FOUNTAIN VALLEY, California — Owners of a 2015 Hyundai Sonata with navigation can now get free Android Auto smartphone integration, either by downloading it on their own or by visiting a Hyundai dealer.

As previously reported by Edmunds, Android Auto has been offered free to Sonata owners since May of this year, but only through dealerships. Now Hyundai is making it available for direct download through the MyHyundai.com Web portal.

"This is the first time we've made a software upgrade available using the MyHyundai portal," said Michael Deitz, senior group manager of Connected Care for Hyundai Motor America, in a statement. "Sonata owners can add more value with Android Auto in an easy-to-do upgrade that takes less than an hour. Hyundai is continuing to offer the best user experience possible by leveraging its MyHyundai platform, so customers have the option to update their car — their way."

Android Auto gives drivers access to many of their smartphones' functions – including phone calls, text messaging, navigation, music and calendar – through the vehicle's infotainment system by voice, steering-wheel controls and touchscreen. Hyundai points out that the system not only provides a high level of convenience but also increases safety by eliminating the need to fumble with a phone or other device while driving.

To accomplish the download, owners of compatible vehicles (2015 Sonata Sport, Eco, Limited, Sport 2.0T and Limited 2.0T trim levels) first need to use a computer to go to MyHyundai.com and create an account, if they haven't done so already.

The next step is to download the Android Auto software onto a USB drive, followed by plugging the drive into the car's USB port and using the dashboard touchscreen to complete the download to the vehicle.

Finally, the accompanying Android Auto app needs to be added to a compatible smartphone (one running the Android 5.0 "Lollipop" operating system or later) by connecting it to the car via a USB cable.

Although the process is actually simpler than it may seem, Hyundai has provided owners with a how-to video on its YouTube channel.

Edmunds tested Android Auto's Google maps navigation system in its long-term 2015 Hyundai Sonata long-term test vehicle. Look for such tests of other Android Apps in the future on the long-term Sonata road test pages.

Edmunds says: Driving all the way to a car dealership to have some new software installed seems archaic. Hyundai's free do-it-yourself Android Auto download brings the motoring world into the 21st century.