Cars & Auto: Buying Advice, Tips, and News
From magnetic phone mounts to high-resolution dash cams and modern GPS devices, these are the top car accessories PCMag experts recommend after hands-on testing. Learn which features improve convenience, safety, and connectivity on the road.
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Our Favorite Wireless Adapters for CarPlay and Android AutoIf your car has wired-only Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, but you hate plugging in your phone while you drive, check out these adapters for wireless connectivity.
By Eric Griffith
Our Current Top Tested Picks
2022 Tesla Model 3
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The 2022 Tesla Model 3’s advantages in range, performance, and technology make it the best entry-level EV we’ve tested.
Full 2022 Tesla Model 3 ReviewPros
- Segment-leading range
- Superior (and fun) performance
- High-tech driver assists
Cons
- More expensive than competitors
- No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay support
Pros
- Segment-leading range
- Superior (and fun) performance
- High-tech driver assists
Cons
- More expensive than competitors
- No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay support
2023 Rivian R1T
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The all-electric Rivian R1T pickup impresses thanks to its eye-catching interior and exterior design, long driving range, and responsive handling.
Full 2023 Rivian R1T ReviewPros
- Sports car-like performance
- Unique exterior and interior design
- Excellent battery range
Cons
- Long wait time for orders
- Lacks Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Less storage than Ford F-150 Lightning
Pros
- Sports car-like performance
- Unique exterior and interior design
- Excellent battery range
Cons
- Long wait time for orders
- Lacks Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Less storage than Ford F-150 Lightning
2022 Tesla Model Y
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The 2022 Tesla Model Y checks almost every box for what an all-electric crossover should offer, with fast acceleration, superb battery range, and over-the-air tech updates.
Full 2022 Tesla Model Y ReviewPros
- Impressive acceleration
- Excellent battery range
- Innovative driver assists
- Consistent over-the-air software updates
Cons
- No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay support
- Too many controls buried in the touch-screen interface
Pros
- Impressive acceleration
- Excellent battery range
- Innovative driver assists
- Consistent over-the-air software updates
Cons
- No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay support
- Too many controls buried in the touch-screen interface
2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge hybrid SUV offers class-leading performance, innovative safety features, and a practical electric range, making it the PHEV to beat.
Full 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge ReviewPros
- Small but potent powertrain
- Elegant exterior and interior design
- Innovative safety features
- Decent all-electric range
Cons
- Undersized infotainment screen
- Some services require a subscription
Pros
- Small but potent powertrain
- Elegant exterior and interior design
- Innovative safety features
- Decent all-electric range
Cons
- Undersized infotainment screen
- Some services require a subscription
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning shepherds the massively popular truck into an electric future with strong battery range, impressive auxiliary power, and cutting-edge tech.
Full 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning ReviewPros
- Seat-pinning performance
- Massive front trunk
- Can power a house for days
Cons
- Towing may quickly drain the battery
- Only available in a crew cab with a 5.5-foot bed
Pros
- Seat-pinning performance
- Massive front trunk
- Can power a house for days
Cons
- Towing may quickly drain the battery
- Only available in a crew cab with a 5.5-foot bed
2024 BMW i7
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
With smooth performance, a lavish cabin, and innovative tech, the BMW i7 is a formidable contender among full-size luxury EV sedans.
Full 2024 BMW i7 ReviewPros
- Distinguished exterior styling
- Opulent interior
- Confident performance
- Impressive tech features
Cons
- Pricey
- Less range than competitors
Pros
- Distinguished exterior styling
- Opulent interior
- Confident performance
- Impressive tech features
Cons
- Pricey
- Less range than competitors
2023 BMW iX
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
With trailblazing tech and BMW's best interior bling to date, the all-electric 2023 iX gains ground on the segment-leading Tesla Model X.
Full 2023 BMW iX ReviewPros
- Costs less than the Tesla Model X
- Impressive performance
- Fast DC charging
Cons
- Less range than the Tesla Model X
- Cumbersome Apple CarPlay connection
- Can't customize the instrument panel
Pros
- Costs less than the Tesla Model X
- Impressive performance
- Fast DC charging
Cons
- Less range than the Tesla Model X
- Cumbersome Apple CarPlay connection
- Can't customize the instrument panel
2023 Chevrolet Bolt
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Chevy won't sell the Bolt for much longer, but that means you can get the small, reasonably up-to-date EV for a bargain.
