2017 Honda Pilot Features CarPlay

[69Mustang]

Yes, your opinion is not fact based. Friend is BMW dealer and he said BMW is moving to offer it on all models because of demand and competing luxury models. It's an extra option that most people are ordering on all their models. Soon, it will be a major disadvantage for any automaker who doesn't have it, that's why Ford now has it on all, Chevy, Cadillac, Mercedes, Volks, most, Honda will have it on all by end of 2017, etc. Toyota is only major holdout and will likely pay a heavy price.

Anecotes, man. They are a dime a dozen and worth about half as much. I intentionally didn't include mine because I realize they aren't apropos as a general consensus. To point, here's mine. My dad is a GM at a dealership. His sales people only mention CP and AA when they can see the customer's phone AND they have the ability to get the customer in a higher trim level. Anecdotally, that occurs about 2 out 10. Otherwise they are trying to get customers into high value, long term financing. If CP or AA can help, great. Otherwise they're an afterthought. See, anecdotes... still worth a nickel.

We do agree that most manufacturers are including it because other manufacturers have it. Lower tiered brands were quick to adopt it as a differentiation. Upper tiered brands came along more slowly. I believe because those brands sell their marquee more than the tech in the car.

 

[rjohnstone]

A lot of unhappy 2016 CR-V owners out there.
The 2016 CR-V was supposed to get a software update to add CP and AA. It has the same head unit used in the 2016 Civic.
They even had beta tests for CP in the 2015 CR-V that owners could apply to participate in.
According to some CR-V forums, those that did test it, said it worked fine on the 2015 head unit.

 

[dwaltwhit]

My jeep is 8 years old. I would love to have a carplay option by 2018. Wired isn't necessarily a dealbreaker, but if I'm paying a premium for the car, I would feel better about wireless

 

[Juicy Box]

Today's automatic transmissions are much much better than we are at efficiency.

I agree mostly. I think autos are getting better at efficiency, Although, not better than manuals for most cars. Maybe the same, or close.

For example, the advertised MPG that Mazda like to say about their CX-5 is based off of the manual, which is 35 MPG highway. But, the auto is only 32 highway. Probably due to the gearing and weight. Either way, it has impressive MPG, but it also has a lack of power.

Sometimes I think Mazda just keep their manual trans around just to use the fuel economy for advertising.

Although, I never bought a manual trans car because of fuel savings.

 

[dwaltwhit]

The manual transmission has gone from standard (see what I did there) to a niche market.

 

[Juicy Box]

That is actually good to know. Maybe Apple incentive not as good as I hoped.

No problem,

But, you should probably try it for yourself, or ask trusted friends that have CarPlay for a good review. My experience is just based off of aftermarket systems, also I have high expectations of premium priced products.

 

[Return Zero]

This. So much this. Manual used to be about getting better gas milage by rowing your own. Today's automatic transmissions are much much better than we are at efficiency. Now it seems manual owners fall into those two categories or at least a mix of the two. I fall under bullet point two. I am one of the "Save the Manuals" people. I've never owned an automatic (technically I do, but it's my wife's car). For as long as possible, I never will. Don't get me wrong, I love heated and cooled seats and all that jazz but it's the engagement with the car that means the most. Car companies don't care about that as much anymore. Neither bad nor good, it just is. Has been for a while.

Best car I ever owned was a 1998 Honda Prelude manual. Paid $3000 for it. It was just large enough not to feel too small (ahem, Miata), but incredibly reactive, quick, and engaging. Nothing I've ever driven comes close to the level of connectedness I felt with that car, in large part because of its perfect (IMO) gearbox. Just about every day when I drive to work, I regret selling the 'lude to my cousin to buy a bigger car. Otherwise it'd still be my daily driver even today.

