best lcd screen for car brands

When you need the ultimate in real estate, look no further than the Sony XAV-AX8100. Last year, its sister model, the AX8000, made this list but since then there have been even more improvements. First off, this unit has a massive 8.95” touchscreen, yet it fits a single DIN 2” opening. The clever design allows this massive monster to fit in so many more vehicles than a traditional 2 DIN opening. It is an outstanding upgrade for older vehicles once thought to be limited on touch screen stereo upgrades.

The biggest difference to highlight between the AX8100 and its predecessor, the AX8000 is that the AX8100 now comes with an HDMI input. This allows you to simply plug in ANY multimedia device that you want and play video directly on the head unit. Xbox, Playstation, Switch, or even your iPhone with an HDMI adapter – this HDMI input is a HUGE upgrade and really opens this unit up as a super powerful multimedia head unit. Additionally, it is also preloaded with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for a seamless music experience. It has one of the lowest glare screens we have ever tested as well. Simple, easily understandable icons help drivers stay focused on the road and not on searching for features they want.

The nearly 9” touch sensitive screen appears to hover above your dash when installed. The screen can be tilted to accommodate different angles and to provide a comfortable viewing angle for the driver. The simple, matte-finish look blends in nicely with many different vehicle interiors and gives a true high-end feel to any car or truck. The AX8000 is an instant upgrade for almost any car on the road today.

The AX8100 features a peak of 55 watts per channel and has five, 5V pre outs for even more expandability. The unit is factory-prepared for a single backup camera. A single rear USB port can be used for wired connections and provides a 1.5a charging point for your smartphone.

There are many kinds of display screens in life, and there are many types. Now this device has entered the automotive field and transformed into a car display screen. The styles are more diverse and the functions are more and more complete, so choose the right car display. The screen has become a problem for many car owners.

In fact, the development process of each display brand is different, but the overall idea should be the same. In the whole vehicle design process, the design of the display screen exists in the form of a multi-disciplinary, cross-departmental and cooperative cross.

Tianma Microelectronics Co., Ltd. was established in 1983 and listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 1995. It is a high-tech enterprise focusing on the research and development and production of small and medium-sized liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and liquid crystal display modules (LCMs). After more than 20 years of development, it has developed into a large-scale public listed company integrating the research and development, design, production, sales and service of liquid crystal displays.

The company has STN-LCD, CSTN-LCD, TFT-LCD and CF production lines and module factories. In terms of technical level, product quality, product grade and market share, it ranks in the forefront of the domestic industry, and has become a leader in the field of small and medium-sized displays. Leading company.

Tianma Microelectronics provides various types of LCD screens. In terms of resolution, size, color depth, and supported interfaces, Tianma LCD screens have corresponding product services and program support. In mobile phones, MP3/MP4, vehicle display, Instrumentation, household appliances and other fields have a very wide range of applications.

BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd. (BOE) was founded in April 1993. It is an IoT company that provides smart port products and professional services for information interaction and human health. The “1+4+N” aircraft carrier business group integrating solutions, smart system innovation, and smart medical and industrial undertakings.

As a leading company in the global semiconductor display industry, BOE (BOE) has led China’s display industry to achieve growth from nothing, from existence to greatness, and from greatness to strength. At present, every four smart terminals in the world have a display screen from BOE (BOE), and its ultra-high-definition, flexible, micro-display and other solutions have been widely used in well-known brands at home and abroad. According to data from global market research agency Omdia, in 2020, BOE (BOE) ranked in the world in shipments in five major application fields, including smartphone LCD, tablet, notebook, monitor, and TV. First.

TCL Huaxing Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd. (“TCL Huaxing” for short) was established in 2009 and is an innovative technology enterprise focusing on the field of semiconductor display. As one of the world’s leading semiconductor display companies, TCL CSOT is based in Shenzhen, Wuhan, Huizhou, Suzhou, Guangzhou, and India, with 8 panel production lines and 4 module factories, with an investment of over 240 billion yuan.

Kunshan Longteng Optoelectronics Co., Ltd. was established on July 12, 2005. It develops, designs and produces fifth-generation thin-film transistor liquid crystal display panels (TFT-LCD); sells self-produced products and provides after-sales services; engages in new flat-panel display devices and supporting equipment Wholesale of key raw materials, electronic components, and electronic digital products.

LG Display is a leading manufacturer of thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) panels, OLEDs and flexible displays. In 1987, LG Display began to develop TFT-LCD, and currently provides display panels of various sizes and specifications using different cutting-edge technologies (IPS, OLED and flexible technologies).

In order to fulfill its promise of innovation and customer satisfaction, LG Display is actively developing markets for various products including TVs, mobile phones, IT products, and commercial displays.

Since its establishment, Sharp has carried out businesses ranging from radios, solar cells, to liquid crystal displays. Sharp has successively launched a number of “first in Japan” and “first in the world” products. Sharp now operates in 26 countries and 64 regions in the world, and is a large-scale comprehensive electronic information company.

HannStar has three LCD factories and one LCM factory, which is the most mature and most efficient TFT-LCD production technology, and its customer base is major well-known computer manufacturers at home and abroad. And since 2002, it has signed an IPS patent licensing contract with Japan’s Hitachi, and at the same time began to plan the fifth-generation factory to make the product line more complete and meet the needs of different customers. In the future, we will cultivate a localized high-quality team, implement the goal of technology localization, and move towards a higher level of product and technology fields.

JDI (Japan Display Inc.), founded in 2012 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the company mainly provides flat panel displays, such as ultra-high resolution low temperature polysilicon LCD, IPS wide viewing angle, high image quality, WhiteMagic for power saving, Pixel Eyes thin and light touch function, etc.

The above is today’s company introduction about the car display screen, for reference only. If you have any additional companies, you can leave a message at the bottom of the article. The editor will contact you in time and communicate with you. Please pay attention.

From radios to digital gauges, screens in cars have been around for a surprisingly long time. At one point, the only screen in a car was the clock. The digits were small, and maybe it was backlit. Then they added digital radios, and things got a little more interesting, but that was the extent of car screens for many years. There was Kitt from Knight Rider, but that was a fantasy. There was also the 1986 Buick Rivera, but that was an example of an idea coming before the technology was available. In the late early 2000s, some manufacturers were able to install a CD-ROM-based navigation system, and Tom Tom came along in 2004.

