While there was a time when drivers didn’t think twice about keeping a stash of CDs or cassette tapes in our cars, those days are long gone. Not only are CDs expensive, they also take up a great deal of space, clutter up the car, and are prone to breaking. These days, many drivers prefer using programs like Android Auto that connect smartphones to a vehicle’s stereo system, which is an easier and cheaper way of ensuring that drivers always have plenty of music to jam along to while you’re on a road trip.

It is also a great tool for helping you find your way to unfamiliar locations, locating the perfect pit stop, and enables you to practice safe phone habits while you drive. Despite the popularity of programs like Android Auto, it’s not a standard feature in some new cars.

Does the Kia Telluride have Android Auto?

Android Auto is a standard feature found in all 2020 Kia Tellurides. What does this mean to drivers? It means that instead of carrying their entire collection of CDs around with them, all they have to do is download the Android Auto app to their smartphone.

Using Android Auto is easy. As the driver prepares to leave on their next road trip, they simply plug their phone into the Kia Telluride’s USB port (or via Bluetooth,) open the app, and play whatever they want to listen to which will flow smoothly throw the Telluride’s speakers. 

Why drivers love Android Auto

There are several reasons drivers have fallen in love with Android Auto. Obviously, not having a car full of CDs is a major perk, but drivers also like the fact that they don’t have to use any special devices, such as FM transmitters  to take advantage of their vehicle’s speaker system. They simply connect and go.

Another reason drivers love Android Auto is because it makes driving just a little bit safer. They no longer have to worry about groping around for their phones each time they want to take a call or listen to something else. Not having to take their eyes off the road while hunting for their phone significantly reduces the risk of getting into an accident. 

Once a driver has paired their phone with their Kia Telluride’s Android Auto system, the app shows up on the Telluride’s dashboard 8.0-inch Touch-Screen Display. Once the phone and car are paired, drivers can use the program to answer phone calls, listen to their favorite podcasts, stream music, get turn-by-turn directions, access websites like TripAdvisor and Yelp, listen to audiobooks, and more.

While drivers can use the touchscreen to control Android Auto, the safer option is using their voice. Since Android Auto uses Google Assistant, the driver can use tell the phone to type and send a text message, open a new app, or make/answer a phone call.

Before using the Kia Telluride’s Android Auto to manage text messages or answer/make phone calls, double-check your state’s laws about using the phone while driving. Some states have laws prohibiting hands-free phone calls while driving. 

Making sure your smartphone is compatible with the Telluride’s Android Auto system

Having a 2020 Kia Telluride that’s equipped with Android Auto isn’t any fun if you’re phone won’t connect to the system. The good news is that nearly all Android smartphones manufactured with the last two years are compatible with Android Auto. Aside from the Android Auto app, the only thing your smartphone requires is an Android 5.0 (Lollipop) operating system.

The best way to check a phone’s operating system is clicking the settings icon which leads to the About the Device page where information about the phone’s operating system is listed. If the phone is compatible, all the driver has to do is download the app from the Google Play store, connect it to their Kia Telluride, and enjoy the ride.