Does the Ram 1500 Have Apple CarPlay?
The 2020 Ram 1500 has been getting rave reviews. It has been named Edmunds’ top-rated truck of 2020. It’s also been named to Car and Driver’s 10Best list. Redesigned for 2019, it has four engine choices, including a diesel option new for 2020.
It has strong towing and hauling capabilities matched with a comfortable ride and quality interior. It includes good storage, and higher trims offer even more luxury options. But do those features include Apple CarPlay?
Apple CarPlay
What is Apple CarPlay? This vehicle feature lets you use your iPhone apps through the vehicle’s infotainment system. Navigation is one of its most important uses, since Apple CarPlay can mirror phone apps’ navigation maps right on the vehicle’s screen. Since the app is being used, there’s no need to have native navigation software in the vehicle, and the maps stay up to date. Apple CarPlay rolled out in 2014 and started supporting Google Maps and Waze (in addition to Apple Maps) in September 2018.
Apple CarPlay also helps the driver stay hands-free since it can help place phone calls and will read text messages out loud and let the driver respond verbally. Other apps that are supported on Apple CarPlay include Podcasts, Apple Music, Calendar, Audible, Pandora, Slacker Radio, and SiriusXM Radio.
All the apps appear on the touchscreen with icons similar to what’s seen on an iPhone. Most functions require the phone to be plugged into the vehicle with a Lightning cable, although Bluetooth can be used for audio. There are a few vehicles, like models from BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz, that now include wireless Apple CarPlay. The vehicle’s Apple CarPlay can be controlled with the touchscreen or with buttons if there’s a touchless display. It can also be operated by voice by pressing a button to turn on Siri.
2020 Ram 1500 Infotainment systems
Apple CarPlay is available on some of the 2020 Ram 1500’s available infotainment systems. Three of the trims (of six), Tradesman, Big Horn, and Rebel, come with a five-inch Uconnect 3 touchscreen, which doesn’t have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The Big Horn and Rebel can be upgraded to the 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Laramie and Laramie Longhorn trims come standard with the 8.4-inch Uconnect 4 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12-inch touchscreen is an optional upgrade. The Limited trim comes standard with the 12-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This screen has a customizable home screen and features split-screen capability as well as pinch-and-zoom technology.
Edmunds says all of the screens are good but calls the largest one “dazzling.” Car and Driver says the Ram 1500’s infotainments systems and features have been the best “in the class for a while.” All the screen sizes include knobs and buttons to go along with the touchscreen.
Tech in the truck
The Ram 1500 has additional tech options. It’s possible to subscribe to a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. An available interior active noise cancellation system helps ensure a quiet cabin. Also available is a 900-watt Harman Kardon® Premium Audio System that has 19 speakers. You can power up with up to four USB charging ports and up to three 115-volt outlets, depending on the trim level.
If you download the Uconnect app to your phone, you have additional capabilities. This app lets you use your phone or smartwatch to remotely locate the truck, start it, and lock or unlock it. You can also remotely sound the horn and flash the lights.
Safety features
The tech offerings carry into the driver-assistance technology features, which include optional automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, and parallel and perpendicular park assist. Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path and Trailer Detection is available on any trim level.
The 2020 Ram 1500 was given four stars by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded its Top Safety Pick+ to the 2020 Ram 1500 crew cab with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights.
