Hyundai Launches Android Auto in 2015 Sonata

Current owners and future shoppers of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata will now – as of today – be able to use Android Auto. This is the first application of the Google-powered multimedia system that integrates with an Android smartphone.

Related: 2015 Hyundai Sonata Expert Review

However, the system only works with Sonatas equipped with navigation, which makes the value of using a smartphone’s native GPS system moot. The least expensive Sonata when equipped with navigation is the Sport model at $27,450, including a destination fee. 

Sonata owners will be able to visit a dealer to get the update installed, and later this summer they’ll be able to download the update from Hyundai’s website to a USB drive and install it themselves.

Dealers will make the updates on unsold cars in their lots, which should be completed as of today, according to the automaker.

The benefit of such a system is the familiarity users have with their smartphone functions and bringing that experience to the car.

With Android Auto, entering a destination into Google Maps via the car’s touch-screen will allow the system to use the smartphone’s search history, making it more intuitive.

Features such as appointments, personal reminders, text messaging and others also will be accessed through the system. There’s a slew of music streaming apps and others that will be compatible with Android Auto, including Spotify, Stitcher, Skype, TextMe and more.

Once the smartphone is plugged into the USB port, the device will be locked and unusable until it’s unplugged.

Android Auto will be available on other new Hyundai models later this year.