Does Kia Soul have Android Auto?

The Kia Soul is a front-engine, front-wheel-drive, five-door subcompact crossover SUV manufactured and marketed worldwide by Kia since 2008. Now in its third generation, the Kia Soul has earned a reputation for its boxy, iconic exterior styling and youthful, innovative image.
Android Auto is a smartphone projection standard developed by Google to allow mobile devices running the Android operating system to be operated in automobiles through the dashboard’s head unit. Once an Android device is connected to a car’s infotainment system, Android Auto projects a simple and driver-friendly interface onto the head unit’s display.
Overview of the Kia Soul
The Kia Soul first debuted as a concept car at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Kia Motors introduced the production version of the Soul in 2008 as a compact crossover SUV. The original design took inspiration from the Mesa concept car and aimed to appeal to young urban buyers with its boxy, funky styling. According to Wikipedia, the name ‘Soul’ was chosen to reflect the vehicle’s “youthful, exuberant, and plucky” character.
The first generation Kia Soul was produced between 2009 and 2013 at the company’s Gwangju plant in South Korea. It featured a front-wheel drive platform and was available with 1.6L and 2.0L four-cylinder engines. In 2011, Kia added the Soul Exclaim with a more powerful 2.0L direct injection engine. The Soul proved popular and sold over 1 million units globally during its first generation production run.
In 2014, Kia introduced the second generation Soul which offered more interior space, improved driving dynamics, and additional technology and safety features. The second gen model entered its third generation in 2020 with an updated exterior and interior design plus new powertrain options including a turbocharged engine and EV variant.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_Soul
https://www.kenganleykianewportrichey.com/cc-kia-soul-history-and-evolution/
Android Auto Explained
Android Auto is a platform developed by Google that allows Android smartphones to interface with car infotainment systems and dashboard displays. It was first announced in 2014 and launched in 2015.
Android Auto enables drivers to access key features and apps from their phone on the car’s built-in display, such as Google Maps for navigation, Google Play Music and Spotify for streaming media, messaging apps, and the Google Assistant for voice commands. The platform mirrors apps from the phone to the car screen in a simplified interface designed for safe driving.
To use Android Auto, drivers connect their Android phone to their car’s infotainment system either wirelessly via WiFi or with a USB cable. The vehicle must be compatible with Android Auto in order to project the apps to the head unit display. Once connected, Android Auto automatically launches on the vehicle screen.
Android Auto requires the Android Auto app to be installed on the user’s phone in order to connect. The platform supports most Android phones running Android 6.0 or later. Certain apps on the phone also need to be Android Auto-compatible versions in order to show up on the vehicle display.
Overall, Android Auto aims to provide drivers with a seamless connected driving experience while minimizing distractions. The platform consolidates key smartphone apps and services into one simplified in-car interface.
Sources:
https://support.google.com/androidauto/answer/6348019?hl=en
Kia Soul Models and Tech Features
The Kia Soul comes in several different trim levels, each with varying levels of standard and available technology features. The main trim levels include:
LX – This is the base model of the Kia Soul. It comes standard with basic tech features like a 7-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. Available package upgrades add features like satellite radio and dual USB charging ports.
S – The S trim adds several tech upgrades over the base LX, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, dual USB charging ports, and available wireless smartphone charging. The S also offers more optional tech packages than the LX.
EX – Moving up to the EX brings more tech goodies like a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, HD Radio, navigation, UVO link connected services, wireless phone charging, push button start, and additional USB ports. The EX serves as the technology-focused Soul trim.
GT-Line – As the sportiest Soul trim, the GT-Line focuses more on appearance than technology. However, it does come relatively well-equipped with features like dual-zone climate control, LED interior lighting, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and more. The GT-Line offers fewer tech package options than other trims.
In summary, the Kia Soul LX, S, EX, and GT-Line trims provide increasing levels of technology and allow buyers to choose the tech features that fit their needs and budget.
Android Auto Availability Timeline
Android Auto was first introduced as an available feature on certain Kia Soul models in 2017. According to Kia’s website (https://www.sunsetkiaofauburn.com/kia-brand-info/kia-android-auto-apple-carplay/), Android Auto became available on the following Kia Soul model years:
- 2014 Kia Soul – Android Auto added via an update in 2017 or 2018 (https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidAuto/comments/g1atz4/2014_kia_soul_exclaim_android_auto_help/)
- 2015 Kia Soul
- 2016 Kia Soul
- 2017 Kia Soul
- 2018 Kia Soul
- 2019 Kia Soul – Standard on all trims
- 2020 Kia Soul – Standard on all trims
- 2021 Kia Soul – Standard on all trims
So in summary, Android Auto became available as an update for 2014-2016 models starting in 2017, and was made a standard feature on all trims from 2019 and beyond.