I'm holding out hope that Honda will release their new Civic Si with a manual+CarPlay option. If they do, I'm probably in. I am dying for a true driver's car that is also a tech-laden car, but those seem to be a dying breed. Hoping good things for the Tesla Model 3 in that respect as well, I came very close to putting down a reservation for one. Pure-electric is about the only thing I'd give up rowing my own for.

 

[IJ Reilly]

Car companies really don't care anymore. When CP and AA were first introduced car companies viewed them as added incentives to 1. attract more potential buyers and 2. a way to potentially up sell to higher trim levels. Couple that with the reputed flakiness of the products and you get industry apathy. CP and AA are nothing more than boxes to be ticked to say yeah we have that too. CP and AA were never going to be anything more than a stop gap solution until car companies got their crap together regarding intuitive UI. With Apple and Google laying a blueprint for them to follow, they won't need either one. They don't need either one right now since cars are going to sell regardless. This is all my opinion of course.

I don't think apathy plays a part. The car manufacturers know this is an expected feature of new cars, but all of them understand the value of controlling their dashboard real estate if they can. But as a practical matter they fall into two categories: (1) have the tech savvy to develop their own; (2) know they don't and/or are comfortable allowing it to be invaded by others (Apple, Google). Several companies are trying to straddle that line and are doing so awkwardly. BMW is an example of that. They really don't want to give up iDrive (thought it kind of stinks) so they are dragging their feet on CarPlay and Android Auto integration and selling it as an expensive option. Or as with Honda, dribbling it out here and there on selected models. GM is going whole hog the other way.
[doublepost=1478275989][/doublepost]

Very common in the US. AutoMakers see one of two things and it's never clear which one they think:

• People buy a manual because they're cheaper and thus can't afford extra features
• People buy a manual because they are 'drivers cars' and most people who are drivers in the traditional more romantic way don't care for bells & whistles like heated seats, leather seats or cool tech.

Volkswagen offers one Sportwagen in USA that's manual and it's their S model (not SE or SEL) and it has cloth seats, basic features and no sunroof. If you want nicer seats, features, comforts, you have to choose automatic.

In the not very old days, manuals were more fuel efficient as well. Not so much anymore, if at all. If someone who enjoys the anachronism of shifting manually (myself included) is finding fewer and fewer options today, it's in large part because the technology of automatic shifters has advanced so much. It's true manual shifters are still commonly sold in Europe, but why that is the case is not so clear.

 

[larrylaffer]

I have the Alpine ILX in my Honda Insight, and it's awesome.

Why does everyone clamor so much for wireless CarPlay? Your battery's gonna be absolutely assaulted by that.

 

[IJ Reilly]

Anecotes, man. They are a dime a dozen and worth about half as much. I intentionally didn't include mine because I realize they aren't apropos as a general consensus. To point, here's mine. My dad is a GM at a dealership. His sales people only mention CP and AA when they can see the customer's phone AND they have the ability to get the customer in a higher trim level. Anecdotally, that occurs about 2 out 10. Otherwise they are trying to get customers into high value, long term financing. If CP or AA can help, great. Otherwise they're an afterthought. See, anecdotes... still worth a nickel.

We do agree that most manufacturers are including it because other manufacturers have it. Lower tiered brands were quick to adopt it as a differentiation. Upper tiered brands came along more slowly. I believe because those brands sell their marquee more than the tech in the car.

Without putting too high a price on anecdotes, a few months back I walked into a Mini dealer to look at their new models (Mini owner of many years) and one of the first questions I asked the salesperson was about CarPlay. When, and will the current head units be upgradable at such time? He looked at me like he'd heard that question a lot and since he had no answer to either question knew right away that he wasn't going to be selling me a new Mini.

 

[adamjackson]

This. So much this. Manual used to be about getting better gas milage by rowing your own. Today's automatic transmissions are much much better than we are at efficiency. Now it seems manual owners fall into those two categories or at least a mix of the two. I fall under bullet point two. I am one of the "Save the Manuals" people. I've never owned an automatic (technically I do, but it's my wife's car). For as long as possible, I never will. Don't get me wrong, I love heated and cooled seats and all that jazz but it's the engagement with the car that means the most. Car companies don't care about that as much anymore. Neither bad nor good, it just is. Has been for a while.

