10 Best New SUVs with Apple CarPlay for 2020
Credit: Ford
CarPlay has been around for a few years now, and it can be a great alternative to your car’s existing infotainment system. That’s because it interfaces with your iPhone, giving you access to some of the things you like to do most on-the-go. In a perfect world, more people would utilize the (mostly) hand’s free technology to avoid making physical contact with their devices while driving. Luckily, more and more vehicles are supporting CarPlay. With so many new SUVs on the road, we thought we’d take a look at some of the best large vehicles featuring CarPlay support. Continue reading to browse 10 choices to fit your budget, style, and needs.
Genesis GV80
Genesis is a luxury brand from Hyundai, and before you write it off, you really should take a look. Genesis makes luxury vehicles at a much lower price point than its competitors, but that doesn’t mean you don’t get all the bells and whistles you’d expect from its more expensive rivals.
The newest vehicle from Genesis is the 2021 GV80, a luxury SUV starting at just under $49K. In fact, with every feature added, this SUV costs only (relative) $72,375.
BMW X Series
Let’s start with some of the best luxury CarPlay-equipped SUVs on the market. The BMW range of SUVs starts at just $35,200 for the subcompact X1 up to $73,900 (starting price) for the high-end X7. BMW offers wireless CarPlay on most of its vehicles, making it an enticing alternative to many other vehicle manufacturers that require you to connect a USB cable to your device.
Audi Q Series
If you're looking for something small, Audi’s Q3 starts at just $34,700 and includes CarPlay. Audi’s top-of-the-line flagship model—the Q8—starts at $68,200. CarPlay is the perfect companion to Audi’s already impressive infotainment system.
Mercedes G Series
Mercedes-Benz is one of the best-known luxury car makers on the planet. They’re meticulous design, cutting-edge technology, luxurious features, and excellent performance make them a favorite of many buyers. By itself, Mercedes provides an excellent infotainment system, and by leveraging the power of Apple’s CarPlay interface, a great thing becomes even better.
The Mercedes GLA starts at $36,230 and the G-Class—Mercedes’ flagship SUV—starts at a cool $130,900. A fully-loaded AMG 63 trim, costs almost $200K, making it the most expensive SUV on this list; but hey, you get CarPlay!
Lincoln Navigator
The Lincoln Navigator is perhaps the ultimate American luxury SUV, with a fully-loaded model setting you back over a hundred grand. If you’re looking for a large, luxury SUV with lots of amenities, this CarPlay-equipped car may be exactly what you’re looking for.
Toyota Highlander
Toyota’s Highlander is another great off-road vehicle that starts at a low price point. The base model is just $34,600 and includes Apple CarPlay. The highest trim tops out at just over $50K.
Toyota also offers a hybrid version of the Highlander that can help improve your gas mileage and reduce the adverse effect the vehicle has on our ecosystem.
Cadillac Escalade
Does the Escalade even need an introduction? The instantly-recognizable SUV is a favorite of CEOs and celebrities. Like the Navigator, it starts under $80K and has higher trim levels around $100K.
Hyundai Palisade
If you’re looking for a large, loaded SUV that won’t break the bank, the Palisade is a new SUV from Hyundai that checks all the boxes, including CarPlay. Best part is, it starts at only $32,000. While the Palisade is newer to the market, it has an impressive tool belt, including features like a heads up display (HUD), an in-car intercom, intelligent child-locks, and rear occupant alert. CarPlay is standard on all trims.
Jeep Wrangler
Starting at just $28,295, the Wrangler isn’t going to break the bank; and it’s a Jeep. You either love ‘em or hate ‘em, but Jeeps are known for their off-road capabilities. So if you’re looking for a vehicle proven to hold its own outdoors, a Jeep with CarPlay is a great option. We recommend the optional 8.4" UConnect system.
The All-New 2021 Ford Bronco
Guess what! The Bronco is back and better than ever! As Ford puts it: “The Legend is back by popular demand.”
But this isn’t just your dad’s Bronco, Ford has pulled out all the stops for its 2020 refresh, like Ford Sync 4 (includes CarPlay), LED lighting, and the new G.O.A.T. mode. Ford says this stands for “Goes Over Any Type of Terrain,” it’s reaching, but catchy. The vehicle also has options like rubberized flooring, weather-proof seats, a detachable roof, and removable doors. While a base model Bronco costs just $26,660 if you start adding features, you can easily break $60K.
If you’re looking for an off-roader that will turn some heads, this new Bronco will do just that.
There Are So Many Options to Choose From
Apple says there are over 500 vehicle models featuring CarPlay. 500! We just listed 10 SUVs, but what are your favorites? Does your vehicle have CarPlay, and if so, what are your impressions of Apple’s vehicle interface? Let us know in the comments below or sound off on social media. As always, thanks for reading!