Last year in these very same virtual pages, I asked the question of whether it’s time for manufacturers to offer do-it-yourself infotainment systems. Although the complete do-it-yourself system has yet to be released, the trend is going in that direction.
Ford and Fiat-Chrysler have made new functionality available in older systems through owner-installed software updates, and now Hyundai is joining in by offering an update to existing cars dating back to 2015 that adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
The list of cars and systems available is in the following graphic:
The update is available for free from MyHyundai.com or can be installed at a dealer for a fee, so people who are not very tech-savvy can still get their updates.
Based on the year and model of vehicle, the download time can vary from 1-3 hours to 15-30 minutes. Older vehicles will require a larger update, as more of the system has changed than in newer vehicles.
Install times vary as well, from 20 minutes to 40 minutes. The following chart lists the models and the estimated times:
| Year | Model | Trim Details | Computer Download Time | Software Upload Time (Inside vehicle) |
Requires Map Update Via SD Card |
| 2015 | Sonata | With Navigation | 1 – 3 hours | 40 mins. | Yes |
| 2016 | Sonata | With Navigation | 1 – 3 hours | 40 mins. | Yes |
| 2016 | Sonata | With the seven-inch touchscreen display | 15 – 30 mins. | 20 mins. | |
| 2015 | Genesis | With the eight-inch touchscreen Navigation system with rearview camera | 1 – 3 hours | 40 mins. | Yes |
| 2016 | Genesis | With the eight-inch touchscreen Navigation system with rearview camera | 1 – 3 hours | 40 mins. | Yes |
| 2016 | Elantra GT | With Navigation | 15 – 30 mins. | 20 mins. | Yes |
| 2016 | Tucson | With Navigation | 1 – 3 hours | 40 mins. | Yes |
| 2017 | Santa Fe | With the seven-inch touchscreen display | 15 – 30 mins. | 20 mins. | |
| 2017 | Santa Fe | With Navigation | 15 – 30 mins. | 20 mins. | |
| 2017 | Santa Fe Sport | With the seven-inch touchscreen display | 15 – 30 mins. | 20 mins. | |
| 2017 | Santa Fe Sport | With Navigation | 15 – 30 mins. | 20 mins. |
This push toward owner-installed updates is a big step in keeping current and newer-model-year vehicles up-to-date with technology, as the pace of smartphone technology vastly outpaces that of new vehicle updates.
Check out this TFLcar video of everything you want to know about the 2017 Hyundai Elantra:
