8 Best New Cars, Trucks, and SUVs with Apple CarPlay for 2021-2022
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Apple’s CarPlay takes the best of your iPhone and displays that content on a car’s infotainment system. The dashboard system replicates the look and the feel of the iPhone with a car-friendly touch interface. For new car owners with an iPhone, CarPlay is a must-have option found on an increasing number of cars each year. Below is our choice of the best new cars for 2021-2022 that include CarPlay as a standard feature in some, if not all of its trims.
Best Compact SUV | 2021 Honda CR-V
Known for its longevity, the Honda CR-V is one of the top compact SUVs on the market. It is roomy and gets excellent gas mileage for its size. Unfortunately, the 2021 CR-V’s base LX model comes with a limited infotainment system. You’ll need to upgrade to a higher trim level to gain Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, wireless device charging, and more. The Honda CR-V is also available in a hybrid configuration with a slightly higher price tag.
Best Hybrid | 2021 Toyota Prius Prime
The Toyota Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid hatchback that boasts 54 MPG as a hybrid and up to 25 miles range on electricity alone. One of the first hybrid vehicles, the Prius is beloved by many. The 2021 model keeps most features like roomy cargo space and the cozy cabin that made the car so famous. Like the 2021 Camry, the Prius Prime offers a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six speakers, and more.
Best Sedan | 2021 Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry mid-size family sedan is a reliable commuter car that doubles as a family roadster when you don’t need the space of a minivan. The Camry boasts a roomy interior and a smooth-riding chassis that gives it a bit of a luxury feel. Even the entry-level LE model is luxurious, featuring a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker audio setup, and a 4.2-inch instrument cluster display.
Best Crossover | 2021 Kia Sorento
The 2021 Kia Sorento offers wireless Apple CarPlay allowing you to connect to the infotainment system without any cumbersome cables. Have two drivers with different phones? Not to worry, the Sorento also ships with wireless Android Auto for the Google fanboys in your life. The base model includes an 8-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker stereo, and HD Radio.
Best Truck | 2021 Ford F-150
Starting in 2021, Ford’s F-150 lineup of trucks will ship with wireless Apple CarPlay as a standard feature. Apple’s wireless CarPlay is integrated into the company’s SYNC 4 entertainment system, which includes an 8-inch touchscreen with a Wi-Fi hotspot and Bluetooth connectivity even on the base model. Owners simply can place their iPhone on the truck’s wireless charging pad, and the truck’s entertainment system will automatically connect to Apple Maps, Music, and more.
Best Mid-Size SUV | 2021 Kia Telluride
The 2021 Kia Telluride is for the family that wants the roomy passenger and cargo space of a minivan, without the bland design. The Kia Telluride offers a rugged styling of an SUV with a respectable 291 horsepower V6 engine and a stable drivetrain that can handle dirt and paved roads with ease. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all models.
Best Sports Car | 2021 Ford Mustang
The 2021 Ford Mustang mixes the classic fun of the muscle car era with modern styling and 310 horsepower standard – but the base model’s entertainment system is underwhelming, with a 4.2-inch display and a six-speaker stereo. You’ll want to upgrade to a higher trim to get Apple CarPlay or Android Auto on an 8-inch touchscreen and a nine-speaker stereo.
Best Minivan | 2021 Honda Odyssey
The 2021 Honda Odyssey is one of the top minivans, a position it has held since its debut in 1995. The current model is extra roomy with three rows of seats and a spacious cargo area suitable for a family and its gear. CarPlay owners will need to upgrade to a higher trim to get CarPlay support along with an 8-inch touch screen, satellite radio, and HD Radio.
Why You May Want CarPlay
CarPlay offers a significant benefit to iPhone owners who can work while they drive. CarPlay lets users send and receive text messages, listen to voicemails and make phone calls using the car’s built-in touchscreen and Siri voice control. Owners also can check their schedules and navigate using Apple Maps. Some CarPlay-compatible auto systems have wireless charging pads that connect the iPhone to the CarPlay audio system wirelessly.
