should I have to upgrade my Hyundai maps if I am going to be using mapping from my phone? There should be no charge to update the software to be compatible anyway. I do not need new Hyundai maps (that should be auto updating anyway).
If anything Hyundai should be paying me for not delivering a feature that was promised in April 2014 and was a key deciding factor in purchasing my 2015 Sonata.
The question is, if it was working on all those youtube demos 2 years ago, what changed to make it not work, or were all those demos fake.
I agree…well said. I feel really screwed by Hyundai. I have owned four of them in the past…but this will be the last one.
Hi Lynn,
I just bought a Sonata SE. Any ETA on the SD card for upgrade to Carplay?
Hi Lynn, thanks for the update. Did Hyundai give any ETA on the Android Auto release for 2016 Hybrid Sonata’s. Early 2016 is kind of nebulous.
Since they made the announcements, they keep changing the dates. For instance at first they said the updates would be out in 2015, then they said Model Year 2015. Now that they realize giving date causes problems they stopped giving out dates. I know they are closed because at one point they said a few weeks! They will follow what the wireless companies learned by just saying soon…