KIA announces free CarPlay and Android Auto updates for select models

By Eric Abent/July 19, 2016 4:19 pm EST

KIA Motors of America has announced a new initiative that will help keep the automaker quite competitive in the world of connected driving. KIA says it will upgrade a number of models featuring either an eligible navigation system or its own UVO3 navigation platform to support Apple's CarPlay or Android Auto. Perhaps the most exciting part of this announcement is that the upgrades will be free to owners of these KIA models.

That the update to support CarPlay or Android Auto is free is a big win for drivers who opted for a KIA, as some manufacturers charge extra to include CarPlay or Android Auto. KIA says that owners must register their vehicles at myuvo.com to be kept in the loop about the availability of updates. It's through myuvo.com that they'll be alerted when the software update becomes available to download, and it's there that they'll be given step-by-step instructions on how to apply the update.

Here's the full list of vehicles KIA of America is supporting with this software update:

- Forte (MY17)

- Optima (MY15-16)

- Optima Hybrid (MY15-16)

- Sedona (MY15-16)

- Soul (MY14-16)

- Soul EV (MY15-16)

- Sorento (MY16)

- Sportage (MY17)

For the uninitiated, CarPlay and Android Auto give iOS and Android users the ability to interface their phone with their car. With CarPlay, iPhone users get access to things like hands-free calling and texting, along with hands-free support for Siri and the ability to play their iTunes music library. Android Auto is similar in many regards, giving drivers access to Google Play Music and Google Maps, with a special interface that's intended to decrease distractions while driving.

Both services have proven to be major selling points for connected cars, so it's nice to see KIA retroactively updating some models to support them. KIA says these updates should be available by the end of July, so if you own one of the models that are scheduled to be upgraded, make sure you register your car at myuvo.com so you don't miss the boat.