6 Google Maps Features That Work Better On Android Auto Vs. CarPlay

Google Maps performs noticeably better on Android Auto than on Apple CarPlay, according to an Engadget hands-on test that ran identical searches, route changes, and navigation tasks on both platforms in the same car. While core features like speedometer displays, lane guidance, incident reporting, and alternative-route suggestions are comparable across both systems, Android Auto pulled ahead on everyday tasks beyond basic point-to-point navigation. A key differentiator is Gemini, Google's AI assistant, which handles searches and route changes on Android Auto without requiring users to tap the screen. The findings matter for the in-car software market, where Google and Apple compete to be the default navigation layer as automakers increasingly ship vehicles with both platforms supported. The test suggests Google's tighter integration of its AI stack into its own automotive platform is yielding a tangible user-experience edge. Watch for whether Apple responds with deeper Siri or Apple Intelligence integration in CarPlay, and whether automakers' platform choices shift as AI-assisted navigation becomes a standard expectation.