10 Top American Cars with Apple CarPlay

Apple CarPlay dashboard ・ Photo by apple.com

It’s a new age in the automotive world. A car is no longer just transportation; it’s a connectivity tool, a social space, and a form of personal expression. That’s why automakers must either develop their own connectivity features or rely on software manufacturers like Apple and Google to supply them.

Millennials care most about in-car convenience features, but even older demographics appreciate when their cars can stay in touch with the outside world. Until now, these features were quirky add-ons, but now new cars without them simply won’t sell as well as rival vehicles. A uniform interface like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is both easy for the average consumer to learn and includes advanced media features for tech-savvy drivers.

For those who prefer to shop domestic, here’s a list of 10 Top American cars with Apple CarPlay.

Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang may have a long history of single-dimension strengths, but the latest generation muscle car with Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system and Apple CarPlay means the 2-door also has a brain. SYNC 3 replaces the maligned MyFord Touch interface and utilizes a faster processor, better graphics chip, and more customization options.

Of course, the Mustang still loves to go fast when it isn’t thinking too hard. Buyers can choose from V6 and V8 powertrains with up to 435 horsepower routed through either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission. American muscle is also sheathed in a beautiful body these days. The new Mustang combines retro and modern design in one stunning package priced under $30,000.

Photo by Ford

Chevrolet Camaro

Though Chevrolet’s Camaro has long been a rival to Ford’s Mustang, its 2016 redesign takes the lead for interior refinement. Part of the new Camaro cabin’s charm is due to Chevrolet’s updated MyLink infotainment system that debuted on the 2016 Malibu sedan. A simple layout, fast interface, and gorgeous display are mated to Apple’s CarPlay system.

Among this list of 10 American cars with Apple CarPlay, buyers will choose the Camaro for its performance. From the 4-cylinder turbo to the naturally aspirated V8, the new Camaro can go fast in a straight line, but its superb platform is also ready to carve corners. Chevrolet offers its Camaro in coupe and convertible configurations, each with handsome figures and plenty of style.

Photo by General Motors

Dodge Challenger/Charger

Sticking with the muscle car theme, I present the Dodge Charger and Challenger as options for 10 American cars with Apple CarPlay. These two vehicles haven’t changed much in appearance since their reborn forms were introduced in 2008, but that’s because their designs have aged best among the competition. Powering the 2-door Challenger and 4-door Charger is a range of V6 and V8 engines in naturally aspirated and supercharged flavors.

Inside, both vehicles are spacious, comfortable, and use Chrysler’s brilliant UConnect infotainment system. Integrated within the intuitive system is Apple CarPlay, voice command functions, and several apps. There aren’t many cars on sale that blend power and creature comforts better than the Charger and Challenger – especially in the sub-$30K territory.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

RAM 1500

For those in need of more utility, America is the land of great trucks. RAM’s 1500 pickup is among the best in terms of ride quality and driving ease. Like the Dodge Charger and Challenger, the RAM 1500 is a supremely comfortable way to get around, and even its meaty V6 and V8 engines offer some of the best fuel economy in the full-size pickup class.

Chrysler’s UConnect with Apple CarPlay features an 8.4-inch display, backup camera, touchscreen, and dual-zone climate control. Passengers also won’t need to fight over charging points as the RAM 1500 has multiple USB ports, plus an SD card slot to load music directly into UConnect. Let’s face it: contemporary trucks are like high-riding luxury cars.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra

Chevrolet’s Silverado, and its upscale cousin, GMC Sierra, are some of the oldest nameplates among American trucks, but these latest generation pickups are modern pieces of machinery. Not only are the Silverado and Sierra among 10 American cars with Apple CarPlay, they also benefit from GM’s new MyLink (Chevrolet) and IntelliLink (GMC) infotainment. The crisp display, advanced features, and ease of navigation put both among the best systems on the market. Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra come with several powertrain options; regardless of engine choice, they both boast quiet cabins, a refined ride, and ample interior volume.

Ford F-150

It should come as no surprise that Ford’s F-150 pickup is a sales king in America. One glance at the nearest parking lot will reveal generations of Ford trucks owned and driven by people from all walks of life. The latest generation of F-150 trucks uses all-aluminum bodies that weigh 700 lbs less than previous model years and efficient EcoBoost turbocharged engines.

2016 Ford F-150 trucks also use Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system. Ford was among the first automakers to bring voice command technology to production vehicles and its latest system is incredibly intuitive, making sense of not just a range of commands, but accents and speech patterns. Combined with an improved layout, new apps, wireless updates, and Apple CarPlay, SYNC 3 is finally on par with competitor infotainment systems.

Photo by Ford

Jeep Renegade

Downsizing quite a bit from giant pickups, Jeep’s Renegade may be based on the Italian-built FIAT 500X, but its off-road capabilities are pure American ruggedness. The Renegade has been an instant success since it rolled onto the scene in 2015 thanks to its affordable, clever packaging. Technophiles will enjoy a break from screen time once they take the Renegade off the beaten path, but that doesn’t mean they will ever “lose touch.”

Simple integration with the Renegade’s infotainment system via Apple CarPlay gives passengers access to navigation, music, weather, and other apps straight from their iPhones. The Renegade’s boxy shape also offers plenty of cabin volume and storage space, making it the perfect all-rounder subcompact with prices starting under $20K.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Lincoln MKC

The Lincoln MKC has been a key step in Lincoln’s brand renaissance. With so many consumers on the lookout for crossover models, the MKC must blend styling, efficiency, and luxury to lure buyers away from the Acura RDX, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Audi Q3. Though it is based on the Ford Escape, the Lincoln MKC features a beautiful, unique design and is bigger in every dimension.

Powering the Lincoln MKC is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that makes 240 horsepower, though a 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder is available with 285 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available. Apple CarPlay is built into Lincoln’s MyLincoln Touch, and now features Ford’s SYNC 3 system with a faster processor and new in-car apps.

Photo by Lincoln

Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet’s second-generation Cruze boasts class-leading connectivity and upscale styling to attract those who crave social engagement. The Cruze goes above and beyond being one of 10 American cars with Apple CarPlay. With a standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, several in-car apps, and a long list of safety features, the new Cruze is tailored to young, expressive buyers.

In addition to its long list of convenience features, the 2016 Cruze has lost 250 lbs in its transition from the first generation while borrowing design traits from the new Chevy Malibu. The automaker’s new 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec 4-cylinder is also standard on every trim, delivering 155 horsepower and returning 40 MPG on the highway.

Photo by General Motors

Cadillac ATS

The ATS is redefining the Cadillac brand perception with its handsome design, driving dynamics, and convenience features. As one of 10 American cars with Apple CarPlay, the ATS understands entrepreneurial consumers who need to stay connected. Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system uses haptic feedback controls instead of traditional buttons and features apps for vehicle settings, navigation, climate control, points of interest, and more.

Starting at under $40K, the ATS uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder to deliver 272 horsepower and 285 lb-ft of torque. With a refined, handsome shape, a phenomenal chassis, and GM’s magical Magnetic Ride Control, the ATS challenges rivals from Germany like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Photo by General Motors