Making the decision to seriously look for used SUVs for sale can be exciting! Maybe your family is growing, and you need more seating, or maybe you’re looking for a vehicle that has the versatility to go from commuting to weekend adventures. Whatever the reason, once you’ve made the decision to find that perfect used model, the options can seem endless.
If you’re like us, you love pre-owned Honda SUVs because of their time-tested reliability and excellent technology features. For many folks, being able to connect their smartphone to their vehicle is a must. Luckily, plenty of used Honda SUV models come equipped with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto! We’re here to help you dive a little deeper into Honda’s lineup of SUVs and figure out what years Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were added so that you know where to direct your search.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
But what exactly is all the buzz about, and why should you care? The functionality to connect your smartphone to your vehicle’s infotainment screen to access your favorite apps has become standard in newer cars because of its wild popularity. It wasn’t so long ago, however, that most of us were driving around entirely disconnected from our messaging apps, navigation tools, and audio streaming services. Worse, many people resorted to using their phones while driving, a dangerous and often illegal activity.
With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, drivers can connect via cable or wirelessly to their vehicles. This gives drivers a wider range of entertainment, social, and navigation applications than come built-in on vehicles. Long commutes and road trips become more fun with access to streaming music and audiobooks, and navigating through new cities gets less stressful with live-updating GPS navigation on full screen.
We’re all connected to our smartphones all the time, with no prospect of that changing any time soon. We need to be able to reach family, work remotely, and predictably get where we’re going on the right schedules. With a smartphone integration, you get this improved driving experience. It’s unsurprising, therefore, that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are a top need on many prospective buyers’ wish lists when shopping for a used SUV. But which models and years even have smartphone integrations?
Honda HR-V
The smallest SUV in Honda’s lineup, the Honda HR-V is a favorite among young professionals and city-dwellers because of its subcompact size and technology features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were introduced to the Honda HR-V in 2019 during its second generation (2013 – 2022). These were available features on higher trim levels, so make sure to note that in your search. If you’re looking for smartphone connectivity in a used Honda HR-V, filter your searches for 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 models to start. Maybe even some 2023 HR-Vs will be back on the market after some light use as well.
Apart from the available smartphone compatibility, Honda designed this SUV with a focus on space efficiency and technology. You might find Honda’s suite of safety and driver assist technologies, called Honda Sensing, on used models depending on what was originally equipped. You might also find Bluetooth HandsFreeLink to enable hands-free calling, as well as several USB ports for charging throughout the cabin.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a size up from the HR-V, looking more like what we all expect from a standard SUV. It’s classified as a compact crossover SUV with a longer and wider body that can easily accommodate up to five passengers in its two rows. A bit ahead of the times, you’ll start to see the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto way back in 2017 models, depending on trim and customizations. Honda added this connectivity feature during its fifth-generation rollout. They focused on adding more technology inside the cabin as well as giving it a fresh look inside and out. Driver assist options, as well as Honda Sensing, were updated at this time as well.
Honda Passport
The Honda Passport was originally discontinued in 2002 but saw a revival in 2019. This rugged, midsize SUV caters to folks who want to hit the great outdoors. It even has special trim levels like the TrailSport, which was introduced in the 2022 model year, that have been specifically curated around maximizing off-roading potential.
Despite focusing on power, suspension, and all-terrain capability, Honda never forgets about technology and made technological advancements a cornerstone of their relaunch of the Passport. Who doesn’t want to stay connected even when they’re off on an adventure in the great outdoors? This means that almost any Honda Passport you find available on the market should have smartphone connectivity. That is unless you’re looking at Passports from before the relaunch!
Honda Pilot
If you’re looking for a used Honda SUV with maximum seating and cargo space, look no further than the Honda Pilot. This 3-row SUV can seat up to eight passengers, meaning you can take all your kids and even some friends along for the ride. It’s marketed as “family-friendly utility” and its space, off-roading power, and maximum hauling capacity fit the bill.
If you’re planning to do any amount of road-tripping or errand-running with your kids in the back, it might be a good idea to have a way to entertain them. We know it can be hard to focus with kids in the back, so a smartphone integration can be a lifesaver. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were added as options in the Honda Pilot during the redesign of the 3rd generation, which is ongoing. This means that model years from 2017 and newer often will have this capability built into their technology bundles.
The Future is Connected
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are favorite features in almost any new vehicle released on the market today. It’s becoming more and more common for this feature to come standard on all new models and trims, with the upgrade being a wireless connection. Someday, we expect all vehicles will be able to automatically sync with your vehicle so that all your favorite entertainment, communication, and navigation apps are at your fingertips without even trying.
For example, the upcoming all-electric Honda Prologue, scheduled to be released in 2024, will have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This new SUV in Honda’s lineup will even feature Google built-in. Technology just keeps getting more and more advanced, and we can’t wait to see what’s around the corner.
Staying Connected in an Affordable Pre-Owned Honda SUV
People from all walks of life look for different things in a used Honda SUV. They cater to families, individuals in cities, folks living in the countryside, people with a passion for the outdoors, and even small-business owners. One feature that seems to unite everyone together is smartphone connectivity. We all want to be able to plug in our phones and be able to access our favorite apps on our vehicle’s digital display.
This has become a reality in many Honda SUVs over the past few years, with integrations starting to be added in 2017. If you’re looking for a used SUV for sale that also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, look no further than a Honda. We hope this information helps you narrow down your search so that you can spend more time carefully considering vehicles that will suit your needs and keep you connected to all the people and things that are important to you, no matter where your journey takes you.
