As you shop for a new car, truck, van, or SUV, your top priorities likely include safety, reliability, fuel efficiency, comfort, and technology. One of the key pieces of technology in modern vehicles is the infotainment system. For example, Mazda vehicles have the Mazda Connect™ infotainment system, and Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM (CDJR) vehicles have the Uconnect® infotainment system. But what does that mean exactly? Read on to gain a better understanding of infotainment systems and learn more about the Mazda and CDJR systems to help you determine which is right for you.
Infotainment is a combination of information and entertainment. The infotainment system provides a central hub for your vehicle’s technological controls. While these systems are seen more in newer vehicles, the term infotainment actually dates back to the 80s. It was adopted by the automotive industry as technology moved from car phones to screens, Bluetooth, and smartphone connectivity.
Chrysler was the first brand to offer Bluetooth connectivity in their vehicles. It was introduced in 1999 for the 2000 model year as part of the Uconnect® infotainment system.
A vehicle’s infotainment system, often accessed via the center screen on the console, provides access to features like:
Infotainment systems vary by automaker, as do the size and functionality of the touchscreens. Some touchscreens only work when the vehicle is stopped and some work at all times. Screens can range from compact to over a foot long. RAM trucks, for example, have an available 14.5-inch touchscreen. The technology is advancing so that there’s even an option for a passenger screen now. Some infotainments allow for wireless smartphone connectivity, while others require the phone to be plugged into the vehicle.
As we noted, not all infotainment systems are designed the same. So how do you determine if a vehicle has a good infotainment system? One indicator is the access to standard and available features. An infotainment system with several standard features means you’ll have access to those features immediately. If you have to upgrade or purchase a package for available features, there may be an extra cost or a longer time before they’re available to you.
Another highlight of a good infotainment system is user-friendliness. This is, of course, subject to opinion, so it’s important to try out the system on a test drive before purchasing a vehicle. Try out the controls, navigation, and everything. Ask yourself if the graphics are easy to see, if the interface is easy to navigate, and if the system responds quickly. If the answer is no, you may find yourself frustrated.
As Consumer Reports notes, the best infotainment systems share a common factor. They minimize distraction and can be used quickly and easily without taking your eyes off the road.
Wireless vs wired connection is another opinion-based factor that can determine if an infotainment system is good (for you). Two of the most popular features of an infotainment system are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. They allow you to connect your phone to your vehicle and access your GPS, music, podcasts, and other apps. Some vehicles have standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other vehicles require you to plug your phone in on lower trim levels and may offer wireless connection on higher trims.
Mazda cars and SUVs are equipped with the Mazda Connect™ infotainment system. This system includes Bluetooth connectivity and has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available. You can use voice control to make calls and send text messages from the road. Listen to the radio or your own playlist, podcast, or audiobook which you can control from the touchscreen when your phone is connected. If you opted for the available Bose® sound system, you can use the touchscreen to turn the AUDIOPILOT and Centerpoint on and off.
Depending on the vehicle and trim level, Mazda Connect™ can provide vehicle updates and information like the owner’s manual, fuel efficiency, maintenance information, and more. Also depending on the vehicle and trim level, this infotainment system can include navigation to help you easily get to where you need to go.
Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM vehicles feature the Uconnect® infotainment system. Each brand offers its own standard and available safety, security, comfort, and convenience features and packages.
The RAM 1500, for example, provides the most available touchscreen space in its class with more than 24 inches of combined touchscreen displays. The largest available touchscreen is 14.5 inches. It offers a split-screen option to cast two apps from multiple smartphones, and the surface has a quick response time. There’s also a class-exclusive 10.25-inch passenger interactive display available that provides the front passenger with access to navigation, entertainment, cameras, streaming, and more.
The Jeep Wagoneer also offers a ton of screen space with more than 75 inches of available display across seven screens throughout the SUV.
Uconnect® provides access to the available off-road pages package with access to more than 200 off-road trails and adventure guides with more than 3,000 trails. This infotainment system may also include a trial of the assistance and navigation packages, which include driver alerts, connected traffic and travel services, and more.
Whitten Brothers Automotive is a top new and used car dealership serving central Virginia. With three showrooms throughout Ashland and Richmond, we offer an excellent inventory of used and new Mazda, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM vehicles. If you’re been car shopping, explore our selection online then visit our Mazda showroom or one of our CDJR showrooms to test drive a car, truck, SUV, or van and experience the infotainment system in person. Contact us to get started!