2019 Acura Touchpad Infotainment System Review

[@bronyx_dan]

I own a 2020 RDX and I will say that I'm loving the infotainment and the true touch system. I'm the type of music listener that is always changing stations. I find it extremely easy to switch stations using the touch pad and small wheel on the steering wheel. Dont let anyone tell you that this infotainment system and touchpad is cumbersome.

[@20gravedigger11]

How has the car been for you? Have you experienced any of the issues that people have been posting about (i.e.: Front bushings creaking, brakes, squealing, tailgate misalignment)? My 2018 MDX has not been great unfortunately... a lot of bugs in it and I don't need something that big any, so I'm considering a 2020 RDX Tech. Would love to know what you think of it and how it's been for you.

[@justinyu7]

I was really interested in how the new system works. Appreciate the separate detailed review

[@artieartya]

i finally own the 2019 acura rdx and can honestly say that the infotainment is amazing. i did not need to go through any kind of learning curve as the system works fluidly, fast, and is hassle free. love the touchpad and is the mac trackpad of car touchpads in my opinion. Also love the voice recognition system and siri integration as it is a godsend.

[@thehegt]

Hi does it has Apple CarPlay for 2019 ? Fully supported?

[@artieartya]

@@thehegt yes. Apple car play and android auto

[@RCtennis3811]

It seems like a good system that a person can get used to overtime, but it would have been nice if Acura gave you both the touch screen and touch pad interface like BMW does with iDrive. There are some things, especially while stopped or at a red light, that are just easier to do on a touch screen. With iDrive, you have voice recognition, rotary knob, touch screen, handwriting recognition, and gesture control. Some might think that’s overwhelming, but personally I think it’s nice to have options. Regardless, it looks like Acura did their homework on the TTI, and the graphics look superb!

[@artieartya]

just heads up you have voice recognition in there along with full siri integration in there and it is AMAZING. so you have both options to utilize voice or touchpad.

[@alliejr]

Touch screens seem like an obvious good idea because they work exactly like cellphones or tablets. But in my experience, using a touch screen in a car on the move is frustrating, distracting and dangerous. It requires a high level of concentration and eyes-on-screen, rather than eyes on road, and manual dexterity to hold your hand steady and touch a relatively small activation area on a screen while your body, arm, hand and the screen itself are all in motion being jostled by the car. In my experience, the old Acura knob and similar control-dial systems used by Mercedes, Mazda, Audi and BMW just make much more sense, _IF_ the UI is well designed (mostly they are not, but that's a different issue). With those designs, you can quickly and easily scroll to the function you want. Once you've scrolled there, you can leave that item highlighted and continue using your right hand to drive, if necessary, and then come back to the control knob and still have that same item highlighted and ready for activation. Apple CarPlay also (mostly) works a treat with such a design, so you just scroll the knob to highlight different icons, rather like how an old BlackBerry would work.

[@AtlanticPicture]

This!

[@Agent77X]

How many people own an iPhone or iPad? Maybe 2% of the adult population. You look around and you see flip phones and laptops everywhere! Acura is typing make the interface user friendly! Not super complicated if it were a touchscreen interface.

[@puddingmango]

If you look around and see people using flip phones everywhere, you either (1) time travelled to 2008, or (2) live in a very low income community with a very high average resident age.

[@Trades46]

Thank-you. While everyone here is asking for a touchscreen, it is a misconception as we're so used to tablets & smartphones and become familiar with a system. However there is a reason why most countries around the world have heavy penalties for using a mobile while driving - and people don't understand this. A touchscreen in the car is no different than a mobile device - a distraction & a risk to the safety of not only the driver but other road users.

[@sunofegypt7]

alliejr this is exactly what ive been saying on all these new reviews on these new stupid floating infotainments. Seems like acura is being a follower. Ipads are outdated and not in anymore. They are trying to mimic a not popular item anymore. I wish they ACURA would lead and not follow. Atlesst with Audi theirs decend when your not using it. Its so diatracting and you will by nature default to looking down very dangerous

[@Major_DK]

Acura did their job. The problem with being unique is integration. This is the first time this system has been put into any production vehicle. The system seems to be a good balance for the consumer when safety is taken into account. People want things to be the way they're used to (like phones), but accidents happen daily from people being on their phones. Hopefully the system is built to a spec that will allow them to catch up. Why would Google or Apple spend time developing an programming for one car? That's not Acura's fault. Thanks Alex! Love your channel. I send your vids to anyone I know shopping for a vehicle.

