The cassette tape has been vanquished, CD players are on the run, and the Infotainment system rules victorious. In other words, you will no longer have to worry about your tapes being eaten by your ancient tape player. All your favorite music is safely stored on your phone. 

Tragically, not all new vehicles have Infotainment systems, however, like Android Auto. If you’re in the market for a new Toyota Highlander and are curious if you can use your Android phone with it, we have all the answers.

Infotainment systems on the Highlander

According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2020 Highlander has Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa. The best part is that these features come standard, so no matter which model you choose, you’ll still have access to Toyota’s Infotainment system.

The screen size is not standard, however. On the Limited trims, you have the option of adding an impressive 12.3-inch touch screen that KBB describes as, “bright, crisp and able to display a wealth of information like navigation and climate side by side.” If you choose to upgrade to the Platinum grade, this screen is standard.

For cheaper models, you still get an 8-inch touch screen, which is much better than the 5-inch screen that many automakers are offering on new vehicles.

KBB was impressed with how easy the new Infotainment is, and said that an engineering degree isn’t required to use it. So if you’re not the most tech-savvy of individuals, you’ll still be able to use your new Infotainment system without having to break out the manual every time you want to change to screen.

Android Auto

If you aren’t familiar with Android Auto, you’re missing out. Android.com reports that you can hook your phone up to the Infotainment system, and all your apps appear directly on the screen with no drama, tears, or fuss.

One of the great features of Android Auto that makes it so popular is the Google Assistant. Need directions? Your Google Assistant will provide you with multiple routes. Not only do you not have to wrestle with those massive paper maps that were never up to date, you also don’t have to deal with flipping through multiple screens on your GPS. Your Google Assistant will not only tell you the best way to get there, but in case of a traffic jam, it will provide you with alternative routes, and will inform you of how much time you’ll save. 

If your Mom calls to ask where you are, you can answer without having to take your hands off the wheel. You can also speak out text messages to stay in touch with your loved ones. 

You can even keep up with the news, listen to your favorite audiobook with Audible, or stream your favorite music on Pandora. 

According to Auto Express, Google updates Android Auto frequently, so you don’t have to worry about having outdated apps that will never be updated again.

Other technology offered on the Highlander

The infotainment system on the Highlander is amazing, but there are a lot of other features offered. For example, according to Edmunds, the 2020 Highlander offers five USB ports, so you can plug in several devices at once.

The Highlander offers an adaptive cruise control that can bring the vehicle to a full stop. There are also some features offered for the first time that Highlander owners have been craving. If you purchase the 2020 Highlander, you’ll get lane centering assist,  a 360-degree camera, a hands-free liftgate, traffic sign recognition, and a head-up display. All of these are great for parents with small children who like to play outdoors, but everyone will quickly fall in love with these new features.

There are also several other new safety features, but like the 12.3-inch screen, some are only offered on the higher-priced models. Edmunds reports, “Limited and Platinum models add rear cross-traffic braking, which automatically applies the brakes if the cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors agree that you might hit an object in reverse.”

The 2020 Toyota Highlander starts at $35,720, making it one of the more expensive mid-size SUVs, so you’ll have to decide if the added technology is worth the increased price.