The built-in infotainment system used in GM vehicles is generally regarded with the same level of satisfaction other infotainment interfaces such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provide, according to the results of a consumer survey.
While results varied somewhat between The General’s Cadillac, Chevy, GMC, and Buick brands, the data provided by the Consumer Reports survey showed consumer infotainment system satisfaction with GM’s system higher than Android Auto and roughly equal to Apple CarPlay, as the table below shows.
| Built-In System | Android Auto Integration | Apple CarPlay Integration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buick | 62% | 55% | 61% |
| Cadillac | 61% | 61% | 62% |
| Chevrolet | 56% | 43% | 60% |
| GMC | 59% | 44% | 55% |
The infotainment systems used in GM’s brands fell mostly in the middle of the range when it came to customer satisfaction. Among the four, Buick ranked the highest, while Cadillac nearly equaled it. GMC and Chevy trailed these two by several percentage points. All had greater than 55 percent satisfaction, with Buick and Cadillac above 60 percent.
Overall, Genesis scored best in the CR survey at 74 percent satisfaction, likely because its integrated system offers a high level of flexibility by combining a touchscreen with plentiful physical shortcut buttons. Tesla registered in second place for consumer infotainment satisfaction, though lack of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay reduces the info’s comparative value. Hyundai came in third, two percentage points above Buick, using an interface similar to those in Genesis and Kia models.
Even Chevy, GM’s worst performer in the survey, had an infotainment system more satisfactory than 20 other automotive brands, many of which had satisfaction scores well below 50 percent. The lowest score of all, 28 percent satisfaction with the infotainment system, was registered by Acura.
GM is deliberately moving away from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as it drops integration with both technologies from its growing EV lineup. Instead, it is focusing on a new system developed in collaboration with Google. The General expects this system to give it more data about customer driving and charging habits, but also to provide a greater user experience.
GM also hopes the new its new Ultifi software platform will provide $20 billion to $25 billion in yearly subscription revenue by the end of the decade. Developing a singular system will also help GM and Google engineers create in-vehicle infotainment, navigation features, and assisted driving features like the GM Super Cruise system that work seamlessly together.
The 2024 Chevy Blazer EV will be the first GM vehicle to completely omit Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The decision has caused at least some controversy among vehicle owners and automotive sector commentators. However, GM appears unfazed and is currently moving forward with its plans.
GM vice president of software Scott Miller summed up the automaker’s position by stating “we are very comfortable with our decision,” to which he added, “we are going to evolve and learn, and I think we are going to be in good shape here.”
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Overall, my experience with the Google system has been pretty good with a couple exceptions:
1) it’s very slow to be fully functional meaning it takes 4-5 minutes after startup for me to be able to enter an address into the system and get directions 2) can’t get My GMC app to work correctly which would allow me to add apps to the system.
CarPlay allows to me get immediate access to maps so I can use this if I can’t wait for google to be fully functional. The bad with using directions from CarPlay is that the directions don’t pull up on HUD.
Curious to see what the new system is like that GM is developing. If it corrects the issues I have and adds even more versatility, I could see it being quite nice. What would be really cool is if the new system could pull certain settings through the My GMC app and connect in a GM rental car. Time will tell.
2023 Silverado. No data plan. iPhone Hotspot. So far the Google system never connects automatically to the iPhone Hotspot on its own. I have and am signed in to my Googgle Account. iPhone is paired. After trial and error this procedure seems to work to get a connection to the Internet.
Open Settings / Connections / WiFi Networks. Available networks are shown, but even though ON, the iPhone Hotspot does not appear. Open Setting / Personal Hotspot. Once the screen with the Hotspot setting is visible the Google system connects within a second or so and map directions can be searched or "Hey Google get directions for XXXX" can be spoken. The connection stays active until the vehicle is shut down, as long as cell coverage is not lost. If immediately restarted the connection seems to remain, but if shut down for a period of time, then the prodcedure must be repeated.
I also find sometimes there will be a complete loss of radio sound or some other function. The only way to restore full functionality seems to be a total shutdown of the vehicle. Walk away from the vehicle and make sure to remove the FOB from the vehicle. Chances are upon return at some later time after start / system boot, the malfunction will have corrected itself.