[@DanielsonGomes18]

They should have just added touchscreen. Makes everything so much easier and intuative. Heck even Idrive includes a touchscreen. Don’t know why these companies spend so much developing new systems and driving the cost of the cars when they can just include a touchscreen thats been around forever and keeps everything simple.

[@articgoneape]

I feel like them adding a mousepad is going backwards. So many things are touch screens these days, its what we are learning to do :D If I wanna use a mousepad, I'll go use a laptop. I prefer the touch screen!

[@jg4x]

Great video, Alex. Do you happen to know if Apple Maps turn-by-turn directions will display in the HUD? Or maybe Waze when Android Auto is available in the RDX?

[@JS-xn3dq]

Great review as usual Alex! This is a shame. I owned a 2013 rdx but tired of it after a few years. The 2019 looks amazing...except for this infotainment system which Acura continues to come up short. I want a fun, comfortable car to drive and don't want to get bogged down by overcomplicated systems and controls. I deal with enough technology everywhere else and want my car experience to be more about driving. Based on this aspect alone I will not even bother to test drive the new rdx. Can we just keep it simple?!?

[@PeterRevie]

It will be interesting to see how Google handles the touchpad interface with Android Auto

[@mellowjammer]

They keep saying it's coming but I'm guessing not until 2020 (if we're lucky). Anyone have any up to date info about this?

[@attocoulomb]

@@mellowjammer Android auto is available for over the air update, for 2020 and 2019 RDX models (since early November). I'd like to see someone review it.

[@Travelingcarguy1]

I like this alot! Acura needs to redesign the RLX with all this and a true RWD setup.

[@Fadic4]

PeterGriffin4200 they're doing a full model change for the tlx and rlx next. No rwd though. Sh-awd will probably be standard.

[@Nextrix]

This was exactly what I was worried about for this new infotainment system and the removal of a touch screen. If they just kept the touch screen as another input option, they they would not need to customize the software for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to work with thier touchscreen.

[@stevehendren1107]

As an owner, the concept of one to one positioning is easy to understand and use. If you put the 4 things you use most often in the corners it is easy to select them without looking. This works really well with radio functions even after you select the media source (XM, FM, etc). However, once in navigation, typing in an address while moving is not something I would recommend as your eyes are definitely not on the road. Use the voice option, it works pretty good. The thing I find most challenging is that Car Play does not make use of the one to one positioning. This doesn’t mean that I find it hard to use, it just isn’t consistent so I find that when i’m Not in Car Play my brain wants to scroll around on the pad like it does when using Car Play, which I use more than any of the other functions. If Android Auto ever comes out and it better utilizes the one to one positioning, I will probably ditch my old iPhone for an android option.

[@lorettatyler4402]

I really like the Acura touchpad system. I feel it is safe to choose options. Would have been nice to have touch screen option so you could use touch for apple play. love the system. Thanks

[@cparker7431]

This was very helpful for using a 2019 RDX loaner from the dealership. I was given the key fob and....there you go !! Do like the car though. I have a 2016. MDX getting looked at.

[@ionetwofarq1673]

I really with there was a full screen instead of split view

[@RalphBaard]

Get mine this week. Can’t wait to see how it works.

[@mellowjammer]

At 5:05, how did you use the "Heads up Display" (HUD) to choose which Starbucks you wanted? Did you mean Infotainment display?

[@Cmdrjo]

I been waiting for someone to do a split screen showing the rdx technology screen and the touch pad!!! Thank you!!!!

[@russelharley4607]

I actually like it except for the Carplay management, I just hope android auto its better implemented and that Acura does make the infotainment screen a touchscreen( without getting rid of the touchpad) even if only for smartphone connectivity in the future.

[@Trades46]

I found the Lexus puck knob to be fine, since it has a "sticky" feel once you hit a button on the item. This touchpad seems to be better at the commonly used items, but could get annoying for accessing deeper menus.