But there was nothing genuinely monumental until 2012 when Tesla changed the game. Soon other companies jumped in, and there was a race between car companies to see who could build the biggest and the best. First screens got to 8 inches, then 12 inches. Now some screens have passed Tesla’s offerings, some by quite a bit. Today there are mind-blowing screens larger than anyone could have imagined 20 years ago. As large as screens have become, there is still one thing they haven’t figured out yet. How to beat the fingerprint.

When the first Teslas screen became available, people were excited and astonished. Not only were they 2 or 3 times larger than most other cars, but they were bigger than tablet computers. We see now in a growing number of cars is thanks to them.

The 2022 Model S and Model X still use the same size 17-inch screen as the original, but now with a resolution of 1300p, close to that of a 1440p Quad-HD screen. There are a few buttons, but a touch screen operates most features. The Model X also has a rear-seat screen exclusive to only that model.

These models are less expensive than the S and X, but the screens on the Model 3 and Model Y are 15 inches, which is still larger than what you find in most cars. They control the same functions on the Model S and Model X.

These include climate control, navigation, the volume, phone, dash cam, voice control, and too many more to list. At one point, there was an issue with the screen being used to watch films while the car was on autopilot, but that’s been fixed now. And can only be used while in park. This fed into some worries that the larger units would be a dangerous distraction, but that theory has been refuted.

The largest screen available in a Ford vehicle is the 15.5-inch one in the Mustang Mach E. Other Ford models, such as the Escape, have much smaller 4-inch screens, and even the Mustang with the second-largest screen is 6.5-inches, with an option of an 8-inch screen.

The Mach E runs on Ford"s SYNC 4 system. It was the first vehicle to have an upgraded system. It is connected with a 4G LTE for over-the-air updates, but what it would cost to use it was not decided at release. Unlike most vehicles with touch screens, there is also a rotary dial at the bottom, though functions such as climate control and app selection are still operated by touch.

After the release date was pushed back, the first ones were finally delivered in December of 2021. The 2022 Rivian R1T has slowly been delivered to those on the waitlist, but those that do have gotten models with 16” central screens. There is a 12.3-inch screen behind the wheel that acts as a digital gauge.

The landscape-oriented central touch screen comes in at 16-inches. It controls the infotainment, including the 1,200-watt Meridian sound system, climate, and navigation. There is also a 6.8-inch screen in the back for passengers to control the rear climate controls. Reviewers have commented that it looks great, but too many features are controlled by the screen, which makes it feel overwhelming and unnecessary.

As you might expect, the Porsche Taycan has a different setup. The top screen is located in the center of the dash, where you would find most screens, but the second screen slopes downward into the center console. This isn’t new and has been found in other cars, but it’s not quite as intuitive as the single touchscreens are.

The total screen area is 16.8-inches combined but is a little more challenging to use. The 8.3-inch top screen is touch-controlled for the navigation and stereo features, while the bottom 8.5-inch screen slopes down from the top screen. It looks great but is very hard to use because you must look down to find the right spot for climate control options while driving. The total area of the screen is larger than the 11-inch one you would find in a Porsche 911, and there is also an optional third screen in front of the passenger.

The touch screens of the Audi A8 are set up nearly identically to the Taycan, which is no surprise as they are both built by the Volkswagen Group. There are top and bottom touch screens. There is a control wheel as well, but it isn’t as helpful as It was when it was the only way to select functions.

The top is 8-inches and controls the stereo, navigation, and phone, but with different menus and controls than the Porsche. The bottom screen is used for climate control. Because that’s its only set of functions, you won’t need to look down as frequently. Being a more expensive car, the screen of the A8 dwarves the 10-inch in the A4.

This one is a big deal. The screen for the driver is the traditional one you would find in any BMW 7 series. It’s a 15-inch display with standard functions and good old analog controls for climate and stereo.

What makes the new 7-series special is that you can choose what BMW is calling their Theater Screen. This one hangs above the space between the front and rear of the car and is 31-inches. Yes, 31-inches. It serves as an entertainment screen for the back passengers and has an 8K display that can be connected to Netflix, Hulu, and HBO via its 5G Wi-Fi connection. To control it are touch screen built into the door handles, which can be a little difficult to operate. When not in use, the screen can be folded up to the car"s roof.

A high-tech car needs a high-tech screen. For Lucid, it’s the 34-inch Glass Cockpit. The whole thing is one 5K resolution piece of glass that spans from behind the steering wheel to the dashboard"s center. There is also the lower glass display called the Pilot Panel. The whole system was built to

The far-left screen displays all the functions used to keep attention on the road. The center screen is the gauge cluster, and the right screen has media, navigation, and communication controls. The Pilot Panel is larger than the screens in front of the driver and can display more information. With it, you control the climate and car functions. Its controls can be voice-activated or changed with the touch screen. The whole panel can also retract for additional storage. If all of that seems too complicated, there are also buttons to push that can control many of the features.

Cadillac’s 38-inch curved OLED displaylooks much like Lucid’s system. The paper thin display is long and spans across the front of the dash. It’s made of three parts: the info screen on the left, the gauge cluster in the center that can be changed to display speed, maps, augmented reality, or night vision mode, and the media screen on the right. It’s angled towards the driver, but can still easily be seen by passengers.

Cadillac also kept things simpler by having a full set of buttons for the climate control in the center in its normal location. Unfortunately its only available in the Middle East right now, but the technology should be coming to the United States soon.

Mercedes is known for putting the latest technology in their cars before other manufacturers have even considered it. The EQS is Mercedes’ jump into the future, and they have developed a new dashboard to go with it. Known as the MBUX Hyperscreen, it’s the largest screen ever built by Mercedes. It’s a step further than even the Lucid and the Escalade.

The Hyperscreen is 56” of the screen made from an OLED with a fluid, interactive face. There are 8 CPU cores, 24 GB RAM, and 46.4 GB memory. Artificial intelligence can suggest actions based on what the driver has done in the past, in a specific place, or by the time of day, previous user interaction, location, and time of day. If you always listen to classical music on the way home from work, it will recognize the time of day and where you are and automatically show classical music options for you. It’s a peek at where the future of screens is going.

Ultra-premium cars may be coming with heads-up displays, but you can add one of the best heads-up displays to just about any motor. An extra screen in your peripheral vision means you gain access to a wealth of information, all while your eyes stay focussed on the road ahead.

