Best SUVs with Apple CarPlay for 2024
These are the best SUVs with Apple CarPlay based on iSeeCars' analysis of each vehicle’s reliability, resale value and safety.
The best small and compact SUV with Apple CarPlay is the Honda CR-V (8.9 / 10 iSeeCars score) and the best midsize SUV with Apple CarPlay is the Honda Passport (8.9 / 10 iSeeCars score). Topping the list for the best large SUVs with Apple CarPlay is the Toyota Sequoia (8.9 / 10 iSeeCars score), while the Toyota Highlander Hybrid ranks first for the best hybrid SUVs with Apple CarPlay (9.2 / 10 iSeeCars score).
SUVs are all about functionality and convenience. So is Apple CarPlay, which is why the intuitive interface is among the most popular vehicle features offered in today’s SUVs. CarPlay lets iPhone users stream their phone’s content and controls onto an SUV’s touchscreen, while featuring the same app icons, in the same layout iPhone users have been using for years. This makes finding and using programs like Google maps, Spotify, Waze, and hundreds of other popular apps quick and easy.
Apple CarPlay has been available in new cars for years, but in its first iterations a user had to connect their phone using a USB cord. Recent model years have seen the introduction of wireless Apple CarPlay, making the connection between phone and infotainment system much simpler and more convenient. This connection works with the wireless charging systems most automakers offer for truly seamless iPhone use within an SUV.
The Apple CarPlay interface goes beyond touchscreen controls, with most SUVs offering a steering wheel button to engage Siri for voice control. This further streamlines the process of using your phone’s apps, texting, or making calls, all while allowing driver’s to keep their eyes on the road. Android phone users can enjoy many of these same features with Android Auto phone connectivity.
Apple CarPlay was initially offered on technology-focused models like electric cars and plug-in hybrids. Then it moved to luxury brands like Acura, Audi, BMW, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. Now CarPlay is available on most new SUVs at the base trim level, though some models require higher trim upgrades for wireless connectivity. Examples include nearly every model from Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen.
All the SUVs that offer Apple CarPlay are listed below, with models organized by vehicle type and size, and ranked according to their iSeeCars quality score. This score takes reliability, resale value, and safety into consideration. For each model below new and used pricing and fuel economy specs are also included. If you won’t buy an SUV unless it has Apple CarPlay, use the lists below to confirm its availability.
How We Rank These Cars
The Best Cars with Apple CarPlay list ranks vehicles by their iSeeCars Score, which is based on our proprietary assessment of a vehicle’s reliability, resale value and safety (based on ratings from IIHS and NHTSA). The Apple CarPlay feature is available either standard or optional on these cars.
The iSeeCars Score is an analysis of three factors: reliability, resale value and safety. It is calculated based on the latest research and analysis by our data science team. The data analysis comes from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings.
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
