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With technology taking center stage in modern car production, things like making calls, sending texts, and using apps from your dashboard have increasingly become the norm. In shopping for a new car, you might have heard terms like ‘Android Auto’ and ‘Android Automotive’ thrown around and assumed they’re the same thing. Sadly, Google has done us the disservice of putting the burden on our plate to shed light on the real head-scratcher of a conversation that is Android Automotive vs Android Auto.

While services like CarPlay and Android Auto rely on your phone to function, Google has taken a cue from Tesla, building an entire operating system (OS) from the ground up to ensure you’re never without internet, nor is your phone battery going to take a beating from the endless hours spent streaming music and navigating from place to place using Google Maps. On the surface, that’s the main difference: Android Auto is powered by your phone and Android Automotive is powered by the car itself.
Much like the mobile version of Android, you would find pre-installed on a Samsung Galaxy S23, for instance, Android Automotive is a standalone operating system built into the head unit in what is currently a limited selection of vehicles. Unlike CarPlay or Android Auto, it isn’t necessarily tethered to your phone, even if they share many of the same accounts to access essential apps like Google Maps and Spotify.

Android Automotive OS vs Android Auto

While Android Automotive is a dedicated OS programmed to work with a vehicle’s hardware, Android Auto is a platform within your car’s own native OS – usually developed in-house by the manufacturer – that mirrors supported apps from your phone. 

Once connected, Android Auto opens your car’s existing OS up to display certain apps from your phone – navigation, calls, music playback, what have you, without suction cupping it to your windshield or mounting it to your AC vent. Android Automotive works independently of your other devices, so you can use it even if you own an iPhone. 

Although both Android Automotive and Android Auto are both in-vehicle solutions made by Google, Android Automotive has utility outside of software alone. With it, you can use it to adjust climate controls, the sunroof, windows, mirrors, and even massage seats if you have ’em. Android Automotive is more akin to what Tesla has in its cars, an all-in-one infotainment suite with a hand in everything your car does.

A significant disparity between Android Automotive vs Android Auto is the compatibility requirements. While Android Auto necessitates you own a smartphone running Android 6.0 or later, Android Automotive is limited to just a few vehicles that arrive on the lot with it already installed – in other words, if you buy a car without it, there’s no option to add Android Automotive to your vehicle later on. But, once you have it, Android Automotive is the more reliable platform, as its services won’t be interrupted in the event your phone dies.

What is Android Automotive OS? 

Android Automotive is a version of Google’s Android OS designed specifically for vehicle infotainment systems – the big tablet or normal-sized display, depending on your make and model, sitting in your center console. 

Because we’re in an awkward stage of automotive technology where there is no uniform approach, sometimes the infotainment OS is a stand-in for HVAC controls, and in other cases, it’s not. Either way, since it’s designed to scale across many different vehicles, Android Automotive lets you adjust climate controls, organize your apps into folders, talk to Google Assistant, and more. It especially comes in handy for EV owners as it can provide accurate charge level information.
Volvo and Audi were the first auto brands to partner with Google in building Android Automotive for their next-generation vehicles. Although Google revealed Android Automotive to the public in 2017, it didn’t officially debut until the Polestar 2 came along in 2021.

What is GAS (Google Automotive Services)?

In addition to Android Automotive, some supported vehicles also ship with Google Automotive Services (GAS). In this case, you can download third-party apps found on the Google Play Store. Without GAS, Android Automotive users are limited to apps authorized by Google.

What is Android Auto? 

Android Auto is an app for Android phone users to display content from their mobile devices to the infotainment display in their cars. Often bundled with CarPlay, Apple’s iPhone equivalent, Android Auto has been a mainstay since Google announced it in 2014.

The Hyundai Sonata made history as the first model to come with Android Auto, paving the way for nearly every new model year to support it today. Google claims over 500 models are compatible with more to be added soon. Don’t expect to find Android Auto or CarPlay if you’re thinking of getting a Tesla, though. Without a warranty-defiant workaround, the House of Musk still gives drivers no choice but to use its own proprietary software. 

Android Auto gets frequent over-the-air system updates and bug fixes, always doing its best to deliver the optimal on-the-road experience for Android folks. You can use Android Auto either wirelessly or with a USB cable, though compatibility varies from car to car. Only 2020 models and newer support wireless connectivity.

Which is better – Android Automotive OS vs Android Auto?

While many see Android Automotive as a replacement for Android Auto, it’s unlikely Google will discontinue the latter. Android Auto. Despite its limitations, Android Auto greatly improves the driving experience for those otherwise stuck with software designed by the manufacturer. 

On the other hand, it’s possible automakers themselves will ditch Android Auto and CarPlay in favor of full-service solutions like Android Automotive, as General Motors recently announced it’s doing, to avoid developing and maintaining their own software. Contrary to the recent backlash that decision sparked, it appears to be the inevitable next step for automakers. GM is just bearing the brunt of the outrage because it’s pushing ahead first.

If you can find a car you like within your budget that has Android Automotive already installed, it is without a doubt the more complete product. However, while the list of supported vehicles is growing, Android Automotive is still in its early days. Unless you can spend upwards of $60K before dealership fees and taxes on a brand-new set of wheels, Android Automotive isn’t an option for most people right now.

