Which car offers the best infotainment system?
While the infotainment system may not be the first thing you look for in a vehicle, you’ll probably interact with it every day. Consumer automotive resource Kelley Blue Book points out that in-vehicle infotainment systems are become a “key differentiator’’ for carmakers.
This year, KBB awarded its first ever Best Auto Tech award to the Sensus system found in the 2016 Volvo XC90.
The Volvo XC90 took Kelley Blue Book’s award for Best Auto Tech with a tablet-like 9-inch infrared display and a strong voice recognition program.
In a statement, KBB executive editorial director and executive market analyst Jack Nerad said the XC90’s Sensus technology is “especially notable for its ability to enhance driving pleasure while also fostering safety, and it stood above the rest when it came to feature content, response times, ease-of-use and value.’’
The Sensus features a tablet-like 9-inch infrared display powered by Nokia’s HERE Auto Service architecture. It has a voice recognition technology that allows drivers to input an address while driving or to regulate the temperature of the cabin.
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IIHS puts Volvo XC90 among the safest vehicles of 2016
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“Given the display’s inclination to collect fingerprints, we appreciated the everyday usability of the on-board voice command system in this year’s award winner,’’ said KBB managing editor of video Micah Muzio.
Muzio pointed out that the Sensus is offered as a standard feature in the XC90.
This is the first year KBB has issued an award for Best Auto Tech. To be eligible for the award, vehicle infotainment systems must feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. KBB experts then tested the vehicles over a two-week period in static and normal driving conditions.
The infotainment systems were assessed based on voice recognition quality, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and performance, embedded navigation accuracy, menu clarity, and intuitive operation behind the wheel.
Volvo’s Sensus outperformed several other notable finalists, including CUE featured in the 2016 Cadillac CTS, HondaLink from the 2016 Honda Accord, MIB II from the 2016 Volkswagen Passat, MyLink from the 2016 Chevrolet Spark, and UVO from the 2016 Kia Optima.
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