Most heads-up displays only take a few minutes to install. Some connect to our car"s OBD-II port, other to your smartphone, while the most premium models can do both. All to give you access to a wealth of data you might otherwise not be able to see. But which one do you pick? We tested some of the best car heads-up displays to help you figure that out.

The Hudway Drive has just about everything you could want from a car heads-up display. It manages to combine data from the car’s OBD port, GPS satellites and your own smartphone. The only thing it doesn’t do is add Android Auto or Apple CarPlay to your car, but that might be asking a little much.

At $279 it is one of the most expensive HUDs on the market. But the amount of information it can put in your face means it’s well worth it. Whether that’s driving speed, engine RPMs, or turn-by-turn directions. Just be aware that the unit itself is rather big, and the fold-down screen might get in the way of your view of the road at times.

The Pyle PHUD180BD is able to squeeze an impressive amount of information onto its 5.5-inch screen, but even more impressive is how much it can manage with a $67 price tag. Not the cheapest car heads-up display by any stretch, it’s still a brilliant bargain - especially since it can combine OBD and GPS data.

Another unit that combines GPS and OBD data, the Wiiyoo C1 is a car heads-up display that manages to display loads of data in a visually-appealing format. Though this HUD is designed for people who want more than their dashboard has to offer, with support for data that real gear-heads will get a kick out of. If you ever wanted to know air-to-fuel ratios or turbocharger pressures while you’re driving, this might be the HUD for you.

While we certainly could have done without the faux leather finish, the Dagood A8 is still a car heads-up display with a lot of promise. Not only is it inexpensive, it also offers a large 5.5-inch display, bright graphics, and a light sensor to automatically adjust brightness based on the surroundings. It also combines GPS and OBD data to give you a more comprehensive view of everything going on in your car at any given time.

Another car heads-up display that pairs the OBD port with GPS satellites, the Akabane A500 can actually do a lot of things other HUDs can not. Not only is it able to show off a bunch of different pieces of information on its screen, performance enthusiasts will be happy to know it has the ability to test braking and acceleration as well. Can that Tesla of yours really hit 0-60 in the advertised times? The Akabane A500 can help you find out, though we don’t recommend testing this on a public road.

If you’re more of an off-roading type, the Autool X95 GPS Slope Meter is a car heads-up display to take into consideration. Using a combination of GPS and its own internal sensors, it can show a lot of the usual information alongside a few specialist data points. Tilt and roll sensors can alert you if your car is getting too close to the point of no return.

While it can’t access OBD data, meaning it lacks a lot of the information other HUDs rely on. That might be enough to turn some people off, especially if you prefer driving on paved highways. Still with a small, light design and a simple to navigate interface, it would be an ideal purchase for certain types of drivers.

The best heads-up displays present the driver’s choice of the car’s operational parameters in a format that’s easy to see, read and digest at a glance. The advantage to a standalone model is they can often out-perform many of the built-in HUDs available on modern cars with the range of data they can show. On the downside, they can’t integrate into the car’s entertainment or navigation systems.

Not all car heads-up displays are built equally, however. Not only do they come in all shapes and sizes, there can be a huge range in what information is actually displayed. Some HUDs only repeat what the dashboard shows with items like speed and time, but others go a big step further to offer things like a tachometer and fuel economy.

Many take a bigger leap to show a multitude of items not generally considered pertinent to safe driving, but could still be interesting, nonetheless. These range from turbocharger’s boost pressure to altitude. For the off-roaders among us, some HUD units can even warn the driver when the vehicle is about to tip over.

The rarest options can connect to your smartphone, displaying turn-by-turn navigation, contact information or even text messages. At the very top-end of this spectrum are HUDs that offer Android Auto or Apple CarPlay support, should your car’s not have a compatible infotainment system.

While designs and capabilities vary, the most important part remains its ability to show the data you want to see without taking your eyes off the road. In this regard, size can be a double-edged sword: a big screen can help with large numerals and graphic elements but also can get in the way. For smaller devices, the effect is minimal but it might be harder to read the screen.

Different HUDs offer different screen-types too, either directly showing the data or projecting it onto a reflective screen. The former are generally bigger, but since projections grow over distance the latter can offer a virtual image that can be as large as 10-inches. However projections can be hard to see in bright conditions.

The best projector-based HUDs show that information on a fold-down screen, which offers a clearer picture that beaming it onto your windshield. This also allows the screen to be pushed down when not in use, and clear up your view of the road ahead.

Regardless of which kind of HUD you choose, however, color is also a big help — helping the designer squeeze a lot more information into a small space. Likewise button layout is more important that you might think, with a single-button interface proving awkward to change items and delve into a device’s layered menu structure.

Finally you need to figure out where the HUD is going to get its data and power. Some HUDs utilize your car’s OBD port, which gives them a window into the inner workings of your car — albeit not as much as a dedicated OBD-II scanner might. Meanwhile GPS offers tidbits like drive distance and altitude. However GPS-only devices will need to plug into an alternate power source like your car’s cigarette lighter.

If you’re worried about installing an HUD, don’t be. The current generation of HUDs take minutes to set-up, at most, and the hardest part is often stashing the cable in the gaps in the dashboard. Here, a seemingly small item, like having a flat cable instead of a round one can make it easier to hide. It’s something anyone can do, and the units themselves typically sit on the dashboard using a pad or an adhesive strip for support.

There are heads-up displays that start at under $20 but these are generally second best. They either have monochrome screens or only display one item, like the car’s speed.

Evaluating heads-up displays involves a two-pronged approach: garage work and over-the-road field testing. It all starts with opening the box and checking out what the device includes. Although most HUDs come with everything you need to get set up. Some also include wire guides, while others lack key elements like the 12-volt car accessory adapter.

After firing up the car, we timed how long it took to start up and show data, followed by timing how long it takes to shut down after I switched off the car’s engine. To evaluate the screen, we looked at the data presented for both sharpness and the design of the gauges.

This is followed by checking out the interface and controls. We ran through the unit’s different screen choices, along the way taking notes as to the interface’s efficiency and ease of use. Finally, we go through each of the choices, counting the number of major parameters on display as well as its alarms and alerts.