Both Android Automotive and Android Auto come in handy, but their increased adoption raises concerns about cybersecurity threats. As cars and tech evolve to become one, drivers open themselves up to unprecedented vulnerabilities. Not only do you have to worry about packing your kids’ lunch and getting to work on time, but now there’s also the risk of having your assisted driving systems hijacked by a malicious assailant. In other words, as Ubisoft predicted years ago, Watch_Dogs is one step closer to becoming real.

There’s no slowing progress, and in the automotive world, that means going electric. Some automakers have jumped in with both feet and billions of dollars, while others have been slower to hop on the train. Toyota and, by extension, Subaru, have been slow to develop and release new EVs. However, we got our first taste from both automakers this year with the new Toyota bZ4X and Solterra, respectively. The 2023 Subaru Solterra shares a platform, drivetrain, and much of its engineering with the Toyota bZ4X but has enough Subaru DNA to make it unique. 

The Solterra is all-new for 2023 and we’re still waiting to hear more about next year’s model. That said, we can speculate that the automaker may offer a more rugged Wilderness trim of the 2024 Subaru Solterra. We also expect the company to add an extended-range model to the line as well. 

2023 Subaru Solterra price, specs, and range

2023 Subaru Solterra: check local availability at CarGurus

The 2023 Subaru Solterra is available in three trims. Each trim comes standard with all-wheel drive and a dual-motor powertrain making 215 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque.  

2023 Subaru Solterra Premium

• $44,995

• 228 miles of range

2023 Subaru Solterra Limited

• $48,495

• 222 miles of range

2023 Subaru Solterra Touring

• $51,995

• 222 miles of range

The Solterra is an interesting first EV from Subaru, as it’s more expensive and has less range than the Toyota it’s based on. That said, the Toyota bZ4X is front-wheel drive by default, while the Subaru gets standard all-wheel drive, which likely accounts for the price difference. While the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a few thousand dollars cheaper, it requires added-cost upgrades and trims to get all-wheel drive.

Another hangup for Subaru is that the Solterra isn’t eligible for federal tax credits under the current rules. The requirements changed with the introduction of the Inflation Reduction Act. Under the new legislation, only electric vehicles that have undergone final assembly in North America are eligible for federal tax credits. The Solterra and the Toyota bZ4X are both built in Japan, disqualifying them from the program.

Despite that, the Solterra fits nicely within Subaru’s catalog and can actually do off-road-y things. It’s more expensive than most of its lineup, but it’s not outrageously more costly than higher trims of the Subaru Ascent SUV. It’s also not entirely out of line with its rivals’ pricing and offers decent value for the money. However, the Subaru could use more range. Its charging speed is also limited to 100 kW, slower than the newest EVs from Korea, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 6.

Subaru Soltera vs Toyota bZ4X: sibling rivals

The Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X are nearly identical in many ways but differ in a few key areas. Subaru equips the Solterra with standard all-wheel drive, whereas Toyota gives the bZ4X front-wheel drive to start. Buyers can add AWD to the Toyota, but it comes at the cost of range. That said, the Solterra and bZ4X return identical numbers with all-wheel drive considered. Neither vehicle is particularly exciting to drive or quick, and both take longer than many other new EVs to charge. 

Going forward, we know Toyota has other EVs in the works, including new SUV models. Subaru hasn’t been as forthcoming with its electrification plans, but much of its EV development is likely tied to Toyota. This means we’ll see something from the automaker soon. A company official has stated the need for several EV models by 2025, which is a good sign for Subaru EV hopefuls.

Subaru Solterra interior: not Solterrible

The Subaru Solterra interior, for example, is almost the same as in the Toyota bZ4X, as they both offer the same headroom, legroom, and passenger space. Their interior designs are also strikingly similar, and both offer great tech. Toyota equips a standard 12.3-inch display, while Subaru buyers get a standard 7-inch display with the option to upgrade to a larger unit. Safety equipment, cargo space, and exterior dimensions are also closely aligned.

Subaru news: Into the wilderness

Though we’re here talking about Subaru’s electric ambitions, the automaker’s standard vehicle lineup is one of the most targeted, focused product lines in the industry. Subaru listens to its customers and delivers models and features that they want, which is why the company is expanding its Wilderness line to the Crosstrek for 2024. By adding light but legitimate off-road capabilities, Subaru gives its customers a rugged vehicle that remains usable every day. 

Subaru has been characteristically quiet in 2023. However, the company did take the opportunity to tout its vehicles’ safety credentials earlier this year. Five 2023 Subaru models earned Top Safety Pick awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), meeting the organization’s new, stricter standards for side-crash safety. Individual models have been long-running award winners, such as the Forester, which has more Top Safety Picks than any other small SUV, and the Legacy, which earned the award for its 18th consecutive year.

Despite initial skepticism about its styling, the Subaru WRX is also seeing success. In a world where it’s nearly impossible to buy a new Toyota GR Corolla or Honda Civic Type R at MSRP, Subaru has made the WRX accessible and affordable. While the non-STI model may not be as “hot” as the Type R or GR Corolla, it’s an extremely fun car that can actually be found in the wild, making it a significant win for Subaru.

