Edmunds: The top 6 infotainment systems available in 2023
What features do you consider a priority when buying a car? Horsepower or cargo space are often mentioned, but the reality is that today’s vehicles are quite similar in how they drive and how much stuff they can hold. However, there is one feature that still makes a big difference: a vehicle’s infotainment system.
A new vehicle’s center screen, software interface, audio system, and associated features — all commonly known as the infotainment system — are as varied as the myriad makes and models you’ll find on dealer lots. But when shopping, there’s no easy way to tell if a particular vehicle’s infotainment system is innovative and easy to use or slow to respond and counterintuitive.
To speed up your new vehicle buying process, Edmunds automotive experts have identified six of the best vehicle operating systems available today. These systems stand out from Edmunds’ tests for their user-friendly interfaces, crisp graphics, useful features, and overall reliability. Note that this article focuses on the latest infotainment systems from the car manufacturers that are typically found in all-new or recently updated vehicles.
FORD SYNC 4
Ford has been developing and improving its Sync operating system since it debuted more than 15 years ago. The latest version, Sync 4, has an intuitive nature, especially in the way it accepts voice commands that aren’t clunky and robotic like those found in some competing infotainment systems. Sync 4 enables over-the-air software updates and appears on a large touchscreen of up to 15.5 inches. In fact, Sync 4 is available in some of Ford’s most popular vehicles, including the F-150 pickup and Mustang Mach-E.
HYUNDAI INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM and KIA CONNECT
Hyundai and Kia are business cousins. The two automakers have separate identities, but work together on shared engines, vehicle platforms and vehicle infotainment systems. The Hyundai Infotainment system and Kia Connect are straightforward yet fully featured in their operation. In fact, the functionality of the nearly identical systems is excellent, whether you’re in a fuel-efficient car like the Hyundai Elantra or a three-row SUV like the Kia Telluride. For example, in the recently updated 2023 Telluride, the 12.3-inch touchscreen has large icons and very fast response times.
GENERAL ANDROID AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEM
General Motors has also recently focused on Google’s Android Automotive operating system and it can now be found in models such as the GMC Hummer EV, Chevrolet Suburban and the Cadillac Lyriq electric SUV. It’s one of the better infotainment systems available, as it includes native Google Maps, quick responses and high-definition graphics. In the 2023 Suburban, a 10.2-inch screen is fitted to all but the base trim level. Google Assistant voice commands provide handy shortcuts, and Apple users can still use CarPlay and Siri integration. It is also complemented by wireless smartphone connectivity.
MERCEDES BENZ MBUX
Having multiple ways to control a vehicle’s operating system keeps in mind that not every car buyer is the same. Some prefer touchscreen input, while others like intuitive voice commands or more tactile controls. This is part of what makes Mercedes-Benz’s latest MBUX interface so good. This feature-rich system can be operated via touchscreen, natural voice commands or touchpad controls. In the Mercedes GLE SUV from 2023MBUX comes with smartphone connectivity and a navigation system that delivers wonderfully clear turn-by-turn directions using enhanced overlays projected onto the windshield in conjunction with the available head-up information display.
STELLANTIS UCONNECT 5
As with Ford Sync, the Uconnect operating system used in Stellantis brands including Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler and Ram has evolved and gotten better with each update. The system is also not limited to expensive high-end models. From the throwback Dodge Challenger muscle car to the rock-crawling Jeep Wrangler, Uconnect 5 is responsive and easy to use. In the past, Uconnect was usually paired with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, but recent models, such as the new Dodge Hornet or 2024 Wrangler, have larger screens.
TOYOTA AUDIO MULTIMEDIA
Toyota has dramatically improved its infotainment system over the past year. The latest vehicles, such as the Tundra pickup and redesigned Prius, have a large touchscreen that responds to your touch and looks sharp. The onscreen menus are easy to understand and wireless connectivity for CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard. This new Toyota system also supports natural language voice commands, over-the-air software updates and the ability to pair two devices via Bluetooth.
EDMUNDS SAYS:
A modern car is only as good as its infotainment system. Testing the car’s technology before making a purchase decision is vital to understanding how it will perform on a day-to-day basis.
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This story has been provided to The associated press through the car website Edmunds.
Nick Kurczewski is an employee at Edmunds and is up Twitter And Instagram