With everything set, we hit the open road and give each HUD a test drive. Here we’re looking for how intuitive the display format is, whether sunlight washes out the screen and how well the display copes in the dark.The drive also involves a series of speed-up and slow down maneuvers to see if the HUD is able to keep up.

Once you"ve picked a heads-up display for your car, make sure to check out some other important automotive essentials. Both thebest automotive emergency kitsand thebest dash camswill be there in case of emergencies, albeit for very different reasons. Meanwhile thebest OBD-II scannerswill help you diagnose any problems your car faces, and whether you can fix them without a costly trip to a mechanic.Round up of today"s best deals

All of us have a tendency to treat the driver"s seat as our personal throne. That"s where we"re in our element, so we get comfortable—and complacent. Whether our fingers were last tapping on our phone screen, grasping the handle of a wrench, or carefully unwrapping a half-melted Hershey bar, we all tend to jump in, tune the radio, adjust the AC, and set a destination on the nav screen—all without first washing our hands.

And if you have a family? Other drivers use the car and its touchscreen, too. Of course, kids can"t resist touching any kind of screen, ever, and who knows where those tiny fingers have been? All parents have swiped their car"s touchscreen and felt... mystery muck. Yuck.

Touchscreens are likely one of the dirtiest, most germ-covered surfaces of any automobile. Sure, your dash gets dusty and your floorboard accumulates (a disturbing amount of) trash. However, it"s that dash-mounted screen that gets the most fingers, and therefore germs, on it.

Not necessarily. Many typical household glass cleaners contain either ammonia or alcohol. Most manufacturers recommend avoiding harsh chemicals on touchscreens, as they can affect functionality and perhaps damage the surrounding dashboard.

Sure, it"s cheaper and easier to use plain ol" Windex or Glass Plus, mainly because you"ve probably already got that stuff. Despite the temptation, though, you should avoid using household glass cleaner on your car"s touchscreen unless you"re positive the one you"re using contains neither ammonia nor alcohol. Besides, you may already own a great screen cleaner and not realize it.

Many modern automotive detailing products, including Chemical Guys Interior Cleaner and Meguiar"s Total Interior Detailer, are safe and effective to use on your car"s touchscreen. Read the label to be sure.

The fact is, there"s an even less expensive method to clean your car"s touchscreen, no products required—except a microfiber towel. (Again, you want to avoid scraping dust particles across the surface of your touchscreen to prevent scratches, so always use a clean microfiber towel.)

Many of the experts and gearheads in our Hearst Autos test garage told us they rarely use any kind of cleaner on their personal touchscreens. Up and down the line, those who saw us testing and photographing screen cleaners—we"re talking about people whose opinions we trust and whose bylines our readers know and respect—told us that whenever they get behind the wheel, they just drip a bit of water onto a clean microfiber towel, and wipe. Done.

As a parent, however, I"m left asking the question: Will a simple water wipe eliminate germs in the family SUV? Yeah, no. Sorry, but knowing my children, and the impressive but disgusting level of filth they can achieve, I"m going to use a cleaning agent on my car"s touchscreen.

To get to the bottom of whether car screen cleaners were truly necessary, we used a very scientific methodology. That is, we got our fingers and hands dirty, and touched the heck out of a screen in a test vehicle in the Hearst Autos stable. We let it dry for a while, and then cleaned it according to the product"s instructions. We did that five times.

We first made sure all the products did the job they claimed to do—and they all did. The wipes left droplets on the screen, which required a second wipe with a microfiber. But they all cleaned the chocolate and grease off the screen, leaving it clean and clear.

While using, we looked for any greasy film or residue left behind. We also considered any particularly strong odors, and took note of cleaners that left residual streaks. Most did, but all came away clean with a soft buff—that is to say, a few more gentle wipes with the microfiber towel.

Word to the wise: Don"t discount a screen cleaner because it leaves streaks on your screen. Take your time and do it right. We noticed far too many people online complaining that the product they used wasn"t some sort of magical solution that cleaned perfectly with just one wipe. All screen cleaners—all glass cleaners, really—will streak unless you take the time and care to give the surface a soft buff at the end of the process.

With a combined 206 years of automotive publishing experience, Hearst Autos—Car and Driver, Road & Track, and Autoweek—knows cars better than just about anyone. The Gear Team is committed to delivering honest evaluations, hands-on tests, and product reviews driven by decades of knowledge and experience. We get our hands on almost every product, tool, and piece of gear we feature.

If we can’t get our hands on the gear, we rely on the combined wisdom of our writers and editors, as well as auto experts we trust. We’ll never say anything is “the best” if we wouldn’t recommend it to our friends or buy it ourselves, and we won’t claim we’ve tested something if we haven’t. Learn more about our product testing here.

Vehicle-mounted display devices are usually LCD screens, with external sound, readable SD card, USB and Bluetooth and other functions. The car navigator’s monitor has an incoming call voice reporting function. As the LCD screen is relatively small and easy to install. The vehicle Lcd display can be installed near the dashboard, on the roof, behind the seat back, or even on the sun visor, which is convenient for viewing. In addition, vehicle-mounted display devices often integrate other functions, such as simple power amplifiers, TV receiving functions, audio output, etc., with more types and functions than TVs or computer monitors.

In today’s cars, there are a growing number of displays. This article explains the most important trends in automotive displays that you must know in 2022.

Nowadays, electromechanical switches and controls are being increasingly replaced by electronic controls, which include touchscreen displays. Even smaller controls, such as those to control the air conditioning, the position of a car’s exterior mirrors, or the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel, are involved.

In addition to the electronic mirror, there is another new development with cameras and display systems replacing rear-view or exterior mirrors to enhance safety by providing a better viewing angle. Since the protruding mirrors can be eliminated, even fuel savings are possible. The savings may be small for passenger cars, but for trucks and buses, they can be substantial.

In-vehicle interactions are primarily determined by visualization technologies, with overall automotive navigation and connectivity defining the cars of this generation. As a result, prominent automakers have incorporated interactive displays (those capable of responding to touch and visual stimulation) into their manufacturing processes.

Apart from getting a wide range of innovative chip solutions for processing the video stream and driving the display panels, you can also get accurate solutions for backlighting. Furthermore, you can be ensured that each application connects to high-speed networks while also providing the necessary power, especially for applications that must adhere to very high and constantly expanding safety standards in the automotive industry.