I just bought my first automatic. a Golf R w/ Dual-Clutch. Reasons:

• .4 seconds faster 0-60 time (4.1 versus 4.5 for manual)
• Paddle shifters, sport or comfort transmission modes meaning it adapts to the style of driving I want
• nearly a full second faster in my quarter mile time over manual Golf R vehicles (I do 11.99 and my manual brothers are doing 12.7-12.9 w/ same mods.
• Higher Torque limitations. My car is pulling 100 lb/ft of torque over stock and my manual brothers w/ State 1 mods are getting slip already whereas I'm at stage II +150WHP +100 torque and w/ the transmission software modified to clamp down harder, I have zero slip issues.

I miss my manual transmission every day but the pros outweighed the cons this time.

 

[macduke]

I wish Subaru would put Carplay in the Outback. I've been toying around with the idea of putting an aftermarket unit in mine. Has anyone else done this?

 

[ApfelKuchen]

Carmakers are stupid. Stop it with your stupid dumb software and use Apple Play or Androids version. We have a freaking super computer in our pockets. I don't care about your pathetic attempts at GPS and software. My phone does it all so much better. I was looking at cars and had to grit my teeth at not being able to get one of these in the cars. No matter how hard the car makers try their incentive to work on their software is nothing compared to Google, Apple, and Samsung.

That's not the point of this. Sure, the car-makers have been building poorly-deslgned interfaces into their vehicles for years. For good or bad, people have been using them, and will continue to use them. If carmakers removed their proprietary interfaces and said, "You need an iPhone or Android phone running a recent version of those operating systems in order to make a hands-free call..." Disaster. People need to make hands-free calls. At this point, it's a safety feature. It'd be the equivalent of saying, "Bring your own seat belts and air bags."

The back end hardware has to be in place, regardless of what user interface is provided. If there's relatively low incremental cost in providing a choice of user interfaces, then it makes sense to do it.

"It doesn't work with my phone" is what's known as a point of friction - a small item that may undermine the sale of a $30,000 product. "Here, we'll give you a compatible phone, just don't leave the dealership!" Well, paying license fees to Apple and Google is a whole lot cheaper than buying new cell phones or giving discounts that may be even bigger than the cost of a cell phone.

We just got a Honda Civic last week. You can bet CarPlay was a consideration. Hardly the only consideration, and since CarPlay was available on the other brand we had under serious consideration, not a deal-maker. But the lack of it could have been a deal breaker.

 

[steve31]

Love CP! It was a deciding factor for me when I bought my Silverado.

 

[Kevin2055]

I am surprised that DMV allows driver to use it during driving.

Honda has announced its 2017 Pilot will be available with CarPlay and Android Auto in models EX and above in the United States. The software platforms will be built into an improved 8-inch touchscreen with a new anti-fingerprint coating.

The three-row SUV is the latest Honda vehicle to support CarPlay after the 2016 and later Accord, 2016 and later Civic, 2016 Clarity Fuel Cell Sedan, 2017 Ridgeline, and 2017 Honda CR-V. Honda did not mention if wireless CarPlay will be supported.

The 2017 Honda Pilot goes on sale beginning November 7, with a suggested starting price of $33,030 for the CarPlay-supported EX model.

CarPlay is available in over 100 vehicle models worldwide from over two dozen automakers, providing hands-free or eyes-free access to common iPhone apps such as Maps, Messages, Music, Phone, and Podcasts, and select third-party apps. Apple keeps a periodically updated list of available models on its website.

Article Link: 2017 Honda Pilot Features CarPlay

 

[agsystems]

A lot of unhappy 2016 CR-V owners out there.
The 2016 CR-V was supposed to get a software update to add CP and AA. It has the same head unit used in the 2016 Civic.
They even had beta tests for CP in the 2015 CR-V that owners could apply to participate in.
According to some CR-V forums, those that did test it, said it worked fine on the 2015 head unit.

