In 2019, the infotainment system in your car is as indispensable as the steering wheel. No, that’s not really an exaggeration!
The word “infotainment” is sometimes carelessly thrown around without preamble. So let’s first address; What does infotainment system mean?
In the automotive industry, an infotainment system (or In-Vehicle Infotainment -IVI) refers to in-car technologies that bridge the gap between entertainment and information for the driver and passengers. These typically include audiovisual interfaces, touchscreens, keypads, and the likes.
These systems have tremendously evolved since their inception, and though many people assume that this is a relatively new technological advancement, in reality, the first modern infotainment system as we’ve come to know them today was created as far back as 1980!
Buying a car with an infotainment system in Canada takes some doing. There are so many aspects that come together to make the magic happen; internet connectivity, smartphone compatibility, advanced driver assistance features, real-time traffic announcement broadcasts – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Below, we’ve shortlisted the most sought after infotainment features in 2019 and the cars that epitomize these features to the max!
Apple CarPlay Connectivity
Any person who owns a smartphone in the 21st century can sympathize with this cause! By its own admission, Apple CarPlay is a smarter and safer way to connect your iPhone to your vehicle. This savvy feature lets you interact with your phone’s entertainment services through the vehicle’s in-built display.
In 2019, over 100 million people in North America alone own an iPhone. It’s easy to see why the automotive industry has gone all out to integrate this particular feature. An uninterrupted and user-friendly in-car iPhone connection is the golden ticket as far as most drivers are concerned. With Apple CarPlay, you can now make calls, receive and send messages and stream music seamlessly without ever having to take your eyes off the road.
Our Top 3 Picks With Apple CarPlay Connectivity
Android Auto Connectivity
Android isn’t about to relinquish the reins to its counterpart just yet. Android Auto ensures a smooth and seamless connection between your phone’s OS and the car. It comes with a sleek and intuitive interface, integrated steering wheel controls and phenomenal new voice actions.
And just like Apple, its primary focus is to reduce on-road distractions, especially in light of Ontario’s updated distracted driving laws in 2019 that penalize drivers for taking their eyes off the road to interact with a handheld device.
In order to make use of this feature, your phone will require an OS that runs at 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher. With Android Auto, you can interact with your phone’s maps, messaging, radio and music features at just the click of a button.
Our Top 3 Picks With Android Auto Connectivity
Navigation System
Scoring a car with a reliable and regularly updated GPS system isn’t a negotiation but a necessity. While en route, you expect your car to generate quick directions in real time, decipher the fastest route, inform you of changing traffic patterns while also taking into account certain driving preferences.
Depending on the brand, you can invest in add-on GPS packages that further simplify travel and navigation while implementing accident prevention assistance. It is estimated that road conditions in North America change by about 15% every year. You should be able to bank on a system that grants you updated access to millions of miles of roads, highways, streets, signages, traffic conditions, points of interest, restaurants, etc.
The reason we’ve decided to cover this aspect is due to the fact that a common question we get asked is, “Which car has the best navigation system?” Innovative GPS systems come part and parcel with the following 2019 vehicles.
Our Top 3 Picks With Powerful Navigation Systems
Entertainment Services (Audio + Video)
An infotainment system won’t hold much water if it’s doesn’t have a cutting edge audiovisual interface. Ideally, this should offer a wide suite of connectivity services to access your favourite music, radio shows, and podcasts. It should also offer standard features such as being able to double up as a Wi-Fi hotspot, seamless touchpad controls and some form of rear-seat entertainment to boot.
Which car has the biggest touch screen? The all-new 2019 RAM 1500 has a whopping 12-inch touchscreen display. This is second to Tesla’s behemoth 17-inch display.
Another instrumental feature that aids your car’s infotainment is the acoustic system. Bose, Bang & Olufsen and Harmon Kardon are the three leading manufacturers of in-car speakers that deliver crisp, clear and three-dimensional surround sounds.
Below, we answer the most pressing question yet; What cars have the best factory sound system? The brands that deliver phenomenal acoustics in 2019 are Audi, Ford, and Lexus.
Our Top 3 Picks With Innovative AudioVisuals
Infotainment Systems in 2019 Are A Whole New Ball Game
Before you buy your next car, get a free dealer invoice report. That way you’ll be getting the best infotainment features while still saving thousands and thousands of dollars!
Exclusive rebates and certified dealerships are only a click away.
Your dealer invoice report is ready and waiting. Get it here.