Roger Fingas
Subaru's WRX sport compact, famous for its use in racing, will get Apple CarPlay support for the first time in the 2019 model year.
The standard WRX will support both CarPlay and Android Auto through a 6.5-inch Starlink interface. People driving the WRX Premium or WRX STI will get a 7-inch Starlink system by default, but people choosing the WRX Limited will have to add it as an optional upgrade, in spite of the trim being more expensive than the Premium.
Subaru has been relatively slow to grow its CarPlay lineup. It now has the platform on the Ascent, Crosstrek, Forester, and Impreza.
The 2019 WRX series will roll out to dealerships this summer. The standard WRX will cost about $28,080 after destination and delivery fees, while the Premium will start at $30,380, and the Limited at $32,680. Going for an STI will raise the pricetag to $37,480.
Subaru hasn't said whether the new cars will support wireless CarPlay. The vast majority of vehicles are wired-only however, making wireless unlikely.
CarPlay lets iPhone owners access Siri and compatible apps from a larger, more driver-friendly interface. It's available on over 400 vehicles in all, though often as an option or on more expensive cars.
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11 Comments
Hopefully it will be standard over the line. My 2016 VW Golf had it standard way back then. VW still includes it on all models, unlike BMW that charges for it. Cadillac runs an ad talking about available (read extra cost) CarPlay.
Does Apple charge a licensing fee or do they give it away?
As to Subaru, I was looking at the Crosstek about a month ago and could not get a straight answer from the dealer if it was included on all trims.
I have a 2018 Subaru Legacy. It has wireless CarPlay. I would think whatever models they add would have the same option. I use the wired connection; it’s not really an annoyance for me as the phone needs to be plugged in to be charged anyway.
It is proven that those who used(on rental cars) carplay are pleasantly surprised and looking the same feature into there next vehicle purchase. Hope, the trend of supporting more models not only continues but to accelerate and that requires ever new car potential buyer first ask dealer if there choice model has built-in CarPlay ? If not than either walk away or demand significant price cut. Don't be ignorant and uninformed when you will be driving that new vehicle for at least 10 years. Also, consider resale value without carplay support after few years/