Really this is just a marketing decision since the 2016 and 2017 models are mostly the same

 

[Robert.Walter]

A lot of people, I'd guess most buy a car w/ Sat-Nav and never request updated DVDs / SD Cards from the manufacturer. TomTom & Here release quarterly & monthly map-updates. Most people use a SatNav that's 3+ years old with map-data.

At least on the phones, it's over the air so I assume we're always getting the latest & greatest.

---

RE: Your comment on Netflix, CarPlay's rules specifically only allow Audio, Spoken Word & Navigation applications to be submitted for CarPlay review & acceptance. Video Playback applications are not allowed.

Request updated satnav data? I still remember the mid-2000's when the Mercedes systems wanted from 100-200€ for a set of updated CD's.

 

[CaryMacGuy]

No autonomy so total waste of money for a 2017.

While its not full autonomy, Honda Sensing (from what I understand) is getting pretty close to it. I am planning to purchase a Honda Civic (can't decide on the Sedan or Hatch at this point) but I won't purchase a model without Honda Sensing.

 

[bytethese]

Honda annoys me so much. Why aren't they putting this in their luxury Acura brand?? I'd buy an MDX yesterday if it had CarPlay but now I will be seeking other SUV vehicles that support CarPlay.

 

[benboy12]

Honda annoys me so much. Why aren't they putting this in their luxury Acura brand?? I'd buy an MDX yesterday if it had CarPlay but now I will be seeking other SUV vehicles that support CarPlay.

I was thinking the same thing. It seems like the Honda models get the upgrades first. I'd potentially be interested in an RDX, but the C-RV is getting a redesign this year that includes CarPlay. That means I'm waiting until next year to see if the RDX gets a corresponding redesign that also brings in CarPlay.

 

[ATC]

Really this is just a marketing decision since the 2016 and 2017 models are mostly the same

I think you were replying to someone who was specifically talking about the CRV. For what it's worth the 2017 CRV is a complete redesign and will have CarPlay, but no indication as to whether it's wired or wireless. I assume it's wired since it's not really mentioned in detail.

On a separate note, imo wired CarPlay is just a stopgap until CarPlay becomes wireless across the board which is the way it should be.

 

[rjohnstone]

Really this is just a marketing decision since the 2016 and 2017 models are mostly the same

The 2017 CR-V is redesigned and very different from the 2016 model, both inside and out.

2016 CR-V

2017 CR-V

 

[John.B]

I see that now! I've gone ahead and added the 2017 CR-V to the list in the article. Thanks.

Thanks Joe!

 

[ApfelKuchen]

I am surprised that DMV allows driver to use it during driving.

Because it's hands-free, eyes-free (Siri-centric). Far less distraction than trying to handle the iPhone. Functionality is restricted, intentionally: Maps/navigation (DMV hasn't banned GPS units yet), Phone, Messages (spoken/Siri only)... everything else is audio - Music, Podcasts, Audiobooks, etc. No game playing, no web browsing, no video, no keyboard entry. It's very much an eyes-on-the-road approach.

So, say you've been connecting your iPhone or iPod to the car audio system to listen to music. Instead of the controls and display being on that little device, you have a very large (nearly iPad Mini-sized) touchscreen display on the dashboard that you can operate at least as easily as any car radio and read at a quick glance.

But more to the point, you press the Call button on the steering wheel, and tell Siri what you want. "Call Charlie." "Play Billy Joel." "Directions to Jane's house."

I haven't had it long, but it's by far the most effective, least distracting hands-free calling system I've had in a car.

I suspect you haven't checked it out: http://www.apple.com/ios/carplay/

 

[IJ Reilly]

No DMV can ban anything, but every state has its own motor vehicle laws governing what you are allowed to do behind the wheel.