[@hiavi96]

Alex - can we expect this interface to tickle down to MDX in 2020 when it is expected to get a model refresh.

[@jasanmiguel]

Alex, you kept comparing this new Acura infotainment system to Lexus's system. The real 800 pound gorilla in the room is Honda's own touchscreen system available on all Honda cars, and is head and shoulders better than what Acura is showing you! Why does the parents company Honda put a better system on their cheaper vehicles??

[@Wasabi9111]

Jaime San Miguel completely agree. Just give us the new accords infotainment with touchscreen, knobs and buttons and this new Rdx would be perfect.

[@artieartya]

how is reaching for a touchscreen better when driving on a road trying to reach over and touch virtual buttons? also, talk about arm strain? have you ever used the touchpad? i use it daily and it's great. never had a single issue.

[@JohnsonF]

Thanks Alex for the great review. and thanks God there are two trust-able sources confirmed Android Auto is actually coming to the RDX (AoA, and Temple of VTEC). It will be interesting to see can Honda implement the wireless Android Auto in the future through an update

[@owenh8760]

I can’t figure out how to add shortcuts to the main screen like he has in the video. Can anyone help?

[@tomblackwell3598]

What do they have for those who prefer a touch screen, like on the 2015 TLX and some other models? I like to see those controls along with the map at the same time. This TLX resolved that.

[@dailyrant4068]

Alex - Do you know if the carplay content shows up in the HUD? I've seen in various reviews that there is an "applications" page for the HUD, and you can enable carplay. What I haven't seen is what does it display from carplay.

[@Van-Hammer]

They should have included a touchscreen - then it would have been easier for CP and AA use. Otherwise, this doesn't seem too bad at all.

[@Fadic4]

Van Hammer screen is too far for touch screen

[@Van-Hammer]

Fadi What I meant, was it should have been designed with a touchscreen right from the start.

[@Fadic4]

Van Hammer I see what you mean. Acura said that they a touch screen is great but it's low in the dash and makes people take thier eyes off the road. I don't mind touch screens it's people who can't choose wisely when to use them ruin it. So Acura went with a top mounted touch pad controlled display since it doesn't make you take your eyes off the road as much.

[@articgoneape]

@@Van-Hammer I agree with you

[@bigwilliearmitage]

Always very good preparation and subject knowledge. Thanks.

[@howardbloom7926]

How do you set the Zoom level in the navigation screen? It keeps reverting to 500 ft.

[@silentrefusal9911]

"Today I am inside..." I muted immediately, then got to know he was talking about Acura... Damn these times we are in.... 😂

[@paulwjones6761]

Thanks, insightful review. I do wonder a bit about how well the True Touchpad works when one is wearing gloves (which does happen in colder climates). Hopefully the voice commands work to mitigate that. I kind of like the way some of the Teslas work, big touch screen, but of course they bury some stuff way too deep in menus, nice to have dedicated buttons. But perhaps ditching the drive mode knob (which let us face facts, how often are you going to change in a SUV?), Acrua might have had a bit more room for other stuff, or been able to move the screen within arm's reach. Granted, positioning the screen up where it is easy to see while driving is nice.

[@JonLabbe]

What is the button on the top right of the touchpad? Looks like a partly depleted battery icon. It's to the right of the home button.

[@zaidtareen3982]

A 10 times better operating and looking nav system than in Lexus and its vehicles. period

[@theodorekell]

Lexus infotainment/nav is horrible. I don't know about whole system but this pad 30% better, may be

[@nexushexus4365]

theodorekell "30% better" where the hell do people come up with this bullshit?

[@theodorekell]

From personal experience and this video

[@Fadic4]

Nexus Hexus 33.33% repeating of course

[@nexushexus4365]

theodorekell lol

[@holycross2]

The new RDX is able to receive updates "over the air". I am sure that when Apple and Google develop the software that enables their systems to work with the new TrueTouch Pad, owners with be able to download them.

[@sunofegypt7]

Los Pollos Hermanos thats a good idea dont buy this cheap till the glitches are fixed

[@lauramacky4083]

Great review!

[@DisforDamion87]

I’ll bet the refreshed model will bring back the touch screen.

[@motormusique]

I don't understand why Acura and Lexus won't just use a dial. What's wrong with using the most easy to use and simple device?

