These days, it seems like our cars can do everything. They can tell us when we need to perform maintenance, warn us of vehicles in our blind spot, and it’s only a matter of time before your dashboard will be able to serve up fresh baked cookies. 

But seriously, our vehicles’ technology has come a long way over the past several years and is making our lives easier. Plus, it’s helping keep us safer. As consumers, we’ve come to expect certain features to come standard in new cars. One of the features drivers expect is Android Auto. Most vehicles automatically come equipped with this helpful feature. But does the Hyundai Kona have Android Auto? 

What is Android Auto?

Android Auto is like your car’s in-vehicle personal assistant. It’s only available to Android users and only when the user’s Android phone is connected to a compatible device (the car’s infotainment system). 

When Android Auto is connected, users have access to communication, entertainment, and navigation options not typically standard on most vehicles. To use Android Auto, the phone needs to be manually connected to the car through a USB cord and your phone’s Bluetooth should be turned on. 

The system links up to many of your phone’s apps, allowing you to access popular features like audiobooks, streaming music, and your contacts list. You can create and send a text message, make a call, or navigate to a given destination using your phone’s voice control. 

When you hook up Android Auto, you will be using your phone’s internal entertainment controls rather than the cars. This means you’ll typically have more access to features you need and will use maps and information that is regularly updated and up to date. The goal of Android Auto is to make your life easier while allowing you to keep your eyes on the road. 

Does the Hyundai Kona have Android Auto?

It should come as no surprise that all models of the Hyundai Kona have both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The vehicle features a 7-inch color touchscreen display audio system, allowing users to easily clearly see and navigate maps through Android Auto and quickly access entertainment options. 

The Kona also features steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and Bluetooth. The SEL model comes with a high-performance audio system including Infinity® Premium Audio with Clari-Fi Music Restoration technology, an external amp and 8 speakers. Looking for another Hyundai option with similar features? The Hyundai Palisade also comes standard with Android Auto.

Getting the most out of Android Auto

Android Auto is a great feature that can make your drive easier and more enjoyable. But it also has plenty of safety features built into the app. To get the most out of Android auto, you need to know how to use it. 

For the safest ride, be sure to turn on auto-reply. If you receive a text message while driving, your phone will automatically reply to the sender, telling them you cannot respond right now. By muting your notifications, it prevents you from being tempted to answer a text.

To further limit distractions, consider changing the default display settings. Android Auto will automatically adjust the screen to dark during the evening hours, but you can make the change sooner if you’d like. The darker screen may make it easier to read the text and reduce glare when there is too much sun. 

But the best way to make sure you stay safe on the road is to use the system’s hand-free option. Looking at the car’s screen or your phone while driving is dangerous and can quickly lead to an accident. Android Auto responds to hands-free commands meaning you can make a call or send a text simply by getting the system’s attention saying “Okay Google.”