The automotive industry is experiencing a true technological revolution in its infotainment systems. More and more manufacturers are opting for Android Automotive., a platform that transforms the dashboard into an integrated digital hub that's much smarter than traditional systems. If you've heard of Android Automotive but aren't sure if it's the same as Android Auto, or which cars have it, here's the most complete and up-to-date guide on how to use it. What is Android Automotive, what are its advantages, differences with Android Auto and above all, the detailed list of models and brands that include it by default, both with Google Automotive Services (GAS) and without them..
Whether you're looking for a new car, a techie, or just want to know if your next vehicle will have the latest connectivity features, we'll take a look at the features in this article. The most relevant and up-to-date information on compatibility, benefits, customization options, and manufacturers who have truly embraced Android Automotive.We focus on the models available in 2025 and the key differences that can impact your daily driving experience.
What is Android Automotive and how is it different from Android Auto?
Although their names are similar, Android Automotive and Android Auto are very different technologies. which often generate confusion. Android Automotive is a Complete operating system, based on Android and specifically adapted for cars. It works completely autonomously, installing directly on the vehicle's hardware and It doesn't depend on your mobile phone at all.This means you can boot up and enjoy all its features without having to connect a smartphone.
For its part, Android Auto It's a "phone mirroring" solution: your Android phone connects via USB or wirelessly to the car's screen (if the model is compatible), and what you actually see is a simplified interface of your smartphone, designed to minimize distractions and facilitate the use of navigation, music, calling, and messaging apps. It requires the phone to be present at all times and severely limits the customization and control options over the car's internal functions.
With Android Automotive, however, the system is fully integrated into the car, which allows you to adjust the climate control, manage seat positions, audio, check vehicle status information, and, of course, install applications directly from the center console, provided the manufacturer has enabled Google services (GAS).
What are Google Automotive Services (GAS)?
One of the most relevant aspects of Android Automotive is that It may or may not be accompanied by Google Automotive Services (GAS)These services constitute the "Google ecosystem" for the car: they include Google Maps, Play Store, Google Assistant, and other popular apps and services from the tech giant. In vehicles with GAS, You can install third-party apps from the Play Store directly on the car system., just like you would on an Android smartphone. You have access to Google Maps out of the box, the voice assistant, and all the usual Google integration.
However, there are manufacturers who choose to use Android Automotive without GAS. In that case, Only apps preloaded or approved by the manufacturer are available., and Google services are often replaced by their own or third-party alternatives (such as Amazon's Alexa or TomTom maps). This means fewer customization options, but is often a response to strategic brand decisions.
It's important to note that the user experience, level of integration, and variety of available apps and services vary significantly between models with and without GAS.
Key differences from other systems and advantages of Android Automotive
Beyond the independence of the mobile phone and the possibility of installing specific apps for the car, Android Automotive offers a much more customizable and advanced experience.It stands out for its ability to control not only entertainment but also many vital vehicle functions: climate control, door unlocking, driving modes, user profiles, OTA (over-the-air) updates, full voice assistant integration, and a brand-specific interface.
Some advantages and differential characteristics are:
- Runs directly on the car's hardware, which increases speed, stability and integration possibilities.
- It does not consume mobile battery nor does it depend on cables or Bluetooth connections to function.
- Supports automatic software updates (OTA), allowing the vehicle to receive improvements and new features throughout its useful life.
- Allows you to install vehicle-specific Android applications and, if you have GAS, access the Play Store, Google Maps and other services.
- Provides deeper control of vehicle functions (air conditioning, seats, windows, user profiles, personalized assistants).
- Each manufacturer can customize the interface and functions to adapt them to your philosophy and customer profile.
- Growing compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in parallel, allowing users to choose the experience they prefer at any given time.
Current list of cars using Android Automotive with or without GAS (2025)
The rollout of Android Automotive has been gradual, but its implementation has accelerated since 2021 and is currently There are more than 50 models on the market with this system. Most of them correspond to the medium-high and high segments, although their presence extends to other categories. Below is the exhaustive list of models and brands that mount it, differentiating between those with Google Automotive Services and those without.
