Best Cars With Android Auto for 2017

These Are the Best 2017 Cars With Android Auto

Americans have embraced their smartphones like no other technological innovation in recent memory. Smartphones are everywhere and it seems that they can do just about anything that once required a cellphone, a computer, a camera, a music player, or a navigation system.

For smartphones using Google’s Android operating system, starting with version 5.0, it has been possible for several years to tap into the smartphone’s capability using the infotainment systems in selected automobiles. All that is required is a car equipped with Android Auto.  

With this feature, the smartphone’s functions can be accessed and operated using the car’s electronics. Android Auto is compatible with touch-screen-equipped vehicles and with voice recognition systems. It also works with a long list of apps, including Google Maps and Google Play Music, as well as several Internet music services. First offered by Hyundai in 2015, Android Auto is now available on many models. Here are some of the best, and remember, many cars that are compatible with Android Auto also work with Apple CarPlay.  

• Read the 2017 Honda Accord Full Review
• See 2017 Honda Accord Photos
• See Midsize Cars Rankings

Audi A7

As one of the top finishers in the U.S. News assessment of luxury large cars, the Audi A7 has many virtues. The A7 is a hatchback, which makes it exceptionally flexible when it comes to carrying people or cargo. The engines are powerful and refined while the ride is smooth and the handling is solid. All-wheel drive is standard. So, too, are Android Auto and Apple Car Play.

• Read the 2017 Audi A7 Full Review
• See 2017 Audi A7 Photos
• See Luxury Large Cars Rankings

Kia Sportage

Highly ranked in the U.S. News evaluation of compact SUVs, the completely redesigned 2017 Kia Sportage offers an all-too-rare combination of a comfortable ride and sporty handling. The interior delivers spacious seating, though cargo space does not stand out in this field. Numerous high tech features are available, including Android Auto and Apple Car Play, which are optional on the base LX model and standard on the EX and SX Turbo trim levels.

• Read the 2017 Kia Sportage Full Review
• See 2017 Kia Sportage Photos
• See Compact SUVs Rankings

Cadillac CTS

Buyers seeking a highly-ranked luxury midsize car have to consider the Cadillac CTS, one of U.S. News’ highest ranked luxury vehicles. The CTS has impressed owners and critics with its powerful engines, crisp handling, and luxuriously trimmed cabin. As for high tech, the CTS has a long list of standard features that include Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system with its 8-inch touch screen, hands-free text messaging, an OnStar 4G LTE connection with a Wi-Fi hot spot, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. There is even wireless charging for compatible smartphones. 

• Read the 2017 Cadillac CTS Full Review
• See 2017 Cadillac CTS Photos
• See Luxury Midsize Cars Rankings

Honda Accord

It should be no surprise that one of the best-selling sedans in America, the Honda Accord, is also one of the highest rated vehicles in the U.S. News assessment of midsize cars. Honda’s Accord does most things well, including delivering a comfortable ride and a roomy interior that accommodates adults nicely in the front and rear.

Buyers seeking the latest in technology will want to skip the LX, Sport, and Sport SE trim levels. Instead, they should look at the EX, EX-L, or the Touring trim level, which include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. 

• Read the 2017 Honda Accord Full Review
• See 2017 Honda Accord Photos
• See Midsize Cars Rankings

Ford Focus

In the highly competitive compact car arena, the Ford Focus turns in an above average performance. The Focus distinguishes itself with its athletic handling and smooth ride. While the backseat is a tight fit for adults, the interior features above average materials and very good fit and finish. As for high-tech connectivity options, Ford, a recent arrival at the Android Auto party, now offers this feature as part of the SYNC 3 infotainment upgrade. Apple CarPlay is also part of the package.

• Read the 2017 Ford Focus Full Review
• See 2017 Ford Focus Photos
• See Compact Cars Rankings

Chevrolet Bolt EV

The new 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV could be seen as offering the ultimate high tech feature, pure electric operation. Since the Bolt is a battery powered electric car that can, under the right circumstances, travel more than 230 miles on a single charge, it should also handily overcome range anxiety. This is a psychological barrier that keeps many buyers from considering electric vehicles that can travel fewer than 100 miles before needing to stop for recharging.

Inside the passenger cabin, the Bolt has more high tech features. These include a 10.2-inch touch-screen infotainment system and Wi-Fi hot spot connectivity. This system also supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

• Read the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt Full Review
• See 2017 Chevrolet Bolt Photos
• See Compact Cars Rankings

Hyundai Sonata

The Hyundai Sonata is one of the best midsize cars currently available. It features ample room, including plenty of space for luggage in the trunk, a comfortable ride, and above average fuel economy. Features abound, and while the optional Tech Package is offered only on the Limited, which is the Sonata’s top trim level, all models feature Android Auto connectivity, along with Apple CarPlay. 

• Read the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Full Review
• See 2017 Hyundai Sonata Photos
• See Midsize Cars Rankings

Buick LaCrosse

In its evaluation of the completely redesigned 2017 Buick LaCrosse, U.S. News wrote that this large sedan might offer the best balance between performance and comfort in the large car segment. While some of the latest high tech safety features, such as forward collision warning with emergency braking and blind spot alert, are options available only on the top trim level, the ability to connect to a compatible smartphone using Android Auto is standard in every LaCrosse. Apple CarPlay connectivity is also standard across the lineup. 

• Read the 2017 Buick LaCrosse Full Review
• See 2017 Buick LaCrosse Photos
• See Large Cars Rankings

Chevrolet Camaro

Responsive, secure and highly capable handling, combined with a very good ride, were just two of reasons the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro landed in a top spot among sports cars in the U.S. News assessment of these fun-to-drive vehicles. Powerful V6 and V8 engine options also played a part in the Camaro’s high finish, as does its better than average fuel efficiency when compared to direct competitors. As for the latest in connectivity features, you’ll have to upgrade to the Chevrolet MyLink system with an 8-inch screen to get Android Auto. Apple CarPlay is also included.  

• Read the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro Full Review
• See 2017 Chevrolet Camaro Photos
• See Sports Cars Rankings

Honda Ridgeline

Taking a little time off can pay dividends. Take, for example, the new 2017 Honda Ridgeline. After taking a sabbatical year – actually two years – the Ridgeline is back, completely redesigned and better than ever. Credit its smooth ride and a versatile interior that is both comfortable for passengers and capable of impressive flexibility when it comes to transporting items you don’t want exposed to the weather in the cargo bed. Models with the 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system also include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

• Read the 2017 Honda Ridgeline Full Review
• See 2017 Honda Ridgeline Photos
• See Compact Pickup Trucks Rankings

More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report

If you’re looking to get your hands on one of these tech-savvy vehicles, head over to our best lease deals and financing deals pages. There, you’ll find a list of all the best incentives manufacturers are currently offering.

Once you’re ready to buy, be sure to use the U.S. News Best Price Program, where you can save an average of $3,279 off your new car purchase.