How to Use Android Auto in Kia Soul
Using Android Auto in your Kia Soul is easy once you have it set up. Here are the basic steps:
- Connect your Android phone to your Kia Soul via the USB port. Use the cable that came with your phone for the best compatibility.
- The Android Auto icon should appear on your Kia’s touchscreen display. Tap the icon to launch Android Auto.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to allow access to contacts, texts, and other data from your phone. This allows Android Auto’s integrated features to work properly.
- The Android Auto main screen will display with apps like Google Maps, Google Play Music, phone functions, and more. Use your touchscreen or steering wheel controls to navigate.
- Say “Ok Google” or press the microphone icon to use voice commands. You can get directions, play music, place calls, send texts, and more.
- To return to your Kia’s main display, press the Home icon in Android Auto or disconnect your phone.
With Android Auto running in your Kia Soul, you’ll have convenient access to navigation, entertainment, calls and messages without handling your phone. Just use the touchscreen or voice commands to stay focused on the road.
Key Android Auto Features
Some of the most useful and notable features of Android Auto include:
Google Maps for navigation – Using your car’s built-in display, Android Auto gives turn-by-turn directions, voice-guided navigation, and real-time traffic information with Google Maps.
Media playback – Android Auto enables you to access your favorite music and podcast apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, and more. You can search for songs and control playback completely hands-free using your voice. https://www.dualav.com/android-auto-features/
Voice control with Google Assistant – Android Auto has ahands-free voice control system powered by the Google Assistant. You can make calls, send messages, get directions, play media, and manage tasks completely hands-free just using your voice.
Connecting your smartphone apps – Any apps on your phone that are compatible with Android Auto will connect in your car’s display, giving you access to many of the same apps and services that you use on your phone. This includes messaging, audio, voicemail, calendar, and more. https://www.makeuseof.com/best-android-auto-features/
Customizable home screen – The Android Auto home screen can be customized by rearranging app shortcuts and choosing your preferred wallpaper. This allows you to quickly access the apps and functions you use most frequently.
Real-time alerts and updates – Get relevant driving-related notifications and real-time updates for weather, traffic, parking availability, gas prices, and more through Android Auto’s connected experience.
Limitations and Considerations
While Android Auto offers many useful features and integration with your vehicle, there are some limitations and things to keep in mind:
- Android Auto requires your phone to be connected via USB cable in order to function, wireless Android Auto is not supported on all vehicles (https://www.android.com/auto/). This means you cannot use Bluetooth alone.
- Your phone’s apps and services do not run natively on the vehicle screen, you are limited to the Android Auto interface and supported apps like Google Maps, Spotify etc. Apps need to be optimized for Android Auto to work properly.
- Android Auto was designed with safety in mind, so many functions like typing out messages or emails are restricted. Voice commands offer a safer alternative.
- Fluidity and stability of the Android Auto connection can vary a lot depending on your phone model and USB cable quality. Some users report frequent disconnects.
- Android Auto requires your phone to run Android 5.0 or higher, with support for Android Auto 1.0. Older Android versions are not able to run Android Auto.
Overall, Android Auto aims to provide safe and streamlined access to key apps and services while driving. But it does come with some technical prerequisites and functionality limitations to keep in mind.
User Reviews and Experiences
The integration of Android Auto in the Kia Soul has received mostly positive feedback from owners. On Reddit, one user shared their experience after installing the Motorola wireless Android Auto adapter:
It was easy to setup, and works great. Now I don’t need to plug my phone in anymore, and it makes for a very easy setup.
This demonstrates a seamless setup process and enhanced convenience from switching to wireless Android Auto. Other users on Kia Soul forums have also discussed the benefits of adding wireless Android Auto kits:
Reviews indicate it is a good unit. The AAWireless unit is the inovating company/product. It was built by the white hats at xda-developers.
While most reviews seem positive, some users have pointed out occasional glitches or connection issues, especially when first setting up the system. However, overall Android Auto is well-received and provides useful features like navigation, media playback, and voice commands in an easy-to-use interface.
Summary
To recap, Android Auto has been available in most Kia Soul models since the 2019 model year. Kia has made Android Auto smartphone integration a standard feature across most of its vehicle lineup, including the popular Soul hatchback.
With Android Auto built-in, Kia Soul drivers can access their favorite apps and services like Google Maps, Spotify, messaging apps and more right on the vehicle’s touchscreen display. Key features include Google Assistant voice controls, personalized information and recommendations, and a driver-friendly interface designed for safe, minimal distraction use while driving.
While there are some limitations to Android Auto compared to a directly connected smartphone, most reviewers and owners find it to be a very useful feature in the Kia Soul and other vehicles. As long as you have a compatible Android device, using Android Auto in the Kia Soul provides convenient access to apps, maps, music and other features to enhance the driving experience.