Cars with Android Automotive and Google Automotive Services (with Play Store)
- Alpine A290, Alpine A390
- Acura MDX 2025+, Acura ZDX 2024+
- Buick Enclave 2025+, Buick Envision 2024+
- Cadillac Celestiq, CT5 2025+, Escalade 2025+/IQ, Lyriq, Optiq, Vistiq, XT4 2024+
- Chevrolet Blazer EV, Colorado 2023+, Corvette E-Ray/Z06 2024+, Equinox 2025+/EV, Silverado 2022+/EV, Suburban 2022+, Tahoe 2022+, Traverse 2024+
- Ford Expedition 2025+, Explorer 2025+
- GMC Acadia 2024+, Canyon 2023+, Hummer EV, Sierra 2022+, Terrain 2025+, Yukon 2022+
- Honda Accord 2023+, Civic 2025+, Passport 2025+, Prologue 2024+
- Infiniti QX80 2025+
- Lincoln Aviator 2025+, Nautilus 2024+, Navigator 2025+
- Mitsubishi ASX 2024+
- Nissan Armada 2025+, Micra 2025+, Murano 2025+, Patrol 2025+, Qashqai 2024+, Rogue 2024+
- Polestar 2, 3, 4, 5
- Renault 4 E-Tech, 5 E-Tech, Austral, Captur 2024+, Espace 2024+, Mégane E-Tech Electric, Master 2024+, Rafale, Scénic E-Tech 2025+, Symbioz
- Volvo C40 / EC40, ES90, EX30, EX90, S60 2023+, S90 2022+, V60/V60 Cross Country 2023+, V90/V90 Cross Country 2022+, XC40 2023+ (except T2), XC40 Recharge / EX40 (electric version), XC60 2022+, XC90 2023+
These models allow access to the Google Play Store and all compatible applications, in addition to offering a superior level of integration and customization..
Cars with Android Automotive without Google Automotive Services (without Play Store)
- Alfa Romeo tonal
- Audi Q6 e-tron 2025+, A5 2025+, A6 2025+
- BMW X1 2023+, X2 2024+, X3 2024+, 1 Series 2024+
- Chrysler Pacifica 2021+
- Dacia Duster 2024+
- Dodge Durango 2021+, Hornet 2021+
- fiat new 500
- Lotus Eletre, Emeya
- LucidAir
- Lynk & Co 01, Lynk & Co 02
- Maserati Ghibli 2022+, GranTurismo 2022+, Grecale 2022+, Levante 2022+, MC20 2022+, Quattroporte 2022+
- Nissan Interstar 2024+
- Porsche Macan 2024+, Taycan 2025+
- Rivian R1T, R1S
- Togg T10X
These models don't include the Play Store or Google services as standard; they generally include apps pre-selected by the manufacturer or alternative assistants such as Alexa or TomTom.
The brands that are most committed to Android Automotive
In global terms, the brands that have made the most progress in adopting Android Automotive (most with GAS) are Volvo, Polestar, Renault, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC and FordHonda, Nissan, and Lincoln also stand out, with new compatible models expected to be launched in the coming years.
On the other hand, brands like Audi, BMW, Maserati, Porsche or Lotus They have chosen to integrate Android Automotive without Google services, customizing the experience according to their own standards of control and privacy.
Stellantis (which includes Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Peugeot, Fiat, Opel, Citroën, etc.) uses Android Automotive as a base, but chooses alternative assistants and maps, without including the Play Store or Google services.
What can I do with Android Automotive that I couldn't with other systems?
There are key features that make the difference and justify the interest in this system:
- Full control of climate, seats, driving modes and personalized settings.
- Advanced navigation with real-time maps, speed camera information, traffic, and charging stations (for electric vehicles).
- Deep integration with voice assistants (Google or others) to manage routes, climate control, calls, and more using spoken commands.
- Automatic software updates that improve the system and add new functions without going to the workshop.
- Download and use streaming applications, podcasts, online radio, games and road-specific utilities, if you have GAS.
- Creating custom user profiles, very useful in shared or family cars.
Advantages and disadvantages of Android Automotive compared to Android Auto and traditional systems
While both systems offer some connectivity, Android Automotive is much more advanced and autonomous. His main advantage Its unique advantage lies in its ability to operate without relying on a phone and offering extensive control over the vehicle and its infotainment functions. Furthermore, integration with voice assistants and regular updates make it more versatile and future-proof.
Just like current disadvantage, It's important pointing that Not all cars on the market have it, nor can it be added later to a model that does not have it from the factory.Some manufacturers limit app installation to ensure security and reduce distractions, which can reduce flexibility compared to a smartphone.
In cars that only have Android Auto (without factory Automotive), the available functions are limited to mobile-compatible applications, without direct control of vehicle-specific functions and depending on the phone's connection and battery.
Can Android Automotive be installed in any car?
One of the most common questions is whether it's possible to install Android Automotive on older vehicles or after purchasing them. It is not possible to officially install Android Automotive on cars that do not have it as standard., as it requires deep integration with the vehicle's hardware. If you want a versatile system in an older car, you'll need to opt for Android Auto (which does work on many compatible displays via updates or third-party media systems).
