Best Family SUV 2022: Technology
No other vehicle segment has such competing demands for infotainment tech as family SUVs, so which model is best for happy families?Infotainment technology has become a core component of all new vehicles in our quickly changing digital age. The essentials of any good family SUV multimedia system cover a wide variety of elements, from screen size, versatility and simple menus to having features like embedded sat-nav, multiple vehicle setting options and clever portable device integration. Devices also need charging, and the more options and the quicker the charging the better. Some of the contenders for carsales’ Best Family SUV 2022 excel on the infotainment front, while others seem bare by comparison
Information and entertainment tech is a vital ingredient for all eight models in the running for carsales’ Best Family SUV 2022.
More than any other vehicle, it’s not just the driver’s infotainment requirements that need to be considered. There can be a lot of demand from the back seats for device charging or infotainment access that can make a clever system seem like an absolute blessing and much less of a driver distraction.
Yet this group has a more diverse choice of info tech than you might think; some have a great deal of smart hardware and software, while others seem to be missing out.
Starting with the basics, every one of these family SUVs has an AM/FM and digital (DAB+) radio.
There’s a variety of audio quality for hi-fi buffs; all models can be fitted with a branded system, although for some it’s at extra cost.
The Hyundai Palisade Highlander has an Infinity system, for the Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander it’s Harman Kardon, the Toyota Kluger Grande uses a JBL-branded set-up while Bose audio is standard on the Kia Sorento GT-Line, Mazda CX-8 Asaki and Mazda CX-9 Azami.
That leaves the Skoda Kodiaq RS and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace R-Line, both of which only provide a branded premium audio system as an option. For the Kodiaq it’s a Canton system, and for the Tiguan Allspace it’s Harman Kardon.
The three Korean-brand models – Palisade, Santa Fe and Sorento – are the only family SUVs on test that do not have wireless smartphone connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. They still offer the smartphone mirroring, but front occupants also need to bring their cables.
Device charging capability is one of the most important parts of any family SUV infotainment system.
Only the Toyota Kluger is missing a wireless charging pad for Qi-compatible smartphones up front, while both the Kluger and the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace are the only SUVs here to lack USB charging ports in the third row.
All models on our mega-test have a minimum of two USB points up front and at least one in the second row.
Embedded satellite navigation is also found in each of these premium-spec models, and most of them have traffic sign recognition. On the latter, only the Hyundai Palisade misses out.
Infotainment highlights include the Volkswagen multimedia system’s gesture control, while the two Hyundai models and the Kia offer an intercom system linking the driver to the second- and third-row occupants.
Only the Skoda has an embedded SIM, which enables remote functionality such as locating the vehicle, locking/unlocking doors and sounding the horn and flashing the lights – all via the Skoda phone app.
A similar SIM-based app capability has been announced for the upcoming Hyundai Palisade facelift, but is not offered in the current vehicle tested here.
Best Family SUV 2022 contenders:
Hyundai Palisade Highlander 2.2D
Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander 2.2D
Kia Sorento GT-Line HEV AWD
Mazda CX-8 Asaki 2.2D
Mazda CX-9 Azami 2.5T AWD
Skoda Kodiaq RS
Toyota Kluger Grande Hybrid
Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 162TSI R-Line
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