“Top Cars with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Built-In”

Top Cars with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Built-In in Australia – 2025 Guide

Technology is no longer just a luxury in cars – it’s a necessity. Whether you're an Android user or devoted to the Apple ecosystem, having a vehicle equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is now almost as important as fuel efficiency or safety ratings. In Australia, 2025 models across various price ranges and body styles are increasingly offering this connectivity feature built-in from the base variant.

This guide explores the top cars across categories – from hatchbacks to SUVs and EVs – that offer seamless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We'll cover key models, tech highlights, infotainment ease-of-use, and what to consider when shopping for a connected car.

🧠 Why Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Matter in 2025

In 2025, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are more than just mirror displays – they’re fully integrated platforms that:

• Offer voice-activated control via Siri or Google Assistant
• Provide seamless navigation with Google Maps or Apple Maps
• Stream Spotify, Apple Music, Audible, and more
• Enable hands-free messaging via WhatsApp, iMessage, and SMS
• Sync calendars, reminders, and even smart home devices

Built-in versions (not wired-only) offer wireless connectivity, OTA (over-the-air) updates, and multitouch displays as standard in most mid to high-range models.

🚗 Best Hatchbacks with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto in 2025

1. Mazda 3 G20 Pure

• Price: From $30,470 drive-away
• Infotainment: 10.25" widescreen with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Highlights: Crisp UI, responsive rotary dial, elegant dashboard
• Bonus: Mazda Connected Services in higher trims

2. Hyundai i30 (2025)

• Price: From $25,990 drive-away
• Infotainment: 8" touchscreen (wired), 10.25" with wireless on higher grades
• Connectivity: Bluelink App support
• Highlight: Best entry-level hatch with polished interface

3. Toyota Corolla Hatch ZR

• Price: From $35,000
• Display: 12.3" infotainment + 10.5" touchscreen
• Tech Highlights: Voice assistant, OTA updates, cloud navigation
• Downside: Wireless Android Auto not on all trims

🚙 Best SUVs with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto in 2025

4. Kia Seltos GT-Line

• Price: From $38,490 drive-away
• Infotainment: 10.25” touchscreen with full wireless connectivity
• Interface: Intuitive Kia UI with customisable layouts
• Pros: Excellent smartphone pairing speed

5. Mazda CX-5 Akera

• Price: From $54,000
• Infotainment: 10.25” display with full wireless support
• User Experience: Lag-free, rotary and touchscreen input
• Extras: Premium Bose sound system

6. Hyundai Tucson Elite

• Price: From $43,000
• Features: Full digital cluster, 10.25" infotainment
• Wireless Support: Standard in Elite & Highlander
• Highlight: Smoothest Android Auto integration in its class

⚡ Best Electric Cars with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

7. Tesla Model 3 Highland (Note: Partial Support via Browser)

• Price: From $61,900
• Infotainment: Tesla OS only; uses workarounds like Bluetooth & browser apps
• Limitation: No native CarPlay/Android Auto
• Note: This may be a dealbreaker for some

8. Hyundai Ioniq 5

• Price: From $69,990
• Display: Dual 12.3” screens with native smartphone mirroring
• Wireless Support: Standard across all trims
• Highlight: Most futuristic interface in EV category

9. Polestar 2

• Price: From $67,400
• Infotainment: Powered by Android Automotive OS
• Special Note: Native Android Auto features built into OS; Apple CarPlay supported via USB
• Pros: Google Maps is the default nav, even without a phone

10. MG4 Electric

• Price: From $39,990
• Infotainment: 10.25” touchscreen
• Standard Features: Wireless CarPlay, wired Android Auto
• Surprise: Budget-friendly EV with all the tech perks

🚘 Best Sedans with CarPlay & Android Auto

11. Toyota Camry Hybrid SL

• Price: From $50,000
• Infotainment: 9” screen with wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Sound System: JBL Premium Audio
• Downside: Still no wireless support on some trims

12. Honda Accord e:HEV

• Price: From $62,900
• Display: 12.3" display, wireless smartphone integration
• Tech Feature: Google built-in in 2025 update
• Highlight: Ideal sedan for business users

🚙 4x4 & Off-Roaders with Smartphone Connectivity

13. Ford Everest Sport

• Price: From $69,990
• Tech Stack: 12” vertical touchscreen, SYNC 4A
• Integration: Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
• Strength: Best in rugged infotainment reliability

14. Toyota LandCruiser Prado (2025)

• Price: From $80,000+
• Infotainment: 12.3” system with both Apple/Android support
• Upgrade: Significantly improved from earlier models
• Note: Wireless support confirmed in mid to high trims

🔧 What to Check Before You Buy

Even if a car supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, here’s what you should verify:

🧪 Testing Criteria: How We Rated These Cars

Each car was evaluated based on:

• Infotainment screen size and placement
• Speed and responsiveness of the UI
• Wireless vs wired connection availability
• Compatibility with both Apple and Android ecosystems
• Value proposition relative to price
• User-friendliness during real-world driving

🏆 Honourable Mentions

• Subaru Outback Touring XT – Excellent screen clarity and updated interface
• Skoda Octavia RS – Clean layout and user-first functionality
• Volkswagen Golf GTI – Balanced tech experience with Beats Audio
• Nissan Qashqai Ti – 12.3” digital cockpit + wireless smartphone tech

📲 Future of Smartphone Connectivity in Cars

With Android Auto and Apple CarPlay moving toward more native dashboard integration, 2025 is a turning point. Features like:

• CarPlay controlling the full instrument cluster
• Android Auto embedded in head units (via Android Automotive OS)
• Cloud-based navigation replacing offline maps
• Biometric login for driver profiles

…are already appearing in premium and mid-tier cars in Australia.

Final Thoughts: Which Car Should You Pick?

If you’re a tech-first buyer, don’t settle for entry trims that only offer wired CarPlay. Prioritise wireless connectivity, OTA capability, and touchscreen UI. Here’s a simple breakdown: