Acura Makes Good On Promise To Update RDX With Android Auto - With OTA Update
If you are like the testers at Torque News, you love Android Auto and also love the RDX. When Acura released the new RDX we tested it and were very impressed. However, one thing was left undone. Acura planned to introduce Android Auto with the new RDX, but due to time constraints, the vehicle was launched without the cell phone integration app enabled.
Related Story: 2019 Acura RDX Earns Top Award From New England Motor Press - Best Luxury SUV
Acura's New RDX Android Auto Update - How To Enable It
Acura has now completed its work with Google to develop the needed software and the RDX in your driveway should now have the app enabled. If you own one, you may have noticed the app was shown there as a ghost (in gray and unable to be accessed). Check your RDX this week and it should show in blue and be enabled. If you have any difficulty, try Acura's help page on updates.
Which RDX Models & How Much $
This update applies to all 2019 and 2020 model year Acura RDX vehicles in the U.S. free of charge. We like that the app was added for free. Mazda is charging owners of its CX-5, a competitor to the RDX, as much as $450 to upgrade their vehicles to have this technology, which it promised would be made available for the 2018 vehicles it shipped without it.
Related Story: You Can Now Get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto In Your 2014 Or Newer Mazda - Here's How & What It Costs
OTA Updates and Acura
Acura updated the RDX vehicles using an over the air (OTA) update. Contrary to popular belief, this technology exists in vehicles other than Teslas. Acura says that Android Auto gives drivers a simple, intuitive way to access maps, messaging, music, and other popular smartphone apps and services through Acura's True Touchpad Interface.
Android Auto Is Safer
In addition to the great interface that Android Auto offers, we like it because it has been shown in studies to be less distracting to use than automaker's native navigations and infotainment systems.