[@artieartya]

the touchpad is extremely easy to use. i invite you to try it, you'll be pleasantly impressed.

[@deanmitchell904]

When is the full review coming?

[@jcardona1]

Dean Mitchell all reviews are embargoed by Acura until May 31st

[@kevinkott9853]

it seems lagy when you swipe or scroll. 2:23 he scrolling with no respomse

[@JohnSeitz]

I’d have to try it. But what’s so difficult about a touchscreen?

[@dsd265]

Excellent presentation. Informative and easy to understand.

[@attocoulomb]

Can you do an update, now that Android Auto is available?

[@JDubbs07]

Wow, Zach Vlasuk really did go to Honda

[@williamtaylor460]

Too complicated for me / Distracting / Have to quit driving and park auto to operate navigation system / navigation system hard to see in daylight hours.

[@no40]

I'll continue to stick to my smart phone or tablet for most of the features covered.......the Acura setup seems promising

[@djross95]

Put simply, this seems insane.

[@PhearaXT]

So touchpad is clickable. I thought you have to tap the touchpad to enter.

[@nexushexus4365]

Sounds like Apple, Google, and Acura needs to get together and work a little bit more on how the user interface works with that touchpad then it will be really good. Light years better than what Acura currently has for a infotainment system.

[@artieartya]

it actually works flawlessly, test drive on and try it out. don't take my word for it. but i do own one and believe it is truely good in both touchpad terms and voice recognition terms. no latency.

[@michaelh9184]

Touch screen would have been a smart thing to add.

[@Only60GamesPlayed]

Michael H ABSOLUTELY!

[@toddmediumwellingtoniii478]

I love acura don't care what badge snobs say

[@brucec43]

I love that snobs don't like them. We'll be test driving one soon to replace a BMW X5 that doesn't have near as many features at 50% more.

[@gtech8957]

Same

[@artieartya]

Agreed. Also I tell all the badge snobs such as Mercedes they need to earn their badges by making shit that works, turns on, don’t have to to go to the shop every two months for break downs and actually enjoy driving and using the car. That’s what should earn your badge.

[@revaholic]

The Apple Carplay cursor seems to work better than the Acura system

[@techlink975]

I have a acura Please tell me how to put navigation It dosent show up Mabey i need my phone? Just please help

[@georgeonderko5273]

So we bought this car and love it but one thing I haven’t seen mentioned by any reviewer is how the Nav system tells you where to go. On the highway it doesn’t tell you what road or even exit number to turn on. It will say on the screen “towards Cleveland” So I have no clue what highway or what exit number I’m going to exit on. I just know it’s “towards Cleveland”. This is absolutely terrible and makes missing your turn so easy. You’re watching for that one highway sign that says “towards Cleveland” and hoping it’s the right one. I’ve found no option to just give me turn right onto 71N in 2mi rather than turn right “towards Cleveland” in 2mi. Horrible. You can insert whatever other city your exit is towards. It will never display the highway number or exit number.

[@vassuish]

Can we change the background colour on the screen

[@andymiro1]

I can’t believe they didn’t just put the Honda infotainment touch screen in this thing. It’s loads better. Really was hoping to go to the new MDX from a Pilot but this system is insane. I hope nobody buys these until they change it.

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

I can't handle the right side of the screen not having at least the option of hiding. That is bothering me before I even bought the car

[@igeekone]

I like the latest BMW iDrive and new Mercedes-Benz UX. Those give you the option of the controller or touchscreen.

[@0228mustang]

Wow, today is 9/29/18 and still no Android Auto...what's the problem Google?

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

BPM rocks!

[@garybaldwin1061]

Whats that part were you try to write something on the touch pad? Can you just voice an address?

[@jshen340]

I understand Honda Company (including Acura) wants to make something unique, they actually did it but the stuff they made is not beating others, like Honda Lane Watch in recent years, and now this unintuitive and inconvenient infotainment system. There is no doubt that many consumers will say bring me back a touchscreen.

[@articgoneape]

I prefer a touch screen vs a mousepad. I have driven a 2019 RDX a few times and I yell at the mousepad lol which is distracting. I prefer my 2016 RDX touch screen :D

[@artieartya]

instead, just yell at the amazing voice recognition system or siri. They work great.

