Imagine driving transformed from mere transportation into a seamless fusion of technology and comfort. At the heart of this revolution lies automotive infotainment systems. As we approach 2025, which systems are setting new standards for driver experience? Here’s our definitive ranking.

Stellantis’ UConnect 5 stands as a benchmark in infotainment excellence, particularly in the Ram 1500 with its 14.0-inch vertical touchscreen. The tile-based interface enables simultaneous app displays, while maintaining physical knobs for climate control. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration operates concurrently with native apps—a rarity in the industry.

• Key Advantages: 14-inch vertical display, multi-app viewing, seamless smartphone integration, optional passenger screen
• Featured Vehicle: Ram 1500

Far more than an incremental update, iDrive 8.5 refines the user experience with additional shortcuts and improved stability. The curved display (12.3-inch cluster + 14.9-inch touchscreen) pairs with BMW’s signature iDrive controller, balancing touch and rotary inputs for safer operation at speed.

• Key Advantages: Curved glass display, tactile control knob, optimized shortcut access
• Featured Vehicles: BMW 2-7 Series, X5-X7, iX

The shared Toyota/Lexus system shines in models like the Lexus TX with its 14-inch display. Climate controls remain persistently accessible at screen bottom—a thoughtful design for touchscreen-only models. Recent OTA updates now preserve native shortcuts during CarPlay use.

• Key Advantages: Uncluttered interface, intelligent climate control placement, OTA improvements
• Featured Vehicles: Toyota Tundra/Sequoia, Lexus TX/RX/GX

Lucid’s dual-screen approach separates navigation/media (upper) from vehicle controls (lower). Post-software refinements have resolved early bugs, while retained physical rollers for volume/climate strike an ideal balance between minimalism and functionality.

• Key Advantages: Purpose-driven screen segregation, stable software, thoughtful physical retainers
• Featured Vehicle: Lucid Air

Ford’s implementation of Android Automotive leverages Google Maps natively in the instrument cluster—particularly impressive in Explorer/Aviator models. Unlike GM, Ford preserves smartphone projection options while delivering superior voice control via Google Assistant.

• Key Advantages: Deep Google integration, retained CarPlay/AA, cluster-based navigation
• Featured Vehicles: Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator/Nautilus

Mazda’s 12.3-inch system (best in CX-90) prioritizes driver focus through its commander knob operation and ideal screen placement. Physical buttons maintain direct access to navigation/media functions even during smartphone projection—a rarity among mainstream brands.

• Key Advantages: Ergonomic control placement, consistent button functionality, driver-centric design
• Featured Vehicles: Mazda CX-90/CX-70

interpretation of Google’s OS delivers clean aesthetics with powerful functionality. The system’s only notable flaw is burying drive modes within menus—a puzzling choice for a brand that otherwise champions intuitive design.

• Key Advantages: Native Google services, instrument cluster navigation, signature Swedish design
• Featured Vehicles: /V60/90, XC40/60/90, C40 Recharge

Hyundai’s new ccNC system finally adds wireless smartphone projection to its curved display setup. The tile-based UI offers exceptional clarity, while dedicated hard buttons for audio/climate prevent over-reliance on touch inputs.

• Key Advantages: Wireless CarPlay/AA, logical menu structure, balanced physical controls
• Featured Vehicles: Hyundai Sonata/Tucson/Santa Fe, Ioniq 5

Sharing Hyundai’s foundation, Kia’s version differentiates through its multifunction control bar (EV6/Sorento). This adaptable strip toggles between climate/audio displays, enabling tighter packaging without sacrificing usability.

• Key Advantages: Configurable control bar, brand-specific styling, shared Hyundai reliability
• Featured Vehicles: Kia K5/Sorento, EV6/EV9

Macan EV’s system delivers unprecedented smartphone integration—projecting Apple/Google Maps fully into the instrument cluster without requiring Android Automotive. The responsive interface, combined with abundant physical buttons, exemplifies Porsche’s driver-focused philosophy.

• Key Advantages: Deep smartphone integration, analog control retention, passenger display option
• Featured Vehicle: Porsche Macan EV

These systems collectively demonstrate how automakers are balancing technological sophistication with user-friendly design—ensuring the connected car enhances rather than complicates the driving experience.