How FCA's New Infotainment System Will Make the 2021 Ram 1500 Even Better

FCA's new Uconnect 5 will let you choose what your infotainment screen looks like. It will be customizable just like your smartphone and five times faster.

People already love the interior of the 2020 Ram 1500 and now Fiat Chrysler is releasing details about its upgraded Uconnect 5 infotainment system that will make the 2021 Ram 1500 even more user friendly. The new Uconnect 5 system is said to be five times faster, fully customizable and can even use Alexa.

Allows More Users and User Profiles

One of the best features of the upgraded system, in my opinion, is that it will allow two phones to be connected to the system at the same time, so it allows much better flexibility with your passenger. This will provide great benefits for both work and play. Allowing calls to go through the passenger keeps the driver’s eyes on the road and keeps their attention focused. Allowing the passenger to handle the navigation, etc. makes everything easier.

One of the biggest complaints I hear about any of the vehicle screens is that they are usually tied to only one profile or that the profiles are tied to using a certain key fob. The new Uconnect 5 will change that, allowing up to five different profiles to be saved. The system will store preferences to each profile such as temperature, seating position and mirror placement. It will also store music preferences and screen set-ups. The driver will be able to change the settings with the touch of one button. So, it won’t matter if the husband, wife, teenager or college student is driving, the preferences can be easily updated. The new system even has a valet mode so your privacy is protected.

The customizable screen allows the driver to put the features they want access to all in one place, so you don’t have to page between audio services, phone access and climate control. The easier access keeps the driver’s eyes on the road rather than being distracting.

FCA claims that Uconnect 5 delivers five-times faster operating speeds when compared to the previous generation. Faster processing speeds and more memory give the all-new Uconnect lightning-quick response to touchscreen input.

Alexa “Start My Car”

One feature that is sure to be a hit is the new ability to connect with Alexa. The new Uconnect system upgrades the Alexa “Car to Home” connections. According to FCA, “Customers with Alexa-enabled devices at home can easily ask Alexa to start the car, lock/unlock doors and more. Uconnect 5 brings Amazon Alexa directly into the vehicle itself, giving occupants the freedom to interact with Alexa just as they do at home or on a personal device.

With Alexa built-in, occupants can ask Alexa to play music, podcasts and audiobooks; add items to their to-do list; check news, weather, traffic, sports, and other real-time information”. The connection with Alexa will run through the vehicle’s audio system, so anyone in the vehicle can chat with Alexa.

Huge Screens and Happy Customers

FCA continues leading with the largest touchscreen offered for vehicles. The new screen is 12.3 inches with up to 15 million pixels in Ultra HD. The new Uconnect will operate with both Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Software updates to the new Uconnect will happen Over the Air hopefully eliminating the need for receiving updates at the dealership. The navigation system will also receive its mapping updates Over the Air.

FCA research has shown that the infotainment system can influence a buyer’s decision. Studies show that 51 percent of new-car buyers consider the infotainment as part of their purchase. The 2018 Harris Poll found that 64 percent of customers say that their technology experience made them more likely to buy from the same brand. The new Uconnect 5 systems should start being delivered later this year, just in time for the 2021 models. While the new systems are sure to be popular with the 2021 Ram 1500 buyers, the infotainment system will eventually be available in all FCA models.

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