[@24685340]

Do you have the instructions in writing

[@gimlifn]

Interesting. Without trying it myself I would have to say typing in an address into the Nav system seems overly complicated but I guess I would have to try it in person. Great info though Alex.

[@johnc2737]

Is there a way to lower the screen

[@adasmith7141]

Awesome video !

[@Jacobk66]

Is CarPlay wireless like the X3?

[@BrianCerveny]

No.

[@alliejr]

Alex, what is that music selection!!!??? HAHAHA.

[@nexushexus4365]

alliejr Yea I know he has Christmas music playing in May. WTF

[@Supertrooper697]

Hey, can’t go wrong with Carpenter’s Christmas at any time 😂

[@joemammatube]

Apple and Android need to step up and make their apps with the absolute touch to match the car's capabilities. Lots of cars out there so I get why, but seems of they made it work the way it does today, a little more elbow grease few lines of code to finish the job.

[@itmustbelove08]

I see Zach’s name.

[@Xx1SailorScoutxX]

I wonder what this would be like if it were offered in aftermarket form.

[@MrHav1k]

This is less usable than I thought it would be. I'm not a touchscreen fan, but this isn't the best either. I think BMW iDrive has the best compromise here.

[@Wasabi9111]

TheHvk I had high hopes but wo a touchscreen this system really just barely better than the Lexus system.

[@anotheran]

I really wouldn’t want to be using this system while I’m driving. I much prefer idrive after having experience on mmi, Toyota, current Acura, GM, Hyundai, Kia, and ford sync.

[@matthewliuliu666]

anotheran go away then, no one care if you want to use it or not!

[@azautoguy]

In my opinion if you use the touchpad while driving you will end up in the hospital. It takes a ton of attention to operate. First, it shouldn't be in the car and 2nd, it should be disabled while driving.

[@tomeng9520]

Volvo is killing it with XC60 interface.

[@magic_fruit_bat5003]

tom eng I've heard their reliability is terrible. Don't know if that's true there's days - in the past they had transmission issues and other miscellaneous imperfections within the car.

[@artieartya]

have fun with the virtual hvac controls. lol. what a nightmare

[@HenryFerlauto]

To my knowledge, I think this may be the first time that iOS or any of its variants (e.g. tvOS, watchOS, etc.) have had anything that resembles a cursor like that.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Actually, you see the same thing in Mercedes and Mitsubishi's touchpad systems and the same cursor but controlled differently in BMW, Audi and other systems that use a click wheel.

[@HenryFerlauto]

Good to know. The CarPlay screen struck me as almost “DOS-like” in the way the cursor highlighted the label for the icon.

[@michaeltroster9059]

Still very confusing, but probably better than Acura’s previous systems which were impossibly confusing and the voice recognition was totally useless.

[@PhilKulak]

Nice, modern design, and then they highlight with a bright red gradient? 0 to WinXP in a single press of a button.

[@MrKevonator]

Does the car have a CD player?

[@Pilski]

Nope!

[@noahboy6349]

