Which 2016 Cars Have Android Auto?

If you're among the millions who crave the ability to seamlessly link your smartphone to their vehicle, the 2016 model year looks to be a giant step in that direction.

Related: Which 2016 Cars Have Apple CarPlay?

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which allow users to control smartphone functions such as text messaging, navigation and music through their car's dashboard touch screen, steering wheel buttons and voice commands, are scheduled to become available on more than 30 vehicles during the 2016 model year.

Mass-market brands such as Chevrolet and Volkswagen are getting the jump on many luxury makes by offering CarPlay and Android Auto on most of their models. Both also are scheduled to be available on the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata.

The operative word here is "scheduled" because some automakers said they would offer these features earlier, only to find that integrating a smartphone into a vehicle's audio system is no easy task. On several vehicles, only one of the two systems will be available initially, and the other is supposed to be added later in the model year. It is possible that one or both could be delayed.

These late availability additions will be updated to the 2016 cars already sold so don't worry about buying one now, you'll be able to get your connectivity later either via an update you can do yourself or at the dealer. 

Moreover, CarPlay and Android Auto may require specific audio systems and/or a built-in navigation system on some vehicles.

On the other hand, several automakers have indicated they will soon add CarPlay and Android Auto, so expect more models to get them during the course of the model year. (The list below is accurate as of Sept. 1, 2015). 

We can also confirm that major automakers including Ford - Ford and Lincoln brands - Fiat Chrysler Automobile - Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep and Ram brands - Toyota - Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands - will not include Android Auto in their current slate of 2016 models.

Android Auto is supposed to work with all Android phones with the 5.0 Lollipop operating system. If history is a guide, there's a good chance that all phones won't work equally well, all functions that are supposed to transfer from phone to vehicle won't, and many frustrated users will return to dealerships for help or seek guidance from other equally frustrated users in online forums.

Read our Hands-On Report With GM's Apple CarPlay, Android Auto

The best approach is to try Android Auto before you buy to ensure that it does at least some of what you want and to have realistic expectations that the plug-and-play promise might not be entirely fulfilled.

2016 Vehicles Offering Android Auto

Buick (late availability)
LaCrosse
Regal

Cadillac (late availability)
ATS
CTS
ELR
Escalade
XTS

Chevrolet
(Models with a 7-inch MyLink screen will have Android Auto at launch. Late availability on 8-inch MyLink screen equipped cars)

Camaro
Colorado
Corvette
Cruze
Impala
Malibu
Silverado
Silverado 2500HD/3500HD
Spark
Suburban
Tahoe
Volt

GMC (late availability)
Canyon
Sierra
Sierra 2500HD/3500HD
Yukon
Yukon XL

Honda
Accord (EX, EX-L and Touring)

Hyundai
Sonata

Kia
Optima (late availability)

Volkswagen
Beetle (SE models and higher)
CC (Trend models and higher)
Golf (all trims except base 2-door)
Golf GTI
Golf SportWagen
Golf R
e-Golf
Jetta
Passat
Tiguan

Volvo
XC90 (late availability)

 

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