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South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Company has grown from its roots as an economical alternative to a dominant force in the US. As a company of purely foreign brands, it’s second only to Toyota. The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 sedan is the quintessential example of the brand’s ascendance to the top, taking home a trio of prestigious trophies – including World Car of the Year – at the 2023 New York Auto Show.

Though its vehicles aren’t currently eligible for federal tax credits (unless you’re the lessor), Hyundai’s electric lineup is nonetheless a compelling option. After years of recalls and even a class action lawsuit involving problematic engine fires, the EV arms race has breathed new life into the brand’s reputation.

The Ioniq 6, takes a bold design approach, flaunting futuristic styling and a tech-heavy interior. At a reasonable $45,500 for the base trim, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 checks just about every box on the list for the average car buyer. As is the case with other EV brands, the Ioniq 6 shares its guts with other members of the Hyundai Motors family, namely the Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Genesis GV60, which speaks to the flexibility of the platform.

Hyundai Ioniq 6: see prices at CarGurus

We’re still in the car’s first year on sale, but there’s plenty we can infer about its future. Hyundai’s already promised a hotter N version of the Ioniq 5, so it’s likely we’ll see a performance variant of the Ioniq 6 as well. We might also get a lower-cost, entry-level model with a smaller battery and rear-drive-only. Buyers can configure the current car now, and it’s available for purchase in a limited number of zero-emissions vehicle states.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 price and specs

The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is available in three trims including both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. Though it can be great for winter driving, AWD cuts range by enough to matter for most people. 

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE

• $45,500
• Up to 361 miles of range
• Up to 320 Horsepower

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 SEL

• $47,700
• Up to 305 miles of range
• Up to 320 Horsepower

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Limited

• $52,600
• Up to 305 miles of range
• Up to 320 Horsepower

The Ioniq 6 slots into the Hyundai lineup above the Ioniq 5 crossover and the smaller, cheaper Kona EV. The Ioniq vehicles ride on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, while the Kona EV shares a platform with the gas versions. Hyundai has teased an Ioniq 7, which will be a larger three-row SUV similar in size to the Kia EV9. 

We know that Hyundai’s working on a hotter N version of the Ioniq 5, so it’s reasonable to expect the sleek Ioniq 6 to receive the same treatment. That likely means performance gains similar to what we saw in the Kia EV6 GT, which brought fantastic increases in speed and acceleration with a noticeable drop in range to pay for it.

Hyundai has not been secretive about the fact that the Ioniq 6 targets the Tesla Model 3, and the car’s pricing, performance, and striking design all aim to knock the popular American EV off its throne. Its upscale interior outshines the Tesla’s with a mix of physical and virtual controls and popular features that the Model 3 doesn’t offer, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Hyundai EVs: Hyundai Ioniq 6 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2023 Ioniq 6 shares much of its underlying structure with the Ioniq 5, though you’d never know it by looking at the two side-by-side. A shared platform enables drivetrain and battery pack similarities, but the two Ioniqs have different wheelbases and completely different body styles.

Hyundai markets the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 to different target demographics, with the Ioniq 5 aimed at young families and the Ioniq 6 at professionals. That said, the front cabin area and driver controls are hardly distinguishable between the two. While the cupholders and center console in the Ioniq 6 are more prominent than the 5’s, the interiors are otherwise functionally identical.

Where you’ll notice the difference is in the cargo hold, where the Ioniq 5 demonstrates its crossover utility vehicle chops. The Ioniq 6’s trunk holds only 11.2 cubic feet of cargo, while the Ioniq 5 can swallow 27.2 cubic feet of gear. 

Both vehicles have advanced 800-volt electrical architectures, allowing them to charge at blazing-fast speeds. The Ioniq 5 was one of the first EVs to feature the technology, and the Ioniq 6 takes advantage of the same setup. That lets the Ioniq 6 charge from 10-80% in 18 minutes, and the car can recover 65 miles of range in just five minutes on a DC fast charger.

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 news: Death and taxes

Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis have all struggled with recent changes to the federal EV tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. The Korean auto family builds several vehicles in the United States, including the electric Genesis Electrified GV70, but its batteries come from China, which precludes it from qualifying. The automakers are working to domesticate their production efforts to qualify for up to a $7,500 credit, but it takes time to build new factories and reconfigure supply chains.

That said, Hyundai is deeply invested in its US presence, so it’s at no risk of falling behind or failing to push ahead with its EV plans. The automaker sells tons of electric cars in the states without the tax incentive and will likely continue to do so, despite its current share prices suggesting otherwise.

Looking ahead, Hyundai will likely have its US EV production operation running by 2025, and we know it has plans for new electric models to release in the next few years. Beyond the Hyundai Ioniq 6, there’s the upcoming Ioniq 7 expected in 2024, along with an Ioniq 5 N and maybe even a production version of the incredible-looking N Vision 74 Concept unveiled last July.

Hyundai Ioniq 6: see prices at CarGurus