Mazda Cars with Android Auto - Turbo Gadget Reviews

You like driving but you’re also a tech-geek. You might be wondering if there are any Mazda cars with Android Auto.

Technology has made our lives easier and automobiles have also developed with it.

However, one thing with cars is that they require full concentration, and you don’t want to be distracted by anything when you should be focused on the road.

Android Auto takes care of those distractions by allowing you to have your Android device right on your dashboard.

You connect a cable to your car’s USB port and your smartphone and you got your connectivity on the go.

That way, any driver of a Mazda car can use compatible apps with voice control, steering wheel controls, or on the head unit itself, without the risks that occur when using their phone.

Are there any Mazda cars with Android Auto?
Fiat / Abarth 124: A bit of a Mazda?
What is Android Auto?
1. What are the capabilities of Android Auto?
Wrap Up

Are there any Mazda cars with Android Auto?

Sometime last year, automaker Mazda announced that some of their vehicles will be offering Android Auto after many years of seeing drivers ask for this impressive feature.

Mazda owners will be glad to know that the brand finally listened and delivered to them.

The question now is, which of these models offers Android Auto right now?

We have taken a look at the company’s website and verified those Mazda cars with Android Auto.

First Mazda with Android Auto

In Mazda’s announcement, the first Mazda model to get the Android Auto functionality was the 2018 Mazda 6 Touring trim level and above.

Android Auto through the Mazda range

After the Mazda 6 sedan got the Mazda Connect infotainment system compatible with Android Auto, things have changed quite a bit.

At the time of this publication, Mazda has made it possible for every Mazda vehicle with an MZD touchscreen to upgrade their systems with the new Android Auto functionality.

From the entry-level Mazda 2 to the flagship CX-9 and new models can take advantage of an Android Auto retrofit through a dealer-installed upgrade.

Users can book a service appointment at a Mazda dealership and get an Android Auto upgrade kit installed for free.

Now, officially, let’s take a look at models that come factory fitted with Mazda Android Auto:

2014-2018 Mazda 3;
2016-2018 Mazda CX-5;
2016-2019 Mazda CX-3;
2016-2018 Mazda CX-9;
2016-2018 Mazda 6;
2016-2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata;
2017-2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF.

It goes without saying that it’s highly unlikely that any new Mazda will go without Android Auto support as standard equipment, at least until Google develops something even better.

Let’s take a more in-depth look at models that have the hardware for Android Auto as a standard feature or can get the upgrade.

Mazda 3

The Android Auto software was added to the Mazda 3 towards the end of 2018.

Models before 2018 dating back to 2014 can be upgraded as long as the model has the MZD screen.

Mazda CX-5

In late 2018, the CX-5 got the update alongside the CX-9.

Models from 2014 (KE Series 2) can be upgraded as long as they have the MZD screen.

Mazda CX-3

The CX-3 was involved in August 2018, and it got the update in 2019.

Models before the CX-3 can get upgraded if they have the MZD Connect system.

Mazda CX-9

This big SUV model got the update in late 2018.

Models of the CX-9 that go as far back as 2016 when the current TC generation was launched can also get the update from a dealership.

Mazda 6

The sedan and wagon models got the Android Auto update in late 2018, and subsequent models have gotten it as well.

Retrofitting can be fine from the 2014 models that the GJ Series 2 was released.

Mazda 2

Android Auto was added to the Mazda 2 in late 2018, although some variants of the model that have the MZD screen system can be retrofitted to 2015, the release year for the DL Series.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

The MX-5 Miata, also known as the Mazda Miata, got Android Auto with the 2018 model update.

Mazda cars that come with the MZD screen hardware can be updated back to 2015 when the ND series was released.

What about every older Mazda vehicle?

Unfortunately, there’s no genuine Mazda accessory for older Mazda models that didn’t feature the MZD connect infotainment system.

These cars won’t get the Mazda connect system.

If your car is compatible with it, your only option might be to use a universal head unit.

For more information on great head units, check out these reviews of ours:

Fiat / Abarth 124: A bit of a Mazda?

The Android Auto compatibility goes further than Mazda itself. But you might be wondering why we’re talking about an Abarth in a Mazda article. And rightfully so.

Maybe you haven’t noticed but the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Fiat 124 not only show some resemblances but they share the multimedia system and underpinnings with the ND MX-5.

The Abarth 124 can also be upgraded using the Mazda part kit but this method is not official.

What is Android Auto?

The Android Auto app is an inbuilt display system in a car that replicates a simplified version of your phone screen on the infotainment display.

Not all your Android applications and functionalities show up on the display screen, instead, you’ll have access to the most relevant apps to make it easier and safer to operate while driving.

Everything is possible and easy, from getting driving instructions to sending a text using speech and making calls.

Simply plug it in and enjoy the comfort of having your device right on your car’s dashboard.

What are the capabilities of Android Auto?

As mentioned earlier, Android Auto displays your Android device on your car’s display.

It’s essentially an innovative way to keep you focused while driving without handling your Android device to answer phone calls or any of all those activities.

With Google Assistant, you can control all your car’s movement with your voice.

Simply get started by saying “Hey Google” and get things done without taking your hands off the steering wheel or your eyes of the road.

Below are some of the capabilities of Android Auto:

Get real-time alerts from Google Maps while driving. With Google Assistant, you can locate fuel stations and other nearby landmarks that you may need.

Everything is displayed on your car’s display. Simply tell your car where and off you go!

Stay in touch with your loved ones completely hands-free. With Google Assistant, you can listen to all your incoming messages and respond by talking back.

Whether it’s a phone call or texting using chat applications, Android Auto makes use of your voice and reduces your distractions. It makes you feel like you’re talking to a passenger in your car.

Your media center is right in front of you and controllable with your voice.

Create a new playlist, listen to an audiobook, listen to the news or just enjoy that new song you can’t get out of your head all hands-free.

Wrap Up

Having Android Auto in a Mazda model – or even any other car – is like a dream come true for Android users who have pined for this feature for years.

The possibilities are endless with Android Auto as it makes driving more comfortable and allows you to take full control of many other activities while you concentrate on the road.

For more information visit Mazda’s website or contact a Mazda dealer where you’ll always find up-to-date information on this and many other topics.

Check out some of our other awesome articles:

Table of Contents