2016 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul blends fun with practicality and ranks No. 2 in our hatchbacks category. The car’s unique, squared-off shape yields class-topping interior space and generous room for four adults. If children are in the equation, the Soul will fit five passengers with ease.
The Soul boasts some of the best reliability ratings and safety scores in the class. While it won’t win any races, the base engine will suffice for daily use, and the optional 164-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder provides sufficient power.
The Soul + trim, with Kia’s UVO infotainment system and 8-inch display, will set you up with Android Auto. Fortunately, the + trim includes the larger engine and a rearview camera and starts at $19,400 with the necessary audio package. The Kia Soul EV, available in limited areas, offers the system as standard on the top two trims, starting at $33,950.
The Kia Soul is our 2016 Best Compact Car for Families.
2017 Honda Accord
For those looking for a sedan, the midsize Honda Accord receives our top ranking. The tried-and-true Accord is a fantastic family sedan and daily commuter. Interior materials border on luxury, matched with comfortable seats and high-tech features.
The Accord pairs ample passenger and cargo space with the best in standard and available safety features. The base engine provides noticeable acceleration with outstanding fuel economy, and an optional V6 delivers extra muscle. The EX trim starts at $25,730 and comes with the necessary 7-inch touch-screen display for powering Android Auto.
2017 Hyundai Sonata
The No. 2-ranked 2017 Hyundai Sonata offers a spacious interior and cavernous cargo space. All three engine options will get you to your destination with confidence.
The Sonata is built on value, with a rearview camera, a touch-screen infotainment system, and other notable standard features in the base trim. It is one of the few non-luxury models offering Android Auto compatibility in the base trim. You can get a Hyundai Sonata starting at only $21,600.
2017 Buick LaCrosse
If you are looking for a large sedan, the fully redesigned 2017 Buick LaCrosse should fit your needs. Balancing performance and comfort, it takes the No. 2 spot in our large car rankings. The powerful engine is very fuel efficient, and the cabin is expansive and refined.
The LaCrosse comes with Buick’s IntelliLink infotainment system in all trims. It has a standard 8-inch touch screen and supports Android Auto. Also included is a Teen Driver system and a rearview camera.
2017 Cadillac CTS
For those in need of a midsize sedan with more luxury and power than the Honda Accord or the Hyundai Sonata, the 2017 Cadillac CTS, ranked No. 1 in luxury midsize cars, should satisfy. With up to an impressive 640 horsepower, matched with nimble handling, the CTS is a pleasure to drive.
The driver-oriented CTS offers a gorgeous interior, with a cockpit that feels like a sports car. However, the designers' focus was not on rear passenger room or cargo space, and they are unimpressive
All CTS trims come with Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system with 8-inch touch screen and Android Auto. Other notable standard features include an 11-speaker Bose audio system, a rearview camera, and wireless mobile device charging.
2017 Kia Sportage
The 2017 Kia Sportage is No. 2 in our compact SUV rankings. The Sportage has an upscale, spacious interior stocked full of standard features and plenty of options. It blends the comfort of a larger SUV with the nimble handling of a sporty sedan. The rear seats provide class-leading passenger room.
Kia’s UVO 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Android Auto is available in the base LX trim with the Popular Package and Cool and Connected Package for a starting price of $25,585. The upper-level EX, priced at $26,395, and the SX Turbo, priced at $32,500, include the system as standard. Also, an 8-inch touch-screen display with navigation is available in the EX and standard in the SX Turbo.
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe
If the Kia Sportage doesn’t offer enough room for your needs, the 3-row Hyundai Santa Fe midsize SUV, may be the answer. Refreshed for 2017, the Santa Fe offers a new driving mode selection system, along with new touch-screen infotainment displays and additional safety and driver assistance features.
The 7-passenger Santa Fe comes with an aggressive 3.3-liter V6 engine. Also available is the smaller, 2-row Santa Fe Sport, powered by a 2.4-liter four cylinder or a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four. Aside from the base Sport trim, all Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport trims support Android Auto with a standard 7-inch display, or an 8-inch touch-screen display. The Sport 2.0T trim starts at $31,700, and the larger, base Santa Fe starts at $30,800.
2016 Chevrolet Tahoe
While the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe, No. 1 in large SUVs, has no problem towing heavy loads, and it handles surprisingly well. It offers one of the most luxurious cabins of all large SUVs. Added to this, the Tahoe’s 355-horsepower V8 engine provides athletic performance.
The high-end cabin offers an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Android Auto, a rearview camera, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and tri-zone climate control. All of this is standard in the base Tahoe LS, starting at $47,000.
2016 GMC Canyon
If a pickup truck suits your needs better than a sedan or SUV, the highly-ranked GMC Canyon provides a smooth ride, with high-quality cabin materials and user-friendly tech. The Canyon, ranked No. 3 in compact pickup trucks, offers strong engines, including a super-efficient turbodiesel that is great for towing.
To get Android Auto in the Canyon, you need to have GMC’s IntelliLink infotainment system with the 8-inch touch screen. While it is not available in the base model, the system is a standard feature in the two upper trims. The SLE trim starts at $27,795 and also includes the option of the turbodiesel engine.
2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
For those that need a full-size truck, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is our No. 2-ranked large pickup truck. It provides an upscale interior with user-friendly infotainment systems paired with powerful V6 and V8 engine options.
The V8 engines, at 355 horsepower and an even more-impressive 420 horsepower, are best bets when it comes to towing and muscular acceleration. However, the 285-horsepower V6 is capable and efficient.
Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system is available with 7- and 8-inch touch-screen displays and can be added to any trim for as low as $375. Silverado pricing starts at $27,195.
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These Top-Ranked Cars and Trucks Make Using Your Smartphone a Breeze
Android Auto is a connectivity technology produced by Google. It lets drivers use their car’s built-in infotainment system to control their Android phone. It provides access to voice calling, text messaging, Google Play music, Google Maps, and a myriad of approved third-party apps.
Automakers are continually adopting Android Auto for use in vehicles. Some models can accept software updates to include the technology. Many 2016 models that do not include the feature will add it as an option for 2017. Some automakers are including Android Auto on a limited number of models, while others, like Chevrolet and Cadillac, will offer it across entire lineups. Toyota and its luxury brand Lexus plan to stick with SmartDeviceLink over Android Auto.
Check out the slideshow to see Android Auto cars, SUVs, and trucks that perform well in U.S. News & World Report rankings.