Top 10 most satisfying infotainment systems
Unlike your smartphone or tablet, the infotainment system in your car is not meant to entertain. That six- to eight-inch, centrally mounted screen performs such key tasks as heating and cooling the cabin, finding the best route home, making phone calls, avoiding traffic or finding your favourite music — all without causing too much of a distraction. Sure, that’s impossible because any time your eyes leave the road you are distracted; but some systems are clearly better at simplifying tasks so you can get back to the job of driving, while others require a cumbersome waltzing of fingers and touch-screen buttons.
In the U.S., Consumer Reports recently surveyed owners of more than 58,000 vehicles between the years 2013 and 2016, asking them how satisfied they were with the system in their vehicles. Systems with big, easy-to-see numbers and buttons — including a good ol’ fashioned radio volume knob — fared better than those with small fonts and lazy touch-screen controls. Those that require costly navigation updates got docked. And just because a car is expensive didn’t mean it got the best marks — Cadillac’s Cue system, for instance, was widely criticized ( just as we have been saying for years).
Many manufacturers are now also employing Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to mirror the functions of your smartphone to simplify the whole process, but not all are embracing it.
These 10 systems scored a “very satisfied” rating by respondents to the CR survey.
1.
Fiat-Chrysler’s Uconnect — 70 per cent very satisfied
Available on Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Fiat vehicles, FCA’s Uconnect has consistently received high marks from auto writers and owners alike for its 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect system. Good Bluetooth and voice command capabilities — now integrating with Siri Eyes Free — Uconnect offers simple, intuitive functions in a clear and logical layout for every function, from navigation to audio settings. Max screen size: 8.4-inch Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: Yes
2.
Hyundai Blue Link — 63 per cent very satisfied
One of the few to combine a sharp display, intuitive menus and consistently good functionality with inoffensive colours, Hyundai’s system employs features normally found in more expensive cars. Voice commands and Bluetooth connectivity are fast and simple. Some fonts can be small, however, and preset radio stations have, in the past, been limited. Max screen size: 8.0-inch Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: Yes
3.
BMW iDrive — 60 per cent very satisfied
Once the most criticized system on the market, BMW’s iDrive is now one of the best. Using a combination of knobs, buttons and now touch-screen controls, the learning curve on BMW’s system can still be long, but once the jiggling and toggling of the central knob is figured out and the sub menus explored, the system is highly satisfying. Graphic quality, speed, colours and sharpness on the Control Display monitor, available in either 6.5- or 8.8-inch, are excellent and fall nicely in line with the driver’s line of sight. Max screen size: 8.8-inch Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: Coming
4. Kia — 57 per cent very satisfied
Similar to Hyundai, Kia’s system uses knobs, buttons and touch controls. Its UVO integration system connects to your smartphone to stream music or sync navigation and other functions. Basic screens are 4.3 inches but now go to eight inches on high-end models with navigation. Max screen size: 8.0-inch Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: Yes
5. Audi — 57 per cent very satisfied
Audi’s MMI, or multimedia interface, gets better and better every year, boasting a classy look and high-mount seven-inch display that tucks, or folds, away depending on the model. A central rotary/push-button control and toggle switches complement a touchpad control (with handwriting recognition in some models). An available “virtual cockpit” moves navigation from the main screen to the central cluster where it’s easier to see. It also offers Google maps in 3D with real-time traffic. Max screen size: 7.0-inch Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: Yes
6. GM — 57 per cent very satisfied
Simple to master, GM’s touchscreen controls (MyLink for Chevrolet, IntelliLink for GMC) complement GM’s highly regarded OnStar (which summons a human assistant) with clearly defined buttons for audio, phone, navigation, vehicle settings and other controls. Screen sizes vary from seven to eight inch, and screens can get messy with fingerprints. Some swipe controls, notably those to set radio presets, can be tricky. Max screen size: 8.0-inch Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: Yes
7.
Lexus — 56 per cent very satisfied
Customizable screens allow drivers to put the things they use most often at their fingertips and a touchpad that sits close at hand is easy to use and reactive. A mouse controller can be, well, just like using a mouse, and not always deadly accurate. Phone contacts and destination settings can only be accessed when the vehicle is stationary, restricting passengers from making inputs.
Max screen size: 8.0-inch Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: No
8.
Nissan/Infiniti — 54 per cent very satisfied
A new interface for Nissan systems with better graphics and response rates rolls out for 2017, although prior to 2017 the system still earned relatively high marks. NissanConnect brings navigation through an eight-inch colour display that gets smartphone-like icons and gestures, plus a voiceactivated assistant for navigation and audio. Max screen size: 8.0-inch Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: Yes
9.
Volvo — 52 per cent very satisfied
Volvo takes the standard horizontal screen and tilts it vertically in tablet-like fashion, which is more intuitive for navigation. Older models made use of knobs and buttons that are eschewed in the newer and upcoming ones, which require plenty of swiping to move between functions. While some fonts can be small, clarity is excellent and most operations are highly intuitive. Max screen size: 9.7-inch Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: Yes
10.
Mercedes-Benz — 51 per cent very satisfied
Similar to Audi’s MMI, Mercedes’ Comand system is easy to navigate with classy-looking layouts and stunning graphics. An optional 8.4-inch screen displays functions controlled by a large rotary dial and new touchpad with swipe functions. And although the touchpad and rotary dial can do the same things, the rotary brings more consistent performance. Some of the menu architecture can be complicated. Max screen size: 8.4-inch Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: Yes