A fundamental change is occurring in this so-called “distributed architecture.” The trend towards stand-alone displays supports the new domain architecture. Currently, LCDs display graphics and video streams generated by a computing unit, a domain controller, far away in the car, typically under a back seat, rather than by an SoC or GPU within the display system.

C.A.S.E. (Connectivity, Autonomous, Sharing/Subscription, and Electrification) continues to dominate as digital technologies continue to transform the landscape of mobility and the development processes used in the automotive industry. You should understand and look at how these automotive trends will shape the auto industry in 2022!

Microtips Technology, a significant manufacturer of LCDs in the United States, has developed an LCD with less than an inch of diagonal. This device offers the best user experience and customer requirements for LCDs. We are a supplier of LCD modules with custom LCD, OLED, and capacitive touchscreen products.

The Kenwood DMX905S is one of five Kenwood models that feature wireless Android Auto, along with a traditional corded Apple CarPlay app. The Kenwood worked well in our testing, but small usability details separated it from our top pick. It has a capacitive display, although pinching-and-zooming didn’t work in Google Maps. The unit’s hard buttons are large enough to press easily, but they don’t have the nice tactile feel of the Pioneer models’.

Because the Kenwood and JVC brands are owned by the same company—JVCKenwood Corporation—the JVC KW-M845BW is similar to the Kenwood DMX905S, above, with wireless Android Auto and only minor design differences. Its 6.8-inch screen is resistive instead of capacitive; it has only one USB port, instead of two; and you can’t change the buttons’ illumination color. It has also only three small, hard buttons, which offer less versatility and are more difficult to use than the Kenwood’s. Most irksome for us, though, is that we had a difficult time wirelessly connecting to Android Auto with our Pixel 2 XL test phone, and switching between two Bluetooth-connected phones wasn’t as seamless as with the Pioneers.

The JVC KW-M730BT, our previous runner-up, and the newer JVC KW-M740BT are almost identical models. When plugged in with a USB cord, both CarPlay and Android Auto worked well. The Pandora and Spotify apps were also flawless when using a Bluetooth connection. Our main gripes are the three tiny hard buttons across the top, which offer less functionality and aren’t as easy to access on the fly as those on the other models we tested. Also, you can’t customize the buttons’ illumination colors.

The new Sony XAV-AX5000 is very similar to our budget pick, except that it has a larger, 7-inch, bezel-less display and smaller, hard buttons across the bottom, rather than the XAV-AX100 model’s volume knob and left-mounted buttons. We had no problems connecting to CarPlay and Android Auto through a USB cord, and the AX5000 provides dual USB ports and satellite radio capability. It could be another good budget choice, but it’s sparse on features, compared with our other picks. It doesn’t come with a GPS antenna; it uses the one in your phone. The display isn’t as customizable. You can’t vary the buttons’ colors. And you can’t connect this model to an iDatalink adapter for use with a car’s steering-wheel controls and other features.

Our former also-great pick, the Alpine iLX-107, was the first replacement car stereo to offer a wireless connection to Apple CarPlay, although it doesn’t include Android Auto. The iLX-107 model’s interface is relatively easy to use, with responsive capacitive volume buttons below the screen. Its screen can be finicky, though, and we often had to hunt and peck to find what we wanted in the menus. The iLX-107 has a 7-inch screen and a host of extra features, such as satellite radio and HD Radio, multiple color choices for the controls, and the capability to pair with up to five smartphones over Bluetooth, but it tends to be more expensive than our top pick.

The Alpine iLX-207 has the same bright, 7-inch display as its cousin, the iLX-107, along with Android Auto, which the iLX-107 lacks. However, it doesn’t have the iLX-107 model’s wireless CarPlay connectivity or its slick capacitive volume buttons. Instead, it has a thick lip across the bottom of the screen that protrudes about half an inch from the display, and houses several large plastic buttons that provide some tactile feedback. The iLX-207 worked fine overall, and includes satellite radio compatibility, HD Radio, selectable illumination colors and wallpaper, and an HDMI input and output. But as with the iLX-107, we often had to hunt and peck to find what we wanted in the menus.

The Sony XAV-AX210 is similar to our budget pick, the Sony XAV-AX100, with a 6.4-inch display and volume knob. But it adds a CD/DVD player, satellite radio capability, variable illumination, and the ability to connect to an iDatalink adapter for use with a car’s steering-wheel controls and other features. An SXM version that includes a SiriusXM tuner as part of a package is currently being sold.

Our previous upgrade pick, the Pioneer AVIC-W8400NEX, is very similar to our new one, the AVIC-W8500NEX, and it’s still available at some retailers for a discounted price.

The Pioneer AVIC-8201NEX is very similar to our upgrade pick, but without its wireless capability for CarPlay and Android Auto; you need to plug in with a USB cord. Like the AVIC-W8500NEX, this Pioneer comes with a built-in navigation system, capacitive touchscreen, satellite radio compatibility, HD Radio, and Pioneer’s Dual Zone Entertainment (which gives rear-seat passengers the option to enjoy different content than front-seat passengers).

The Kenwood DNX875S is essentially the same as the DMX905S digital media receiver, above, but with an integrated Garmin navigation system. You can connect to Android Auto either wirelessly or with a USB cord, and to CarPlay with only the cord. But, as with the JVC KW-M845BW, above, we had problems wirelessly connecting to Android Auto with our Pixel 2 XL test phone, and switching between two Bluetooth-paired phones wasn’t as seamless as with the Pioneers. We like the nav system; in our car GPS testing, we’ve found Garmin’s navigation system to be easy to use, with an intuitive interface, reliable and responsive routing, and helpful lane guidance at highway interchanges. As with Pioneer’s Here mapping, Garmin’s traffic data isn’t as comprehensive or accurate as that of Google Maps and Waze, though. The DNX875S is compatible with Kenwood’s DRV-N520 dash cam, and can accept two camera inputs.

Our previous upgrade pick, the Kenwood DNX694S, and the newer Kenwood DNX695S are very similar models. We had no trouble connecting to CarPlay and Android Auto through a USB cord. Both models come with built-in Garmin navigation, a CD/DVD player, HD Radio, satellite radio compatibility, variable color adjustments for customizing the controls’ backlighting, and dual video inputs for connecting multiple cameras. Unlike on the other Kenwoods we tested, the buttons are located on the left side of the screen, where they’re easier for a driver to reach, and the CD/DVD slot is visible above the 6.8-inch display. Both models can connect to the company’s DRV-N520 dash cam, and when a backup camera is connected, the stereo overlays helpful parking-guidance lines onto the camera’s image. According to Kenwood’s Seth Halstead, drivers can also connect other accessories, such as an add-on forward-collision warning system.

