Volkswagen Cars with Apple CarPlay (11 Models: Full List)
Audio and multimedia infotainment systems featuring high-resolution touchscreen displays with Apple CarPlay integration are essential to maximizing the ownership and enjoyment of modern vehicles.
The following Volkswagen cars, SUVs, and electric vehicles have Apple CarPlay connectivity, either wireless or wired with a USB cable.
Do All Volkswagens Have Apple CarPlay & When Did They Get It?
The latest releases of VW cars have Apple CarPlay integration.
Most Volkswagen vehicles began getting Apple CarPlay in 2016, with the VW Golf and VW Tiguan among the earliest within the German marque’s lineup to have the smartphone integration as standard.
Wireless smartphone charging and voice recognition are integral to the newer infotainment systems.
Check the corresponding table to see when each Volkswagen model below has Apple CarPlay.
Meanwhile, drivers on Android smartphones may find the post on Volkswagens with Android Auto useful.
Volkswagen Cars with Apple CarPlay
#1 Volkswagen Golf
Although it’s no longer in production after 2021, the Golf hatchback remains a compelling purchase as a used car, with its excellent ride quality and versatile body – even the more-powerful Golf R is a competent daily driver.
Within the models years for the seventh-generation MK7, the 2017 to 2021 Volkswagen Golf hatchbacks had standard Apple CarPlay, while the 2016 version had Apple smartphone compatibility only in the higher trims.
Further, all VW Golf GTI (the higher-performance variant of the regular Golf) from 2016 onwards have standard Apple CarPlay.
2015 and older VW Golf did not have Apple CarPlay.
#2 Volkswagen Polo
Although the VW Polo isn’t available on American shores, it’s a popular little car sold globally, including in Europe.
Volkswagen has made the Apple CarPlay integration standard for the Polo hatchback since 2021.
The 2016 to 2020 VW Polo had Apple CarPlay, but only in the higher trims, and was optional on the entry-level model.
2015 and earlier VW Polo did not have Apple CarPlay.
#3 Volkswagen Beetle
The German car company ceased production for the iconic Beetle after 2019.
Still, Apple CarPlay was available in Volkswagen Beetle’s upper trims from 2016 to 2019; older Beetles didn’t have smartphone connectivity.
#4 Volkswagen Jetta
In a class with all-stars like Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, and Kia Forte – all with adaptive cruise control – the VW Jetta seems somewhat mediocre.
Still, VW Jetta has had standard Apple CarPlay smartphone integration since 2019, with standard wireless connectivity from 2021 onwards.
VW Jetta models from 2016 to 2018 only had Apple CarPlay in the upper trims, while 2015 and older versions didn’t have smartphone compatibility.
#5 Volkswagen Passat
All Volkswagen Passat sedans from 2019 to 2022 had standard Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.
Between 2016 and 2018, the VW Passat only had Apple CarPlay in the pricier trims.
2022 marks this midsize car’s final model year stateside.
#6 Volkswagen Arteon
This 2019 debutant is a unique large hatchback with sleek styling and sporty handling.
The VW Arteon debuted in 2019 and has had standard Apple CarPlay since, with the 2021 and newer models gaining wireless connectivity.
Volkswagen SUVs with Apple CarPlay
#7 Volkswagen Taos
Apple CarPlay smartphone functionality has been a standard provision for all Volkswagen Toas crossovers, regardless of the model year.
#8 Volkswagen Tiguan
This model stands out among small SUVs with its three rows of seats.
From 2017 onwards, VW Tiguan has had an infotainment system with a touch screen that supports smartphone integrations like Apple CarPlay as standard.
The 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan had Apple CarPlay only in the more expensive trims, while the 2015 and older ones had none.
#9 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
This midsize SUV is a two-row version of the VW Atlas.
Volkswagen first released the VW Cross Sport SUV in 2020 with standard Apple CarPlay functionality, then upgraded to wireless connectivity from 2023 onwards.
#10 Volkswagen Atlas
This SUV is a three-row midsize, seating up to seven.
Since the VW Atlas appeared in 2018, it has had Apple CarPlay smartphone integration as standard equipment, and the Atlas SUV gained wireless connectivity in the higher trims in 2023.
Volkswagen Electric Vehicle with Apple CarPlay
#11 Volkswagen ID.4
As the German marque’s pioneering electric SUV, all Volkswagen ID.4 models have had Apple CarPlay since its 2021 debut.
VW ID.4 gained wireless Apple CarPlay as standard from 2023 onwards.
Rival Makes & Models with Apple CarPlay
The choices below from mainstream carmakers are worth exploring:
- Toyota cars with Apple CarPlay.
- Honda cars with Apple CarPlay.
- Mazda cars with Apple CarPlay.
- Subaru cars with Apple CarPlay.
- Nissan cars with Apple CarPlay.
- Hyundai cars with Apple CarPlay.
- Kia cars with Apple CarPlay.
- Ford vehicles with Apple CarPlay.
- Chevrolet vehicles with Apple CarPlay.
- Jeep SUVs with Apple CarPlay.
- MINI cars with Apple CarPlay.
These premium automakers also have models with Apple smartphone integration:
- Audi cars with Apple CarPlay.
- BMW cars with Apple CarPlay.
- Mercedes cars with Apple CarPlay.
- Volvo cars with Apple CarPlay.
- Lexus cars with Apple CarPlay.
- Acura cars with Apple CarPlay.
- Infiniti cars with Apple CarPlay.
- Genesis cars with Apple CarPlay.
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