Car Infotainment System 101: What to Look for in a Modern Car Interface

The word “infotainment” is a combination of “information” and “entertainment,” referring to the features packed into the screen on the dash.

They help the driver and passengers interact with the car’s other systems, such as climate control, and access entertainment options, including music streaming. An infotainment system differs from a standard “car stereo” by including features like a touchscreen, phone connectivity and mirroring, voice controls, navigation, and automotive system settings — and music, of course.

Informational features:

The primary goal of informational features is to provide real-time data to drivers about the environment and vehicle status to help make informed decisions. Informational features could include:

• GPS with real-time traffic updates
• Turn-by-turn directions (often with voice guidance)
• Weather forecasts
• Vehicle status displays (fuel level, tire pressure, oil life)
• Trip information (odometer, average speed, driving time)
• Maintenance reminders
• Rearview or surround-view camera displays
• Battery charge level and range estimates (for hybrids/PHEVs/BEVs)
• Energy flow monitors (for hybrids/PHEVs/BEVs)
• Driving mode information

There are 4 categories of informational features:

Infotainment system preferences are highly personal. In fact, many buyers cite infotainment system technology and usability as their top priority when shopping for a car. That highlights the #1 must-have feature for infotainment systems: an easy and intuitive user experience.

Beyond everyday usability, many drivers prioritize:

• Smartphone integration — Apple CarPlay™ and/or Android Auto™ compatibility
• Voice controls for hands-free operation
• Navigation capabilities
• Multi-touch displays — the ability to pinch and zoom, for instance (more than one touch input at once)
• Bluetooth pairing

For example, Mitsubishi Motors models like the Outlander, Outlander PHEV, and Eclipse Cross combine seamless smartphone connectivity, user-friendly interfaces, and high-quality audio-visual components to offer a comprehensive infotainment system. These models offer:

• Touchscreen displays
  • 2026 model year Outlander and Outlander PHEV: 12.3” display with available navigation
  • Eclipse Cross: 8” smartphone-link display audio system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay™ and wireless Android Auto™ compatibility (2026 model year Outlander and Outlander PHEV)
• Wired Apple Carplay™ and wired Android Auto™ compatibility (Eclipse Cross)
• Bluetooth® hands-free calling and audio streaming
• Available built-in navigation with real-time traffic updates
• Voice command functionality for hands-free control
• Multi-touch gesture support (for multi-touch inputs like pinch-to-zoom)
• USB-A and USB-C ports for charging and media
• AM/FM and SiriusXM® satellite radio with 3 months trial included
• Available premium audio systems
• Steering wheel audio and voice control buttons
• Integration with vehicle info displays
• Multi-view or rearview camera display integration
• Customizable system settings for driver profiles, climate preferences, and vehicle behavior (Outlander and Outlander PHEV)

Value-minded models, such as the Mitsubishi RVR, still pack a punch when it comes to infotainment. Features include:

• 8” touchscreen display
• Wired Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility
• Bluetooth® hands-free calling and audio streaming
• USB port(s) for media playback and device charging
• AM/FM and SiriusXM® satellite radio with 3 months trial included
• MP3 compatibility
• Steering wheel-mounted audio and phone controls
• Voice control functionality
• Rearview camera integration
• System settings access for lights, locks, and other vehicle preferences

Most infotainment systems aim to bring the smartphone-like convenience, features, and usability modern consumers are used to into a safe, low-distraction in-car experience. When you get a new vehicle, one of the first steps will be to connect your phone to maximize capability and convenience.

Connecting your smartphone to the car’s infotainment system is typically a quick, easy, hassle-free process. Simply follow the on-screen prompts or head into the system's Bluetooth or phone menu. With Bluetooth activated on your phone, you should see a simple on-screen process for connecting and pairing.

The basic process for connecting your phone to infotainment via Bluetooth goes something like:

1. Turning on the vehicle to ensure the infotainment screen is on
2. Ensuring Bluetooth is activated in your smartphone
3. Opening your phone’s Bluetooth device menu to find the car’s infotainment system
4. Selecting your car and entering a passcode, if prompted
5. Allowing permissions to share contacts, messages, and media

Head to the car’s owner’s manual for detailed, model-specific guidance.

Yes — you can usually update an older car’s capabilities with a new infotainment system, but "how" depends entirely on the age and model of your vehicle. It was once as simple as popping out a radio and sliding in a new one, but modern cars have integrated these systems deeply.

Any infotainment system upgrades should be done by the dealer or a certified expert installer. You’ll want to be sure to check with your dealer and/or manufacturer to ensure such an upgrade doesn’t affect your warranty.

It’s also no match for a built-in system tailored to the vehicle and connected to its unique systems. The most high-tech, best-integrated systems are typically those in the latest new cars. And as vehicles become more electronically controlled and monitored, infotainment systems become critical to their operation.