Technology is the great democratizer, and skeptics should look no further than today"s cars, which offer more choices than ever before when it comes to in-car entertainment options. Automakers are eager to cram more screens and more features into their models, all to make your commute as effortless and as enjoyable as possible.

The sheer number of options can overwhelm even the most knowledgable car shopper. Do you need navigation, or will your smartphone"s plethora of navigation apps suffice? Is Apple CarPlay or Android Auto a must-have feature? Do you enjoy satellite or internet radio? Parsing your in-car technological needs from your wants is critical before heading to the dealership. Doing so can be a frustrating experience in navigating not-so-friendly consumer websites that burry the information.

To help, we"ve broken down which makes and models offer what features. However, for now, we"ve limited our list to mainstream brands. Sorry, but you won"t find details about Bugatti or Koenigsegg.The 2019 RDX introduces a new, 10.2-inch, single-screen infotainment system to the Acura brand.Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

Most Acura models use a two-screen infotainment system called an On-Demand Multi-Information Display. There"s a 7-inch lower and 8-inch upper display with a physical rotary and jog controller and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The ILX sedan is an exception, with a 5-inch display coming standard and a single 8-inch display optional on higher trim levels.

In general, Acura"s infotainment systems feel a little dated, with so-so graphics and a cumbersome interface. Using the two screens and the physical control knob is not as straightforward as many rival premium automaker infotainment systems. As for the RDX"s new system,Alfa Romeo"s menu structure is easy to navigate via a controller in the center console, though response times to inputs are often slow.Wayne Cunningham/Roadshow

The 4C"s system feels like an aftermarket unit you might have fitted to your own car. And while the Alpine system is an improvement over the Parrot one installed in earlier models, it"s still nothing special when compared to other similarly priced sports cars.

Older models such as the Rapide and Vanquish feature a system called AMI III, which has navigation, text-message integration and Bluetooth. Its functions are managed with a rotary controller on the center stack. The two newest Aston Martins, the DB11 and Vantage, use a Mercedes-Benz-sourced Comand infotainment system with an 8-inch non-touchscreen in the dashboard and both rotary and touchpad controllers on the console. The Rapide and Vanquish support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but neither is offered on the DB1,

Aston Martin"s older infotainment systems are crude and dated by today"s standards -- hey, you"re buying these cars for their beauty and engines, not their tech, right? But the Mercedes-sourced DB11, DBS and Vantage systems are just as straightforward and modern as in other Mercedes models, a refreshing change from older cars.

Most older Audi models use an infotainment system called MMI, which features a rotary knob with shortcut buttons that"s used to access all information on the display. Many newer Audi models also allow drivers to interact with the infotainment system through Virtual Cockpit, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster operated with the steering-wheel controls. In fact, the TT and R8, as they"re driver-focused, don"t have a center screen and put all infotainment interactions in Virtual Cockpit.

The Bentley Bentayga, Flying Spur and Mulsanne come equipped with 8-inch touchscreens. In the Bentayga, you get a newer version with features including navigation, a built-in hard drive for storing music and Google Earth satellite imagery.

Bentley"s older infotainment systems feel, well, old, though the Bentayga"s newer touchscreen is snappy and responsive. It even supports Apple CarPlay. The Continental GT"s system works just as well as in the Panamera, with fast responses to user input that make using in-car functions a breeze.The latest version of BMW iDrive, in the 2019 3 Series.Nick Miotke/Roadshow

Though there"s a basic AM/FM/satellite radio with USB, Bluetooth and auxiliary connectivity, all BMW models can be upgraded to an infotainment system called iDrive. Most models are controlled using a rotary jog dial on the center console, but some newer systems also offer touchscreen support. You can "write" letters and numbers atop the controller in certain models, which can be useful when inputting navigation address. Apple CarPlay is supported but you will have to pay an annual subscription to use the function. Android Auto is not offered.

Most newer BMW models, including the 5 Series, 7 Series, 3 Series, 8 Series and X5, offer limited gesture-recognition ability: You can twirl your finger in the air to raise or lower the volume, for instance. We"re still not sure that"s useful, except as a way to impress your passengers. Other options include a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless phone charging, depending on the car.

BMW is also introducing a new Alexa-like feature called Intelligent Personal Assistant. Available in the 3 and 8 Series, as well as Z4 and X7, the voice-recognition tech can respond to inquiries like, "Hey BMW, look for the nearest fuel station," or "Hey BMW, I"m cold." As with Mercedes" similar function, we"re not totally sold on Intelligent Personal Assistant just yet.Buick"s infotainment system is the same as what you"ll find in Chevrolet and GMC models.Nick Miotke/Roadshow

Buick"s infotainment systems run the same basic software as other General Motors cars, including GMC and Chevrolet models, albeit with unique graphics and logos. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every model except the Cascada convertible, which uses an older version of Buick"s infotainment system. Screen sizes are either 7 or 8 inches, depending on the model, with navigation offered as an option. And like most GM models, a Wi-Fi hotspot is available as an option.

The Cadillac CT6, XT5 and Escalade use the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) touchscreen infotainment system, with built-in AM/FM/satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary connectivity, OnStar telematics support and optional navigation and a Wi-Fi hot spot. The ATS, CTS and XTS have an updated version that can save a driver"s preferences to the cloud to be used in multiple vehicles, and also boasts "predictive" navigation and an app store to add even more functionality. Both systems feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as optional navigation. As with Chevrolet, performance models (ATS-V and CTS-V) can be equipped with a Performance Data Recorder for capturing your track-day heroics.