Love the new RDX but won’t purchase one until I hear the decision made on the class action lawsuit below. 2019 Acura RDX Buyer beware JULY 11, 2019 - An Acura RDX infotainment lawsuit alleges the systems suffer from problems with the radios, backup cameras and the audio and navigation systems. The 2019-2020 RDX SUVs are allegedly a danger to drive because of the distractions caused by the infotainment problems. According to the plaintiffs named in the lawsuit, the infotainment systems were a big reason they purchased the RDX vehicles, and now they wish they wouldn't have purchased the SUVs. One plaintiff claims the RDX infotainment system started causing him problems within days of buying the vehicle. The system allegedly would take up to a minute for the audio to start playing, so he called the dealership and was told everything was normal. The plaintiff also claims voice commands are frequently unavailable and the infotainment system freezes and shuts off while he is driving. According to the plaintiff, the promise of Android Auto was important to him but it's been 10 months since he purchased the RDX and still no software update has been released containing Android Auto. The lawsuit says Acura's previous dual-screen infotainment system was a combination of direct touch, buttons and a dial. But when the third generation Acura RDX was released in 2018, it was equipped with a new single high definition 10.2-inch display controlled by a touchpad. According to the proposed class action lawsuit, Acura knew the systems were defective before any of the RDX SUVs were sold. In addition, the plaintiffs say since the vehicles were sold, drivers have constantly complained about the problems. "This has happened to me multiple times (10 or more). I'm happily cruising along with my CarPlay running waze, Pandora and my radio will just stop working and the display stops showing CarPlay information. Another variation is I'm on the phone connected to CarPlay and I can place and receive calls but half the time no one can hear me speak (I can hear them)." "My vehicle is hardly 6 months old and the infotainment stop working 3 times with 6000+ miles. The dealer mechanic doesn't bother bring the vehicle into the shop, they come out, disconnect the battery for a minute or two then reconnect the battery and the system is back on. Next time that happens, I would ask the service manager to document it." Infotainment systems are known as severe distractions to drivers even when the systems work as intended, but the RDX lawsuit alleges a system that continually malfunctions takes the distractions to a whole new level. Acura has allegedly failed to inform the public about the alleged infotainment systems problems and continues to manufacture, market and sell the SUVs with the defective systems. Furthermore, Honda/Acura has allegedly been unable to find solutions to fix the infotainment systems and dealerships typically tell customers to wait for software updates. In some cases, technicians will replace allegedly defective parts with the same defective parts which leaves drivers in an endless cycle of problems and repairs. According to the lawsuit, Honda and Acura dealers routinely tell RDX customers to refrain from bringing the SUVs to the dealerships because there is no way to repair the infotainment systems. The proposed nationwide class action lawsuit alleges at least 100,000 model year 2019-2020 Acura RDX SUVs are affected by the infotainment systems. The Acura RDX infotainment lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Western Division - Banh, et al., v. American Honda Motor Co. The plaintiffs are represented by Hagens Berman, Goldenberg Schneider, and Niekamp, Weisensell, Mutersbaugh & Mastrantonio. CarComplaints.com has owner-reported complaints about Acura RDX SUVs and many other Acura vehicles.

[@KristenTrinh]

The fact that this video is 10+ minutes means the infotainment system is way too complicated.

[@paulstein9258]

Had a 2013 TSX with tech package. Poor cell phone connection. Poor for programming Nav by hunt and peck. Have the new Fusion with sync 3. Unbelievably good.

[@toddmediumwellingtoniii478]

Paul Stein really I don't have that problem in mines

[@nexushexus4365]

Sync 3 and the system in the TSX is not even in the same era, generation. You can't compare them.

[@paulstein9258]

Todd Medium Wellington III The TSX tech package was $3500. Great audio. Copied every CD inserted to a hard drive. The iPhone connections were a hassle. The Nav was hunt and peck. The newer Ford Sync 3 is incredible. Phones connect instantly. Voice control of audio, temp control, etc. Loved the Acura until a 95 year old driver rolled through a stop sign at 5 mph. The Acura had $8000 of damage. The older Buick had some scratches on it. A bit unsettling. My Ford Fusion is a Platinum model. A bit of an extravagance but the self parking feature grabbed me. Parks within 6 inches of the curb every time.

[@nexushexus4365]

Paul Stein good luck with your Ford.

[@lenygarber4490]

touch screen is the best

[@elenchus]

this is good video ^^

[@thatsaloadofcrap]

Can the programmable 'buttons' be Apple or Google apps? e.g. Google maps for maps or Spotify for Music? If so, this has promise. Although I'm skeptical anybody has it all figured out yet or any of these systems will look like a Edsel in 3-5 yrs. As an industrial controls Engineer, it's amazing to me how bad car UI's are. Human engineering tells you people naturally gravitate to position dependent controls. When you want something, you always go to the same place. Hard buttons do that. Screens that don't have the same thing in the same place are distracting and dangerous. I haven't seen on yet that doesn't take your eyes off the road for unsafe periods of time. KISS (keep it simple stupid); they're all overly complicated (distracting). I haven't found one yet, that doesn't drive me back to just using my phone (Maps, Spotify/Music, Audible, and Waze... how many apps do you really need? ), which is still distracting, but does what I want. I think 6 programmable app buttons (like the radio for the last 50 yrs), on the steering wheel if possible, or on the dash are what I'd like to see. touch screens are simply a big bag of hurt, I love Infiniti, very reliable, owned 5. But, Infiniti's 2 screen UI is just AWFUL! ....I don't have any good choices when it comes to dash controls.

