Google Maps is available on both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but a side-by-side comparison using the same infotainment screen found that the experience is not identical. The test, conducted in a 2025 Kia Sonet, found the fundamentals were close: both systems offered a speedometer, lane guidance, incident reporting, alternative-route suggestions and controls for avoiding tolls, highways and ferries. The differences became clearer during more complex navigation tasks.
The first advantage for Android Auto was Gemini. The test found Gemini was easier to invoke on Android Auto because it could be started without touching the screen. Route changes also felt quicker: the driver asked Gemini to find a fuel stop, then a pharmacy without reopening the conversation, and alternative routes appeared immediately when requested. CarPlay received a Gemini button late in the testing period and could handle conversational searches and follow-ups after a tap, but it could not be summoned hands-free and was noticeably slower in the test. At the time, Google's help page still said Gemini was not available for CarPlay. The test also noted that Gemini sometimes hung on a loading screen and failed to connect once.
Search results were easier to compare on Android Auto, according to the test. When looking for places along a route, Maps displayed multiple options with ratings and the additional time each would add. CarPlay displayed results one at a time with Previous and Next controls, and while it still provided information such as gas prices and detour times, comparing several options took more effort. Map interaction was also easier on Android Auto: zoom controls stayed within easy reach and pinch-to-zoom worked. CarPlay required entering a standalone map-control mode, and pinch-to-zoom did not work in the test.
Android Auto also surfaced useful destinations sooner. Before a destination was entered, it displayed a Home shortcut with a live ETA and distance, along with Categories, Saved locations and a Recent section that could show recently visited places and suggestions based on recent Maps searches. CarPlay's initial Maps screen was more bare-bones and required a search to reach the same information. Android Auto made Google's fuel-efficient routing more transparent as well, marking one option as the most fuel-efficient and indicating estimated fuel savings. The same preference was available on CarPlay in the test, but Google Maps explained the recommendation better on Android Auto. CarPlay did earn a usability point for easily accessible color-scheme controls for Automatic, Day and Night modes.
The comparison also highlighted EV trip planning on Android Auto for compatible vehicles in the US. Google Maps can estimate battery consumption based on the vehicle's characteristics, traffic, road elevation data and weather conditions. After the current battery level is entered, it can suggest charging stops, estimate the battery level at arrival and include charging time in the ETA. The article noted that Google Maps on iPhone does not include charging stops in its energy-efficient EV routes, and Google's announcement did not mention a comparable CarPlay rollout. The feature covers more than 350 EV models from over 15 brands in the US.
Sources: Engadget.