Like other General Motors touchscreen infotainment systems,Most Chevy models use this MyLink infotainment system, which is shared with Buick and GMC vehicles.Jon Wong/Roadshow

Branded MyLink, Chevrolet offers 7- and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment systems on most models, with optional navigation, as well as built-in connectivity to the OnStar telematics system. AM/FM/satellite radio, Bluetooth, auxiliary and USB inputs are all included. On performance models such as the Camaro and Corvette, you"ll even find an optional Performance Data Recorder that can record video and telemetry from your on-track laps -- all the better for posting to YouTube later. The Bolt EV has a slightly different infotainment system focused on offering information about its battery charge time and other information, with a 10.2-inch screen. Every Chevrolet supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The Chrysler 300 and Pacifica both offer the Uconnect 4 infotainment system on an 8.4-inch screen, with some Pacifica minivan trims offering a 7-inch version of the display. The system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as Bluetooth, satellite radio, and aux and USB ports. Navigation with SiriusXM traffic and travel data is optional. In the Pacifica specifically, Uconnect Theater functionality allows for showing movies on the optional rear screens for kids (or older passengers, presumably).

The Dodge Challenger and Charger offer buyers a choice of two touchscreens powered by the company"s Uconnect software, a 7-inch and an 8.4-inch. Both feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as Bluetooth, satellite radio, and aux and USB ports. The 8.4-inch display can be optioned with navigation that features SiriusXM traffic and travel data, too. The Durango SUV offers the same displays, though its 8.4-inch option comes standard with navigation.

The Journey is the oldest vehicle in the Dodge lineup and thus has the oldest infotainment features. A 4.3-inch touchscreen is standard on base models, with AM/FM radio, Bluetooth plus aux and USB ports, as well as optional satellite radio. You can option up to the 8.4-inch screen running Uconnect 3 (a version behind other Dodge models), with or without navigation, and without any support for CarPlay or Android Auto.

Performance models of the Challenger, Charger and Durango also come with extra on-screen displays for adjusting vehicle settings, monitoring engine data or even recording your acceleration and braking times. Using the on-screen climate controls isn"t always the smoothest experience, but Dodge does provide redundant physical buttons for most of those operations. The Journey"s infotainment systems are behind the times within the class, as is the crossover as a whole.Ferrari"s smaller infotainment screen is, as we say, "minimal but functional."Nick Miotke/Roadshow

Today"s Ferraris essentially offer two different infotainment options. The Portofino and GTC4Lusso have 10.2-inch touchscreen systems with navigation. The 488 family and the 812 Superfast, as well as the new

While we haven"t had chance to try the 10.2-inch system yet, the color display on the 488 GTB is best described as "Fiat"s smaller version of Chrysler"s Uconnect system looks and feels pretty dated these days.Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

Fiat offers different infotainment systems for each of its models. The standard 500 hatchback and Cabrio -- whether in base or Abarth trim -- has a 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, USB and aux ports. Satellite radio and navigation are offered as an option. The 500X crossover and 500L hatchback both receive a standard 7-inch Uconnect 4.0 touchscreen for the 2018 model year. It includes satellite radio plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, and can be optioned with navigation and SiriusXM traffic information.

The Fiat 124 Spider is an interesting exception. Because the convertible is based on the Mazda MX-5 Miata, it uses the Mazda Connect infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen and rotary controller. Scroll down to the Mazda section for our thoughts on Mazda Connect.

The 500"s infotainment system looks and feels pretty dated at this point, with little in the way of phone integration. But the newer Uconnect system introduced this year for the 500X/500L

Base versions of Ford products use a relatively basic non-touchscreen radio with AM/FM, auxiliary and USB inputs, Bluetooth and Ford"s Sync voice-command features. The upgrade option is Ford Sync 3, which uses 6.5- or 8-inch touchscreens and adds features such as satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and optional navigation. It can even be used to adjust the climate controls and the heated steering wheel in appropriately equipped cars. And newer Ford models offer Wi-Fi hotspots which you can connect with up to 10 devices at once. Where the touchscreens used to be embedded into Ford cars" center stacks, newer models, such as the

Early versions of Ford Sync were error-prone and difficult to use, butThe Genesis G90 has a crisp, bright display, though its infotainment system lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.Nick Miotke/Roadshow

The basic on-screen software for the G70 and G80 is based on Hyundai"s Blue Link infotainment software, meaning that the Genesis systems work well with quick responses and straightforward menus. The lack of CarPlay and Android Auto on the G90 may be a letdown to some buyers,Look familiar? GMC uses a reskinned version of the Chevy and Buick infotainment systems.Nick Miotke/Roadshow

Honda offers a basic 5-inch radio system that lacks satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto. Both higher trim levels can be optioned with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen that adds those features, as well as the ability to read out text messages and integration with Pandora internet radio and optional navigation. That means that every Honda offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, at least as an option.

Hyundai uses either 7- or 8-inch touchscreens, depending on model, with AM/FM, satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary connectivity, as well as optional navigation. Every Hyundai supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And wireless phone charging is available on certain higher-trim models, too.

Hyundai"s touchscreens may not be the flashiest, but they"re routinely among our favorites for their speed, ease of use and sheer legibility. The on-screen software works well, even if it doesn"t have the flashiest or fanciest graphics on the market. The built-in navigation works well, and the CarPlay and Android Auto integrations are excellent.While we like the added functionality of Infiniti"s dual-screen setup, we wish the two screens didn"t look like they were designed in two different decades.Jon Wong/Roadshow

The Q70 and QX60 have a basic AM/FM/satellite, Bluetooth, USB and aux system as standard. The optional upgrade is to an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. The QX30 comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, while the QX80 has an 8-inch touchscreen. Finally, the Q50, Q60 and QX50 feature a dual-screen system with a 7-inch lower and 8-inch upper touchscreen.

Functionality includes an AM/FM/satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB and aux inputs, but you won"t find support for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. All models also have a jog dial in addition to the touch support.

