Lexus RX Finally Getting CarPlay and Android Auto

Lexus today announced that CarPlay and Android Auto will be standard features in its new 2020 Lexus RX in the United States, marking the first time that either software platform is available in the luxury crossover SUV.

2020 lexus rx carplay
‌CarPlay‌ and Android Auto will be accessible through an 8-inch touchscreen display that is standard in all models of the 2020 Lexus RX. A larger 12.3-inch split-screen touchscreen is available as an upgrade option. ‌CarPlay‌ appears to be wired, so the iPhone will have to be connected with a Lightning to USB cable.

The new RX will enter production in the third quarter of 2019, according to Lexus. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

2020 lexus rx
‌CarPlay‌ provides convenient access to frequently used ‌iPhone‌ apps such as Phone, Messages, Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze, Apple Music, and Spotify directly from the dashboard. The platform was introduced in 2014 and is now available in over 500 vehicle models in the United States, according to Apple.

Lexus and its parent company Toyota were among the last major automakers to adopt CarPlay, but the duo now offer Apple's software platform in nearly two dozen vehicle models, ranging from the latest Corolla to the latest Lexus LS.

Related Roundup: CarPlay
Tag: Lexus

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Top Rated Comments

ipedro Avatar
84 months ago
At this point, which car brands don’t have CarPlay? Who are the self appointed outcasts?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
larrylaffer Avatar
84 months ago
Many automakers systems are better without CarPlay, mainly in the luxury market. Audi’s MMI is extremely handicapped when CarPlay is enabled, for instance.

Until CarPlay/Automakers can take full advantage of both cockpit and center-stack LCD’s, CarPlay is just an inconvenience on vehicles with ConnectedDrive, MBUX, MMI, and Enform.
I feel it's more about ease-of-use than anything else. I want a system that's functional, fast, and keeps my eyes on the road. Both Apple and Google have achieved this at a level FAR higher any automaker. And it makes sense that they did.

Frankly, if I was running a car company, I would get rid of my entire infotainment division, put in a simple touchscreen, and require the owner to bring their smartphone for NAV, music, etc.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sinsin07 Avatar
84 months ago
The front grill on Lexus is something to behold. :p
More grill than hood.
It rivals the Tesla Model 3 for weirdness. :D
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kinless Avatar
84 months ago
The front grill on Lexus is something to behold. :p
More grill than hood.
It rivals the Tesla Model 3 for weirdness. :D
Agreed. The Lexus grills alone are enough for me to look elsewhere for my next ride. The latest Acura RDX grill is more my speed. Just waiting for Wireless CarPlay to drop!
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
vipergts2207 Avatar
84 months ago
Many automakers systems are better without CarPlay, mainly in the luxury market. Audi’s MMI is extremely handicapped when CarPlay is enabled, for instance.

Until CarPlay/Automakers can take full advantage of both cockpit and center-stack LCD’s, CarPlay is just an inconvenience on vehicles with ConnectedDrive, MBUX, MMI, and Enform.
It sounds like it's their fault for poorly implementing it then. FCA's Uconnect has a fantastic, essentially seamless implementation where you're always one click away from being in, or out of CarPlay.

The front grill on Lexus is something to behold. :p
More grill than hood.
It rivals the Tesla Model 3 for weirdness. :D
Beware looking at the Toyota Avalon.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)