Kia Motors announced that the 2017 Sportage and 2016 Optima, when equipped with a compatible navigation system or UVO 3 (found currently on the Sportage) will be offered with Apple CarPlay when the Kia retailers receive delivery during the second quarter.
Current owners of the Kia 2017 Sportage with UVO3 or 2016 Optima equipped with a compatible navigation system (AVN 4.0. ) will be provided with a downloadable update via myuvo.com that will be available beginning in the third quarter.
The 2017 Sorento is the first Kia vehicle to be offered with CarPlay support and other models in the Kia lineup eligible for the CarPlay update will be announced at a later date.
Apple CarPlay is compatible with about 82% of iPhones and allows for voice calls, sending/receiving messages and music listening from the iPhone from the touchscreen or by holding the steering wheel button and asking Siri.
CarPlay gives drivers the ability to access the device’s seamless user interface through Kia’s UVO infotainment system. By connecting the iPhone into the USB port, users are able to make phone calls, access music, send and receive messages, get directions optimized for traffic conditions and more while staying focused on the road. CarPlay also features hands-free support via Siri voice control or the vehicle’s controls and touchscreen.
Current CarPlay apps listed include Podcasts, Beats Music, iHeart Radio, At Bat, Spotify, Stitcher, CBS Radio, Rdio and Audiobooks.com. Apple Maps gives turn-by-turn directions, traffic conditions and estimated travel times. It suggests address from your contacts and calendars.
UVO is very similar to the system on Hyundai’s compatible CarPlay models, including the new Hyundai Elantra Eco.
According to an Autotrader study, Android and Auto and CarPlay are recognized as being worthwhile.