Kia's 2017 Sorento Is Its First Model to Ship With CarPlay Support
Kia has confirmed in a press release that its new 2017 Sorento model is its first car to ship with built-in support for Apple's CarPlay protocol, allowing customers to connect to iOS in their vehicle in a safe way. Plus, a couple of further new models, when equipped with a compatible navigation unit, will also support CarPlay.
Kia explains in its press release that other models in its lineup eligible for CarPlay support will be announced “at a later date,” but for now, the 2017 Sorento, the 2017 Sportage, and the 2016 Optima will indeed be available to connect up to Apple's CarPlay protocol. The latter two cars, however, will require “a compatible navigation system or UV03,” and if customers have already purchased either vehicle, a software update will add CarPlay compatibility.
The 2017 Sorento, however, ships with CarPlay support built-in, and it's the first Kia vehicle to do so. Henry Bzeih, Managing Director of Connected and Mobility Services, said:
The arrival of CarPlay compatibility follows on a promise we made when Optima launched last year. These running changes and available downloads will seamlessly bring iPhone's easy-to-use interface and functionality to our newest and best-selling models. Kia is taking the UVO platform to yet another level of enhancement by extending the customer's personal mobility technologies safely and easily into a Kia vehicle. CarPlay will bring an additional element of convenience while maximizing the benefits of connectivity.
Apple's CarPlay of course allows users to make phone calls, send and receive messages, get directions, and access music using a combination of Siri, their iPhone handset, and an in-car display. It's gradually growing in popularity, and is available on new models and certain aftermarket systems.
You can find out more about Kia's full vehicle lineup by clicking this link.
