Automobile infotainment systems have evolved in recent years from simple stereo head units to massive touchscreen centerpieces responsible for all sorts of in-car activities. Infotainment systems can manage climate control, navigation and even seat adjustments. That’s on top of providing displays for safety features, doubling as rearview cameras, and housing such things as maintenance schedules for vehicles.
However, not all of these screens and interfaces are created equal. Each manufacturer has its own take on buttons, knobs and controls – and their location. The size of the screen is important, but so is the operating speed and the ease with which a driver can change radio stations or lower the volume without looking away from the road.
With those parameters in mind, plus some other objective standards, here are five of our favorite infotainment screens in cars today:
This undated photo provided by Hyundai shows the Uvo system, available in a number of Hyundai and Kia products. Automobile infotainment systems have evolved in recent years from simple stereo head units to massive touchscreen centerpieces responsible for all sorts of in-car activities. (Hyundai via AP)HYUNDAI UVO
Uvo is available in a number of Hyundai and Kia products and it’s one of our favorite-yet-simple systems. One particularly good example of the Uvo system can be found in the Hyundai Kona. The system may not be particularly flashy or visually impressive, but the screen is easy to see and understand while the controls sit easily at hand. It’s an easy system to learn, even if you aren’t particularly tech-savvy. And, Uvo feels particularly upscale inside Hyundai’s reasonably priced cars.