Best Cars with Apple Carplay in Australia

By Alexi Falson on 19 Jan 2023
image for Best Cars with Apple Carplay in Australia Smartphones have become an extension of ourselves, which means almost all buyers in the iOS ecosystem demand Apple CarPlay integration in their new car. 

Thankfully, the majority of manufacturers have picked up on public demand and have introduced Apple CarPlay support in their latest models, with just a small handful of models missing out on the feature, but will likely see it installed in the next model year. 

Let’s take a look at some of the best car options currently on the market with Apple CarPlay support fitted as standard, and break down their respective infotainment systems to see which is your best option. 

Best Cars with Apple CarPlay in Australia 

Toyota Corolla 

The Toyota Corolla is one of Australia’s favourite small cars, and in its latest form, comes jam-packed with technology. 

In its latest form, the Corolla comes packing a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is fitted with wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity and DAB+ digital radio, while the higher-spec Corolla SX gains wireless smartphone charging. 

Mazda 3

The Corolla’s main rival, the Mazda 3 also comes fitted with Apple CarPlay, although the Mazda’s system requires a USB connection for the system to work. 

The Mazda 3 boasts a slightly larger 8.8-inch infotainment system controlled by a rotary dial on the transmission tunnel, as well as DAB+ radio and an eight-speaker sound system fitted on all models, including the base G20 Pure. 

Mitsubishi Outlander 

Mitsubishi’s major overhaul for its Outlander SUV has resulted in one of the most impressive family-friendly creations on the market that gains a heap of entertainment tech as standard. 

The entry-level Outlander ES comes fitted with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay as standard, while the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Outlander gains wireless Apple CarPlay support, atop DAB+ digital radio and a six-speaker sound system as standard. 

Step up the range and you’ll gain a larger 9.0-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and a wireless charging pad in the LS, while the range-topping Exceed picks up a 10-speaker sound system from BOSE. 

Mazda CX-5 

Mazda’s CX-5 family SUV not only features one of the most stylish interiors on the market, it also comes well-equipped when it comes to features that keep growing families entertained on long-distance road trips. 

As standard, the CX-5 is fitted with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Mazda’s MZD Connect which offers Apple CarPlay and DAB+ radio, while stepping up to the CX-5 GT SP adds a larger 10.25-inch screen and a 10-speaker, 249-watt BOSE sound system. 

Suzuki Swift

The Suzuki Swift is one of the most charming small cars on the market, with its popularity buoyed by a very reasonable asking price and a generous features list as standard. 

The entry-level Swift is proof of this recipe, which picks up a 7.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay as standard, while the Swift GL receives a larger 9.0-inch touchscreen unit. 

Skoda Karoq

For buyers looking for an affordable slice of premium European motoring, the Skoda Karoq is a great midsize SUV that comes fitted with a very generous amount of entertainment tech as standard. 

In the base Karoq Style, for example, you’ll find a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster for the driver paired with a 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay integration, a wireless smartphone charger, and an eight-speaker sound system. 

Hyundai i30 Hatch & Sedan

Hyundai’s range of i30 hatch and sedans are one of the most compelling value-for-money passenger cars on the market, offering a heap of practicality, safety and entertainment features as standard - even in the cheapest model. 

The i30 comes fitted with an 8.0-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and a six-speaker sound system, while higher-spec variants gain a 10.25-inch screen, wireless smartphone charging and a seven-speaker sound system from Infinity. 

Ford Ranger

Ford is well-aware of the fact its Ranger ute is a family favourite here in Australia, and has made sure that it comes fitted with all the technology that buyers demand. 

That’s why the cheapest member of the Ranger lineup, the XL comes fitted with a massive portrait-style 10.1-inch infotainment screen that features wireless Apple CarPlay as standard, while higher-spec variants gain a 12-inch screen, separate off-road screen and an upgraded B&O sound system. 

MG ZS

While MG was slow to get the ball rolling with Apple CarPlay integration, the sales-conquering MG ZS compact SUV has picked up Apple CarPlay as standard, making it a stand-out option for tech-savvy and budget-conscious buyers. 

The MG ZS comes fitted with an 8.0-inch infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay connectivity, as well as a Yamaha 3D sound system that makes it an attractive proposition at an affordable price. 

Kia Sportage

Kia gave its Sportage a major refresh not too long ago, with the end result making it one of the most appealing midsize SUVs on the market that comes fitted with a heap of technology as standard. 

Opting for Kia’s cheapest Sportage S gives buyers an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, as well as DAB+ digital radio and a six-speaker sound system, while the SX gains a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system and a Harman Kardon sound system in the SX+. 

Toyota RAV4

Toyota’s midsize SUV, the RAV4 has been one of the most popular options for Australian families for decades now, and in its latest model year, Toyota is throwing in more entertainment tech than ever before. 

In its cheapest form, the RAV4 GX receives an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with DAB+ radio and wired Apple CarPlay support, while the higher-spec Cruiser gains an upgraded sound system from JBL.

Request a Quote 

If our list of the best cars with Apple CarPlay in Australia has sparked your imagination, click here to get in contact with one of our car-buying experts.

AF

Alexi Falson

Alexi is an automotive journalist and road tester hailing from Byron Bay. He has an affection for both cars and motorbikes, a great admiration for the simplicity of old-school engineering, and a fascination of new technology making its way to modern cars. When he's not road testing, you'll find him surfing, hiking or helping people find their dream cars.

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