Best Mid-Size SUV 2021: Technology
In a connected world you can rightly expect high-level infotainment tech in a modern mid-size SUV, but some are smarter than othersBeing able to listen to the radio, music files and to make and receive hands-free telephone calls is a given in any new vehicle, so it’s perhaps surprising to find there’s not a significant advance in the mid-size SUV segment over smaller, cheaper models. Which models among the most popular medium SUVs are the standouts in this department? The devil is in the detail.
Beyond the staples of Bluetooth audio and phone streaming, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, there are distinct differences in infotainment technology in the 12 high-grade models under test in Best Mid-Size SUV 2021.
Embedded satellite navigation can not only be a blessing when you forget your phone or don’t have a cellular signal, but such a system is usually better integrated with the vehicle.
Among our dozen contenders, only the Skoda Karoq 2.0 140TSI Sportline AWD does not have sat-nav as standard fitment. Instead, as we found with some of the Czech model’s key safety equipment, it is available in an option package.
The Honda CR-V 1.5 VTi LX AW uses Garmin software while the Subaru Forester 2.5i-S AWD uses TomTom.
The remainder are not specified, although in the Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 162TSI Elegance AWD navigation maps can be updated via SD card. The Volkswagen’s sat-nav also offers 2D or 3D map views.
Of those that have sat-nav fitted, the Tiguan is one of three models on test that misses out on traffic sign recognition as standard. The others are the Korean twins: the Hyundai Tucson 1.6 Highlander AWD and Kia Sportage 2.4 GT-Line AWD.
Traffic alerts are included for the sat-nav systems in all but three: the Tiguan, the Mazda CX-5 2.5 Akera AWD and the MG HS 2.0 Essence X AWD.
Digital radio is standard on all but the HS, Karoq and the Tiguan, while the Forester is the only one with a CD player.
The Mazda features internet radio integration for Aha and Stitcher.
Only the Tiguan’s infotainment system has gesture control for browsing through menus.
The Hyundai offers the unique feature of ‘Sounds of Nature’ ambient music in its infotainment hard-drive.
Only the Ford Escape 2.0 Vignale AWD, the Toyota RAV4 2.5 Edge AWD and the CR-V, Sportage and Tucson come with a wireless phone charger for Qi compatible phones.
On the all-important subject of audio, only the CR-V, HS, Karoq, Tiguan and the Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4 Exceed AWD lack a premium-brand sound system.
The Ford boasts a Bang & Olufsen system, while Bose audio is found in the Tucson, CX-5 and Nissan X-TRAIL 2.5 Ti AWD. The Forester has a Harman Kardon set-up while the Sportage and RAV4 have JBL audio systems.
For safety-related tech, see the safety section.
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