Full 2023 Chevrolet Bolt ReviewPros
- Solid range
- Plenty of standard safety features
- New and improved infotainment system
- Unique dual-voltage, home-charging cable
Cons
- No AWD option
- Cumbersome shifter
- Poor USB media port placement
Pros
- Solid range
- Plenty of standard safety features
- New and improved infotainment system
- Unique dual-voltage, home-charging cable
Cons
- No AWD option
- Cumbersome shifter
- Poor USB media port placement
2023 Genesis GV60
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The 2023 Genesis GV60 marks an impressive EV debut from Hyundai’s luxury brand, with a bold exterior design, cutting-edge tech, and thrilling performance.
Full 2023 Genesis GV60 ReviewPros
- Unique design
- Innovative tech features
- Impressive performance
Cons
- Small frunk
- Gimmicky interior bits
- No wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
Pros
- Unique design
- Innovative tech features
- Impressive performance
Cons
- Small frunk
- Gimmicky interior bits
- No wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 incorporates many of the features we like from its crossover sibling into an appealing and affordable sedan.
Full 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 ReviewPros
- Fast charge times
- Unique design
- Lots of standard features
- Plenty of tech
Cons
- Limited trunk capacity and useless frunk
- No federal tax credit
Pros
- Fast charge times
- Unique design
- Lots of standard features
- Plenty of tech
Cons
- Limited trunk capacity and useless frunk
- No federal tax credit
2023 Kia EV6
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The 2023 Kia EV6 is comparable with its corporate sibling the Hyundai Ioniq 5 in many ways, but has better range, performance, and styling—and a higher price.
Full 2023 Kia EV6 ReviewPros
- Sleek exterior and interior styling
- Innovative augmented reality HUD
- Fun performance
Cons
- No wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
- Awkward USB media port placement
- Brake-regen resets with each start
Pros
- Sleek exterior and interior styling
- Innovative augmented reality HUD
- Fun performance
Cons
- No wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
- Awkward USB media port placement
- Brake-regen resets with each start
Latest Cars & Auto Stories
Utah-based Wilson Connectivity's weBoost Sky fits on a car and helps signals from SpaceX's direct-to-cell service reach phones inside the vehicle.
More than any Tesla, the Lucid Gravity Grand Touring shows what it means to be a luxury electric vehicle with flashy screens, clever hidden features, and fancy flourishes.
It will mark the second country in Asia to get Waymo's autonomous cars, and the fourth location outside of the US.
The driverless car company recently pulled over one of its robotaxis in San Francisco, and its juvenile passengers were arrested for having a ghost gun, among other things.
The NHTSA's investigation will now look into whether Tesla deemed that certain parts of its self-certification process were 'are inapplicable to the Cybercab.'
Teased in 2024, Cybercabs are AVs with just two seats and no pedals or a steering wheel.
The rides aren't unsupervised, meaning the robotaxis will have a driver behind the wheel at launch.
Apple makes the switch after President Trump reportedly reached out to the company about implementing the name change.
MapQuest's app ranking hits number one for navigation as it keeps Lake Ontario's name intact. Meanwhile, Google Maps is facing some backlash for displaying the 'Lake America' name.
MapQuest has also refused to display the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.
The navigation app recommends related businesses depending on what and where you’re searching.
Expect to see the new autonomous vehicles hit the road over the next 12 months.
If you're traveling to a new place, would like to shorten your daily commute, or want to find the lowest gas price, check out the best map apps we've tested.
The satellite connectivity appears to be built directly into the rear of the car, hiding the usual Starlink dish design from view. CEO Elon Musk is boldly claiming all cars will adopt Starlink too.
Google is turning Ask Maps into a more capable AI companion for planning your trips.
Waymo robotaxis are now available in 11 US cities, including four in Texas. In Dallas, it will face competition from Uber and Tesla, which launched months ago.
Google pitched the image-generation integration as a way to help you visualize history, but people quickly harnessed it to 'violate our policies,' the company says.
Paid rides will begin in Las Vegas next month, but we don't know how much it will cost yet.
The service resumed in Phoenix on Wednesday, with Miami, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area set to follow soon.
Need a safe and smart way to use your phone in the car? These car phone mounts are ideal for hands-free calls, navigation, music streaming, and more.