[@thatsaloadofcrap]

PS: I feel sorry for manufacturers trying to integrate phone apps into cars. Both Apple Car Play and Android Auto are both train wrecks (no pun intended) at this point (IMHO). Especially, if they have to customize it to each car manufacturer. when your phone crashes, you reboot or try again. When your car controls distract your driving, yet alone crash, people can die. ...not that they shouldn't, they're just not there yet. If not, people will still just use their phones vs. the dash, which is just as bad.

[@SDav21]

Seems pretty good actually but only in this context. Lexus has the worst system and this is better than that. But the German manufacturers (now excluding Audi) all did it better with the rotary dial with a touch pad as well and touch screen. I think Mercedes has done it best now in the new A Class. Touch screen isn't really great when the car isnin motion because you need to physically look at what you are touching to do something meaning it is distracting. Mercs steering wheel touch pads are so excellent because you can control the entire interface without taking your hands off the wheel. Then it allows touch screen for entering destinations and a touch pad which works well the the interface designed to work with it for when you don't want fingerprints. Then they also went the extra mile on having one of the best voice control systems which allows you to do anything. At this point, multiple input methods are the best. Because everyone is different and Merc caters to more people with their MBUX and makes it easier to control a system on the move. These "luxury" Japanese manufacturers like Acura and Lexus try too hard to differentiate their systems. Sometimes they should just admit defeat and copy the Germans. They're just better at many things. Instead now they go and create systems which aren't really that great comparatively.

[@pietro1961]

Acura should have both touch screen and touch pad.

[@donniefhosein]

Seems like phone mount is still the way to go 😅

[@BernardoSilva70]

Good video, bad system, Alex. Precision seems l ike a weak point, which in turn makes it a dealbreaker.

[@gengstar09]

Lexus... take notes. This is Enform done right.

[@gregg5958]

I think the latest Honda infotainment works and looks better. At least for me. Drawing with these things looks especially annoying. I rather use voice or even pull over before I would ever use the drawing feature.

[@mrchongyl]

Nothing beats good ol' iDrive imo

[@Alumnikiid]

Facts I was thinking the same thing. I can still use it with cloves or moist hands as well

[@mrchongyl]

Alumnikiid Exactly! You can use it as a handwriting pad also. And the graphics looks much more modern in iDrive compared to others. (except Mercedes')

[@theodorekell]

Mazda system is also pretty good. Unlike iDrive, you can spin it in blank mode, once you reached end of the menu. But this is probably better for reliability because less parts inside that controller.

[@aeriose]

This implementation of Apple CarPlay seems awful. The rest of the infotainment system is average compared to most cars and not being able to use my iPhone apps in a fast/efficient manner just ruins the whole car for me.

[@cleevensjoseph]

Hope Infiniti dont do nothing like this and just add CarPlay and android auto

[@iamthelaw69]

FFS did the infotainment designer from Lexus jump ship to Acura? Or are Japanese just obsessed with touchpads in a car? They're not good for cars, period. Worst thing since the mouse controls, also a Lexus thing I might add.

[@Quizzical106]

What a disaster! What the hell were they thinking?

[@mellowjammer]

Easier to use than the Lexus? That's not saying much as Consumer Reports called the Lexus remote touchpad system THE WORST built-in system out there.

[@tryceo]

No touch screen is a deal breaker. The future of car infotainment is Carplay and Android Auto, and all the apps on them are touch screen based. The Acura software will looked outdated and old in about 5 years, but carplay will be constantly updated.

[@Quizzical106]

This system was obsolete the day it came out.

[@Agent77X]

This is the best system because people that are 45+ are use to laptop mechanism. It would take a couple of years or more to learn how to operate a touch screen since many are people are scare of using a finger to touch the touchscreen. Many of these people still use a flip phone or do not own a mobile phone and never ever had the chance to experience a touch screen. Way to go - Acura!

[@BertiferousRex]

What a mess. Who would want something like this?