Hyundai and Kia incorporate Google technology to enhance intelligence in their navigation systems
Hyundai and Kia are set to revolutionise their in-car navigation systems, integrating Google-based features starting in 2025. The cornerstone of this upgrade is the integration of **Google Places**, providing real-time, online information for over 250 million locations worldwide [1][2][3].
This integration gives drivers access to detailed data about businesses, landmarks, and points of interest directly on their car’s built-in navigation system. Information includes user ratings, photos, contact details, operating hours, and updated descriptions—much like what one finds on Google Maps [1][2].
In addition to Google Places, improvements include:
- Enhanced search functionality featuring better auto-complete and predictive search suggestions. - Upgraded text-to-speech support for more natural and accurate voice navigation guidance. - More dynamic, continuously updated local information integrated directly into the car's native infotainment system without the need for a smartphone app [1][2].
The rollout begins with Hyundai and Kia vehicles equipped with the ccNC infotainment platform, including the Hyundai Kona, IONIQ 5 and 5N, IONIQ 9, Santa Fe, and Tucson, as well as Kia’s upcoming EV4 model [1][3]. More vehicles will receive these updates through over-the-air software updates.
Looking ahead, Hyundai plans to deepen collaboration with Google beyond these initial features. In 2026, Hyundai aims to introduce a next-generation infotainment system based on **Android Automotive OS**, a fully integrated Google-based operating system (similar to Polestar’s system) [1][2]. This represents a future shift from manufacturer-developed systems to a more Google-centric infotainment architecture, although physical cabin controls will still be retained for a balanced user interface.
In a nutshell, the upcoming Google-based features in Hyundai and Kia’s embedded navigation systems primarily involve:
- **Google Places integration** with extensive, real-time POI data inside the native nav system. - Improved search and voice guidance capabilities. - Future transition toward Android Automotive OS-based infotainment starting around 2026 on select models [1][2][3]. - Hyundai has no plans to remove physical cabin controls entirely. - Hyundai has confirmed it will maintain a balance between touchscreen innovation and tactile functionality in its digital interface.
These updates aim to narrow the gap between traditional manufacturer navigation platforms and smartphone-based apps like Google Maps on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, offering drivers an enhanced, seamless in-car experience.
As Hyundai and Kia prepare to revolutionize their in-car navigation systems, they will integrate Google-based features, starting in 2025. Part of this upgrade includes improved infotainment systems, where drivers can access detailed information about businesses, landmarks, and points of interest directly on their car's built-in navigation system, similar to Google Maps, making use of Google Places.
In 2026, Hyundai plans to introduce a next-generation infotainment system based on Android Automotive OS, a fully integrated Google-based operating system, marking a future shift towards a more Google-centric infotainment architecture in various models. This transition includes smartphones, gadgets, and infotainment systems.
