[skromfols]

I have a 2022 RTL-E and I've subscribed to Sirius XM, so I really don't need any additional audio features. However, I'm not overly impressed with the GPS on the Ridgeline and wonder if I could/should add Apple Car Play for the map function.

Any information or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Glockwork83]

Plug your phone in and see if you like it? Your truck has apple carplay so play with it and see if you like it. If so, buy a carplay bluetooth adapter like an ottobox and enjoy!

 

[Ba11in0nABudget]

A 2022 RTL-E already has car play. Just plug it in.

In my opinion Apple Carplay/Android Auto is better than any other option and it's free.

Also, the maps are always up to date and has live traffic, again.... for free.

 

[Nervey]

You don't necessarily need a wireless CarPlay adapter. I've been playing with them, and so far, unimpressed for the most part. Since the Ridgeline wireless charging pad doesn't work, you need to plug-in your phone, anyway... so, a wireless adapter is just another gimmick or "thing". It would be great if the wireless charger worked too, then you would never need to connect with a wireless adapter. Some folks experience less lockups with a wireless adapter (or it's luck and chance to say it locks up less). But, eh... the latest phone updates seem stable for me on the wired connection.

Now to answer your exact question. I'm a proponent of CarPlay ... it's no cost and the navigation really beats the built-in Navigation. Unless you are in areas with little or no mobile reception, but even then, there are apps with offline navigation (e.g., TomTom). The Navigation in CarPlay has Real-time traffic, speed traps, weather, and construction alerts... etc. This can extend beyond the built-in Apple maps and use a plethora of other navigation apps, too.

Siri is there for the asking, and it is so much easier to navigate with verbal commands than trying to get that done natively with the Honda integration.

Also, CarPlay does do better with phone calls and texts, so you don't need to deal with the phone so much. You can have the text read aloud if you want. As you mention, since you subscribe to SXM, well, you can have better audio quality with their streaming app through CarPlay than the satellite service offers.

I would have a difficult time NOT having CarPlay these days and sometimes with our work fleet of vehicles I need to go without, and it kind of stinks.

 

[fdeno]

Your factory NAV requires updates to stay current the Waze phone app is much more current

 

[Dvdk74]

I dont even bother with the built in gps. I use apple carplay

 

[devlintaylor]

Yes. If you have an iPhone, you will never use the built in stuff again. My opinion.

 

[Tommy K]

Good stuff Nervy, is it possible to isolate certain callers- texts that wont show or read aloud? Asking for a friends mistress.

 

[Nervey]

Good stuff Nervy, is it possible to isolate certain callers- texts that wont show or read aloud? Asking for a friends mistress.

Ha.. Nothing like that hot flash that warms over ya of getting a text or call while your significant other is in the car!! I know, only because my friends can always have -interesting- HELLOS or text content that the woman would not be amused by!!

By the way, it's not like they AUTOMATICALLY read aloud or just display a text. You need to tap the display for it to read. There is setting in your iPhone Notifications area that will disable Text notifications altogether. I don't believe there can be a separate filter invoked for selected individuals to display...😬

Tell your friend's mistress to go to SETTINGS > NOTIFICATIONS > MESSAGES area to choose to disable in CarPlay. Or there are even some newer settings within CarPlay to manipulate the ANNOUNCEMENTS. This is the SETTINGS section of the CarPlay on the dash (see video tips below).

Phone calls can do the same... but again you cannot filter separate individuals for CarPlay only. That would be a great feature! ...you know, for the times I call your friend's mistress! LOL

There are some NEWER settings from within CarPlay... here are some tips
Apple CarPlay Tips, Every Driver Should Know! (iOS 15) - YouTube

 

[DockingPilot]

Does Apple Car Play start automatically when start the truck or do you have to initiate it from the onscreen menu every time ?
Im not familiar with how it works or does yet.


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[Nervey]

Does Apple Car Play start automatically when start the truck or do you have to initiate it from the onscreen menu every time ?
Im not familiar with how it works or does yet.

The smart auto features are purely run by the smart phone attached... they do not run without the phone present. So, yeah, it starts automatically (if it is the last used option on your menu) ... but you need your phone plugged in.

