The way Australians choose cars in 2025 has shifted dramatically. It’s no longer just about engine power, safety ratings, or fuel efficiency. Buyers now expect cars to act like rolling smartphones—offering seamless connectivity, intuitive touchscreens, real-time navigation, and even voice assistants that understand the Aussie accent. Infotainment systems are becoming the true nerve centres of modern vehicles, merging entertainment, safety, and convenience into one sleek digital interface.
This comprehensive guide explores the best infotainment systems available in 2025 cars, what features truly matter, and which models stand out in Australia. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a rideshare driver who needs constant connectivity, or a family wanting hassle-free entertainment on long drives, this breakdown will help you make a smart buying decision.
Why Infotainment Matters More in 2025
Today’s vehicles are designed with infotainment at the core of the driving experience. Here’s why it’s now a top priority for car buyers:
- Smartphone-Like Experience: Drivers expect fluid touchscreens, fast processors, and customizable interfaces that mirror the usability of their mobile devices.
- Safety Integration: Advanced infotainment systems now work hand-in-hand with driver-assist features—like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping aids—by offering visual and audio alerts in real time.
- Voice Assistants: Natural speech recognition allows hands-free control of navigation, music, and even climate functions, reducing distractions.
- OTA (Over-The-Air) Updates: Cars are evolving like smartphones with continuous software improvements, bug fixes, and even new features after purchase.
- Entertainment & Connectivity: Seamless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and proprietary apps give passengers access to streaming, podcasts, and connected services.
Infotainment is no longer just “nice to have.” It’s the beating heart of smart vehicles.
Key Infotainment Features to Look for in 2025 Cars
Before we dive into specific models, let’s outline the features that set the best systems apart:
- Screen Quality: Look for large, high-resolution OLED or QLED displays (10–15 inches) with minimal lag.
- Multi-Device Pairing: The ability to connect more than one smartphone simultaneously.
- Wireless Integration: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard on most high-end systems.
- AI Voice Assistants: Some carmakers now offer their own assistants that can integrate with Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri.
- Navigation & Live Data: Real-time traffic updates, charging station locators for EVs, and weather overlays.
- Rear Passenger Entertainment: Multiple screens for families and rear passengers, often streaming via 5G.
- Customizable Layouts: Drag-and-drop widgets, profiles for different drivers, and personalized shortcuts.
Standout Cars With the Best Infotainment in 2025
Tesla Model 3 and Model Y (2025 Refresh)
Tesla continues to lead with its minimalist design centred around a 15.4-inch horizontal touchscreen. The 2025 refresh brings sharper graphics, faster response times, and improved voice recognition. Over-the-air updates remain Tesla’s strongest advantage, allowing features like improved Autopilot visuals or new entertainment apps to roll out seamlessly.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 pairs futuristic styling with a dual-screen infotainment setup—two 12.3-inch displays that flow seamlessly across the dashboard. Wireless smartphone mirroring, integrated EV route planning, and Bluelink connected services make it one of the most intelligent systems available at an accessible price.
BMW iX and BMW 5 Series (2025)
BMW’s iDrive 9 operating system, now widely rolled out across its lineup, is among the most polished in 2025. A curved 14.9-inch display with a secondary driver’s screen offers intuitive layouts. Gesture controls remain, though voice and haptic feedback have become more reliable. Spotify and YouTube apps are pre-integrated for native streaming.
Mercedes-Benz EQE and S-Class
The MBUX Hyperscreen in the EQE and flagship S-Class remains a showstopper. This 56-inch curved glass unit stretches across the dashboard, embedding three screens into one sleek panel. AI-powered suggestions adapt to driver habits, while augmented-reality navigation overlays street names and arrows directly onto live camera feeds.
Toyota Prado (2025 Generation)
Toyota’s infotainment overhaul is finally complete, and the new 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system is a leap forward. It supports wireless CarPlay, cloud-based navigation, and over-the-air updates, bringing Toyota closer to premium rivals. For buyers seeking reliability plus modern tech, the Prado delivers.
Ford Ranger (2025)
As Australia’s best-selling ute, the Ford Ranger now offers a vertical 12-inch screen inspired by Tesla, paired with Ford’s SYNC 4A system. It includes enhanced voice commands, split-screen multitasking, and connected navigation with live data—a big plus for tradies and off-road adventurers.
Kia EV9
The Kia EV9, Australia’s new full-size electric SUV, brings a highly customizable system with dual 12.3-inch screens and a 5-inch climate control display. It offers Kia Connect features like remote charging, vehicle-to-load monitoring, and OTA improvements, making it ideal for tech-focused families.
Lexus NX and RX
Lexus has redesigned its infotainment systems for 2025 with a strong focus on user-friendliness. The NX and RX boast a 14-inch high-definition display, improved Lexus Interface OS, and cloud-based services. Unlike older models, voice commands now respond quickly to natural speech.
Audi Q8 e-tron
Audi’s Virtual Cockpit and dual-touchscreen MMI setup remain benchmarks. The Q8 e-tron in 2025 offers haptic feedback screens, a fully customizable digital cockpit, and seamless integration with Android Auto and CarPlay. Audi’s attention to intuitive menus and futuristic graphics puts it in the top tier.
Mazda CX-5 (2025 Update)
Mazda’s infotainment used to lag behind, but the 2025 CX-5 introduces a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. Mazda has focused heavily on user experience, with simplified menus and tactile rotary controls for drivers who still prefer physical buttons.
Infotainment Trends Defining 2025
- AI Personalization: Systems now predict driver needs—suggesting routes, preferred playlists, or even when to stop for fuel.
- EV-Centric Tools: Infotainment in EVs now includes real-time charging station locators, charging time estimates, and battery pre-conditioning.
- Gaming in Cars: Tesla leads with arcade-style games, but other manufacturers like BMW are introducing console-like streaming during charging stops.
- 5G & Cloud Syncing: Ultra-fast connectivity enables video calls, streaming, and real-time updates.
- Minimalist Dashboards: Physical buttons are disappearing, with everything integrated into screens—though some brands (Mazda, Subaru) keep a few tactile controls for safety.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Infotainment System
When shopping for a new car in 2025, here’s what to consider:
- Ease of Use: Don’t get caught up in flashy graphics; check how intuitive the menus are while driving.
- Updates & Longevity: Over-the-air updates ensure your system won’t feel outdated in three years.
- Screen Placement: A high, driver-focused screen is safer than one placed too low.
- Compatibility: Ensure both Apple and Android devices work seamlessly.
- Audio Quality: Many infotainment systems are paired with premium sound systems—Bose, Harman Kardon, or Bang & Olufsen—that elevate the experience.
Future Outlook: Infotainment Beyond 2025
Looking ahead, infotainment will go beyond touchscreens and voice. Expect cars to integrate augmented reality windshields, deeper vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, and full AI copilots capable of handling entertainment, navigation, and safety decisions simultaneously. For now, though, 2025 marks the year where infotainment became not just a luxury feature, but a core part of car buying in Australia.
Final Thoughts
If you’re shopping for a new vehicle in 2025, don’t underestimate the importance of infotainment. Cars like the Tesla Model Y, Mercedes EQE, BMW iX, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Ford Ranger showcase how advanced these systems have become. They are no longer just entertainment hubs—they are the digital brains of modern vehicles, offering safety, personalization, and seamless connectivity.
At Carsoop, we’ll continue to track the evolution of in-car technology so Australian drivers can make smarter, more future-proof choices.
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