Lively yet practical, the 2020 Honda Civic is a compact car that’s popular among both consumers and reviewers. Buyers also love having several versions to choose from, such as the roomy Sport hatchback, the 205-hp turbocharged Civic Si, and the ultra-hot, performance-oriented 306-hp Type R.

Another strength that the Civic features outstanding available technology. But does that tech include Android Auto? We’ll take a look inside the Civic to see what its audio and connectivity features are.

The Honda Civic’s interior tech

The Honda Civic comes in three body types: a two-door coupe, a four-door sedan, and a four-door hatchback. All three body types have a base model, the LX.

Upper trims on the sedan are the Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring. The coupe has the same trims as the sedan with the exception of the EX-L. The Civic hatchback‘s upper trims are the Sport, EX, EX-L, and Sport Touring.

Standard connectivity and infotainment features on all trim levels include a USB port, a 12-volt outlet, Bluetooth hands-free and streaming audio, Radio Data System, and speed-sensitive volume compensation. This last feature controls the Civic’s audio volume according to its speed. If the car is going faster, SVC increases the volume. Similarly, if the car’s speed is reduced, the volume is increased.

The base model LX also has a 5.0-inch LCD color touchscreen with physical buttons and knobs plus a 160-watt audio system with four speakers.

On the upper trim levels, the Sport, EX, and EX-L a 180-watt audio system with eight speakers, wireless charging, a second 1.0 amp USB audio port on the center console, and a 7.0-inch display come standard. HondaLink is the automaker’s connectivity suite which also is featured in these trims.

SiriusXM satellite radio and HD Radio are standard features on the EX and EX-L. The Touring trim on the sedan and the Sport Touring on the hatchback replaces the sound system on the lower trims with a 450-watt premium audio system with 10 speakers including subwoofer. Honda’s satellite-linked navigation system with voice recognition and frequent digital traffic updates.

We’ll reveal whether the new Honda Civic has Android Auto integration in a moment. Right now, we’ll explore this feature a bit more and why it’s such a useful and fun thing to have.

What is Android Auto and why should you have it?

In 2015, Google developed Android Auto, a mobile app that is compatible with a car’s infotainment system. With it, you can use many of your Android smartphone features on your car’s built-in display. You can make and receive calls, check your voicemail, and get turn-by-turn directions through Google Maps. Android Auto also lets you listen to music, books, or podcasts, manage your day through your Google calendar, and send and receive text messages.

You can access these functions through Google apps on the Android Auto home screen. These apps will seem very familiar to most owners of Android devices. To interact with this software, you can use Google Assistant voice commands, use the touchscreen, or turn a knob or other controls such as the dial or directional buttons.

Using smartphone compatibility software such as Android Auto or Apple CarPlay instead of your Honda Civic‘s built-in infotainment system is a safer way to enjoy its infotainment offerings. Research from the American Automobile Association Foundation for Safety has shown that using this software is less distracting to drivers because it performs functions such as making a call or sending a text message much faster than a car’s built-in system.

So, does the Honda Civic come with Android Auto?

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration aren’t available on the base model LX. But the Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring/Sport Touring all have smartphone compatibility. Even the special editions Civic Si and Type R come standard with these features.

The 2020 Honda Civic LX starts $20,680 and the Sport trim begins at $22,380. Buyers can get the EX at a starting price of $24,430 and the EX-L at $26,405. The Touring trim has a starting price of $28,080 and the Sport Touring starts at $28,980.