A full factory reset of the Infotainment / vehicle setting etc seemed to correct a number of other problems (so far)
On this 2023 Silverado 5.3L - Step on brake, Hold Start Button for several seconds until a message appears in the DIC indicating Automatic Shutdown Disabled.
Holy cow Cinder. That's a lot of junk to deal with!! I'll keep the system in my 2023 Bolt where I can plug my I-phone in and within seconds do anything I need/want.
What you described sound very similar to the Volvo's. I can't begin to tell you how often we have to turn the cars off, get out with the key fob, shut and lock the car and walk away. Wait at least a minute and then hope/pray it works when you get in. No thanks.
Thanks for your comment. I never thought of using my phone as a hotspot to connect my truck without a data plan. I have a 2023 Silverado and I will be following your steps to connect it
GM is striking a perfect balance between in-screen and physical controls. Perhaps the best in the industry. Very thankful GM keeps physical climate controls and the essentials like a volume knob. I think the gaffe with CUE was a valuable learning experience. I do, however, believe that removing CarPlay from EV’s is not a good decision. I hope they reverse course and retain it.
Maybe the following experiences I have is due to working at a dealership, but I'm sure other can relate.
First, the screen in my 2023 Bolt is quite good. Everything is very fast and zero issues. However, I don't have the Google system (thankfully) and I don't have Alexa (again, thankfully). But what I hate with a passion? The non-stop prints and dust always showing on my screen and the stupid piano black trim on the dash. So many times where it makes me think how nice it was before these huge touch screens.
Secondly, I end up in many lease returns or trades and I refuse to even touch the screens! It's totally disgusting how many people never clean the screen.
Thirdly, the Volvo's are now using Google built in and so far it's totally inferior to my Chevy's system. Based on my vast experience with the Volvo Google system, it's a huge pass for me.
This is just another way GM is grooming buyers now and future for when they yank the CarPlay/Android Auto out and leave us with just the Google system. Personally, I don't like the Google system and don't want it. Not now, not ever.
I’m curious what you don’t like with Volvo’s implementation of the google android automotive system? I did a couple test drives with it, and it seemed to work well.
@rEVolutionary: The Volvo Google based system is often very slow. At times it can take up to a minute to be able to do anything with the screen! Now that it's quite warm (HOT) here, that's a bummer when you get into a vehicle where the A/C is off or worse turned to hot and you can't pull the HVAC screen up to change anything till the entire screen boots up. I also don't like the back up camera (this may be just on Volvo) with the screen only showing about 1/3 of the view. My Bolt's back up camera/screen view is 100X better.
There's some other small nit-picking things, but I won't beat a dead horse. I just don't like it nearly as well as the screen/system in my Bolt or the 2021 Malibu I had before this.
I have Apple Car Play and its OK. Prefer built in system with navigation. I travel to many remote locations and sometimes wireless is poor or not available. Plug your phone into the system is a PIA. XM is independent from Apple car play. So, I either stream through car play or use the direct XM system.
You can get offline maps from google navigation.
As a GM owner and shareholder, I do not appreciate in the least GM not listening to the overwhelming response of "leave my CarPlay alone." Just another instance of Mary saying "you will take what I give you and like it."
I own two Buicks and like my infotainment system in both units because it allows me to use Apple CarPlay. I regularly use Overcast for podcasts and SiriusXM and Pandora for music, which are right there for me.
I know navigation isn't exactly infotainment, buy Waze on my phone is far, far superior to the nav system in my Lacrosse and my Encore GX.
I prefer my 8 inch screen with knobs.
Considering the demographic of Buick or Cadillac owners versus the Chevy owners, GM is missing the boat. The Chevy people are younger and more tuned in to the technologies involved in this discussion. They should be considered to be the future of the infotainment users. As it is now, the people buying Buicks and Cadillacs are the former Chevy drivers, looking for better comfort or an upscale ride. GM should be listening to the customers of the future rather than the bean counters of today.
I prefer knobs and switches over touchscreens. Manual controls are safer, I don’t have to take my eyes off of the road to make adjustments. I realize screens are the future but I’m not convinced they are any better.
Generally, too complicated. When I have to get out the owners manual or consult Google to figure out how to do simple stuff like preset radio stations, reset my oil life after I change oil, or check trip and mileage, then it’s more hassle than help.