Infiniti"s single-screen systems have no real problems, but also fail to stand out compared to today"s best rivals: the navigation graphics are dated and the built-in functionality is not especially impressive.Jaguar"s InTouch system is colorful and reconfigurable, but we frequently experience sluggish responses.Emme Hall/Roadshow

An 8-inch touchscreen is standard on most models, while Jaguar offers an upgraded system with navigation and a 10-inch display, which has bright and colorful graphics. A Wi-Fi hotspot can be equipped, and new models, including the updated

Depending on which Jeep you buy, different infotainment systems are available, but all offer at least 7- and 8.4-inch touchscreens with Uconnect 4, the latest version of the user-friendly infotainment system. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and has optional navigation, SiriusXM traffic and travel information. The Renegade, Compass, Wrangler and

Kia offers 7- or 8-inch touchscreens in all its cars, with the upgraded UVO3 option featuring navigation as well as voice recognition. All of the systems feature AM/FM, Bluetooth and satellite radio, and every Kia supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Pandora internet radio. UVO telematics services, like many competitors, allow let you locate the car with an app. The

Kia"s touchscreens may not be the most feature-rich, but they, like sibling brand Hyundai"s, work seamlessly and flawlessly. Though not the prettiest or most stylized, the on-screen graphics and impeccably clear and easy to use at a glance while on the road. Using CarPlay or Android Auto with the touch functionality works simply, too. The new K900"s system has even smarter graphics and a revised menu structure that, we think, borrows a lot from the design of BMW iDrive -- that"s not a bad thing.Lamborghini"s new infotainment system, seen here in the Urus SUV, is similar to Audi"s new MMI Touch Response interface.Chris Paukert/Roadshow

The Lamborghini Aventador has a full-digital instrument cluster along with an infotainment screen operated by Audi-like buttons and a rotary knob. It supports Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto. The Huracan also has a full-digital instrument cluster and lacks a central infotainment screen, instead relegating all functions to the display and using a rotary knob and buttons on the center stack. It, too, supports Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto.

While the Aventador and Huracan"s systems are dated, the Urus" works very well. Just as in new Audis, it"s pretty to look at, fast in all its functionality and easy to use.The Range Rover Velar"s infotainment setup is a big improvement over Land Rover"s older system, though it still doesn"t come with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.Land Rover

An 8-inch touchscreen is standard, with an optional 10-inch system called Land Rover InControl Pro available with navigation. The Range Rover Velar has a more advanced infotainment package, called Touch Duo Pro, with twin 10-inch touchscreens. The lower display is used, as in newer Audi models, to operate secondary functions such as climate and seating options. Land Rover also includes special menus with off-roading information including the vehicle"s angle or four-wheel-drive status.

Though it looks stylish in the dashboard and has bright, clear graphics, Land Rover"s infotainment system is often sluggish in its operations and cumbersome to use, especially taking time to boot up when you start the car or switch between menu functions. That can be especially frustrating when the system is needed for operating features like heated seats. The newer infotainment system in the Range Rover Velar seems faster to use than older models, and its graphics are an extra step forward in terms of crispness and prettiness. Land Rover is nowLexus fits its cars with a large, bright display, but the Remote Touch control interface is absolutely infuriating.Chris Paukert/Roadshow

Lexus offers a basic infotainment display with AM/FM/satellite radio, Siri Eyes Free for iPhone users, Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary input and support for the Scout GPS navigation app. The optional upgrade is to an infotainment system with a 10.3-inch screen operated by what Lexus calls the Remote Touch Interface, a mouse-like controller on the center console.

It features navigation and a Lexus Enform app suite that, similar to Toyota"s Entune integration, allows for using certain apps that have been downloaded to your phone. The

Lincoln vehicles all use rebranded versions of the Ford Sync infotainment system. That means, like Fords, there"s support for satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with navigation offered as an option. And just like those Ford models, the Lincoln systems work well in most situations.It may be a Maserati, but that"s Chrysler"s 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system.Roadshow

As of the 2018 model year, all Maseratis use infotainment systems based on the Uconnect touchscreen interface found in FCA cars. That means you get a bright, clear and responsive 8.4-inch touchscreen -- though it"s been rebranded with different colors, fonts and graphics compared to similar systems in other FCA-brand cars. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported.The Mazda Connect infotainment system will finally add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality in late 2018.Wayne Cunningham/Roadshow

Every new Mazda comes with a 7-inch touchscreen that the automaker brands as Mazda Connect. In addition to the touch interface, the system can be operated by a rotary knob on the center console. Standard features include AM/FM radio, auxiliary and USB ports, Bluetooth, and support for Aha, Pandora, and Stitcher Internet radio services. Satellite radio and navigation are both available as options, dependent on trim levels. An 8-inch version of the screen is standard on the 2018 Mazda6 and on the CX-9"s Touring trim level. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay have long been unavailable, but fortunately Mazda is now introducing support for those technologies across the lineup -- as well as

McLaren"s cars use a 7-inch, vertically oriented touchscreen running software called Iris. In addition to the touch controls, there are also buttons at the bottom of the display and a rotary knob for interacting with the system. Satellite radio and navigation are included, while a Track Telemetry app records your on-track exploits for later analysis on a computer. The feature can be upgraded with cameras, too. Iris doesn"t support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

Unfortunately, the infotainment system is nowhere near as satisfying as the cars in which it"s installed. We found Iris" graphics crude, its menus tricky to use and interact with and its overall functionality slow and lacking compared to rivals. It"s sluggish in all operations.

Mercedes calls its infotainment system Comand, and while there are slightly different versions depending on the age and model range of each car, overall it"s an excellent system to use. Operated by a rotary dial and, in some newer models, a touchpad controller, it offers navigation, Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary connectivity, as well as AM/FM/satellite radio. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported. Optional features include Wi-Fi hotspots and wireless phone charging. The

Comand has a logical menu structure that is E- and S-Class, are pretty and legible, with stylish iconographic and images yet very straightforward controls. While we need to spend more time with it, MBUX proved impressive though its voice controls, intended to be operated by saying, "Hey Mercedes," did not always work as intended in our early testing.The Mini Connected infotainment system is a reskinned version of BMW iDrive. It"s just... cuter.Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

The Mini Connected infotainment systems are offered with 6.5-inch screens as standard and 8.8-inch ones as an option. It"s operated either by the touchscreen or with a rotary jog dial on the center console, on top of which you can write letters or numbers for the navigation system. Built-in app support includes Pandora, Spotify and other internet radio choices, plus Siri Eyes Free. Navigation is optional, too, and there are some Mini-quirky features on-board, like flashing lights around the outer edge of the circular display that correspond to in-car actions (such as adjusting the volume.) Only the Countryman and Clubman support Apple CarPlay. No Mini supports Android Auto.

The Mini Connected software is essentially a reskinned version of parent company BMW"s iDrive, with a fairly straightforward menu structure, albeit done in more fun colors and graphics than the BMW version. Though it"s easy to bump the awkwardly placed control knob by mistake,Mitsubishi"s menus are straightforward, but we don"t like the touchpad controller of this infotainment