It's been about a year now since the first announcement of Android Auto in a car. Which was the 2015 Hyundai Sonata, and we got to spend a bit of time with the Hyundai Sonata – Hyundai did a great job at integrating Android Auto. Since then, we've seen announcements from Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Chrysler, Volkswagen, and many other auto makers. Honda had already announced they were putting Android Auto into their 2016 Civic, and today they announced another model that will be getting Android Auto. Which is the 2017 Honda Ridgeline. This also marks Honda's re-entry into the US market with a pick-up truck, after leaving in 2014. The Honda Ridgeline will be available in the first half of 2016.

In addition to the Honda Ridgeline, the 2017 Kia Forte5 and the 2017 Lincoln Continental are also getting Android Auto. Both of which will also be available in the first half of 2016. We don't have exact dates for when they'll be at dealer lots, but we should have more information pretty soon. Now it's important to note that none of these cars come standard with Android Auto, so when buying the car, you're going to want to ask your dealer about the Tech package. It typically costs around $2400-2500 on top of the price you're already paying. That adds Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and a few other features – all depending on the auto maker. This is important because you can't come back later and have it installed, unfortunately. However there are plenty of after-market head units available from Pioneer, JVC Kenwood and Harman that will work.


It's great to see more and more cars and trucks getting Android Auto as well as Apple CarPlay options. We're beginning to see more and more cars on the road using both systems, which is great as they definitely beat out the car infotainment systems that most of these auto makers ship on their cars and trucks. Hopefully we'll see even wider adoption in 2016, with the addition of Ford and FCA Chrysler adding Android Auto and Apple CarPlay into their 2017 models. A couple of auto makers who are pretty popular in the US.