The basic explanation

• If you have an Android Phone, it is "Android Auto"... if you have an Apple iPhone, it is "CarPlay". Very similar things.
• Honda's variation is wired through the USB port in the front dash. When you connect the phone (with the CarPlay setting turned on), it will prompt for your approvals and pair.
• Once you are paired, anytime you connect your phone to the USB port, it will show as an option in your main Honda Menu... for CarPlay it is a Green Icon. When you engage the icon, it enters an entirely new system run by your phone. Essentially your dashboard is a video display for apps on your phone (specific CarPlay compatible apps)
  • Most map programs you have on your phone, will display on the new dashboard presented. Apple Maps, Google Maps, WAZE, TomTom... whatever.
  • Most streaming audio apps will also display. iHeartRadio, Pandora, Spotify, CBS News, Tune-In, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible.... whatever.
  • Some other, additional apps (like if you do conference calls on Teams, Zoom)
  • Some weather apps (like Weather on the Way that assists route planning)
  • Your Phone calls, Text messages and etc. that are native to the phone can also be managed on the dash touchscreen.

So, all of the above are all purely driven by your phone... it is your phone but displayed in a different way for the vehicle. That is why it can handle it all pretty swiftly, including any SIRI (or Google) voice assistant requests.

While you are in this environment on your dashboard, it is treated as any other option on your menu, you can still navigate your radio, or switch back to the vehicle's native things.

Honda's CarPlay is wired, while some vehicles are wireless (vehicles with wireless charging pads are usually wireless, but the Ridgeline is not). It requires the phone to be connected via USB, that is why some folks talk about wireless adapters. The available adapters plug into your USB port and communicate wirelessly to your phone so you don't have to always plug-in, and the phone can stay in your pocket (or wherever). This is usually a pretty convenient option for a vehicle with a wireless charging pad... In a perfect world the truck's wireless charging pad should work (if you had the option), and you could simply lay your phone on the charging pad and not have to connect. But Honda effed that up for now.

It's all pretty great. It will take a couple of seconds to get used to things, and because it is "change" you may not like it at first... but give it a chance, I think you will enjoy it.

Here is a little Honda video for the Pilot that is reasonably similar to the Ridgeline.
Honda Pilot: How to Connect and Use Apple CarPlay™ - YouTube

 

[DockingPilot]

Thanks Nervey
Question, while its in Car Play environment and say I choose to run the Sirius XM app through my phone instead of the RL environment, is it possible to change stations still using the steering wheel buttons or would I have to get my phone and change it from there ?


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[longball2go]

A side benefit of Waze is police detection and location show on map. It has helped me monitor my speed in traps many times.

 

[DockingPilot]

Oh absolutely
When we drive to Florida from NJ I take I81 not I95. Using and trusting Waze Im able to set my cc on 90mph in most sections of that highway making it all the way to Savannah exit 925 miles, checking into hotel by 1930.


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[Nervey]

Thanks Nervey
Question, while its in Car Play environment and say I choose to run the Sirius XM app through my phone instead of the RL environment, is it possible to change stations still using the steering wheel buttons or would I have to get my phone and change it from there?

No, you wouldn't need to fumble with the phone, you would use the SXM app on the touch screen of the dash. All of the apps interface with the touch screen, that is rather the purpose...to help a person from needing to fumbling with the phone. It almost resembles like the app is installed directly on the head unit. I think for SXM (and most apps) the right/left arrow buttons on the steering wheel fast forward or rewind (if you are not in LIVE mode).

 

[hakkalügi]

Full disclosure first, I have a love/hate relationship with technology these days. Have been using Apple products for nearly 20 years and have been very happy with them, to include CarPlay. However, I am becoming more and more concerned about mobile security and privacy and am currently trying a Sony Xperia 10 iii with a Linux OS from Finland called SailfishOS. With that, I am unable to use either CarPlay or Android Auto so have had to rely on the stock navigation services…but I like navigating with CarPlay the best.

My preference would be to have Apple Maps baked into the navigation system without having to use an iPhone but that’s not possible.

 

[Nervey]

My preference would be to have Apple Maps baked into the navigation system without having to use an iPhone but that’s not possible.

I hear ya about security, but if you think about it, your wish of having Apple Maps integrated is probably no different than just having it. It is interactive. At this point in time, I trust Apple's privacy over others. Truth be told, there is probably no running away, your car can give a lot away about you, already.

 

[hakkalügi]

I hear ya about security, but if you think about it, your wish of having Apple Maps integrated is probably no different than just having it. It is interactive. At this point in time, I trust Apple's privacy over others. Truth be told, there is probably no running away, your car can give a lot away about you, already.

Agreed, but my issue isn’t so much using Apple Maps it’s using an iPhone in general now. I don’t like having to surrender my data (and privacy) to use a phone or app so I try to install apps that say they do not pull your data to use them whenever possible. I do have an old iPhone SE (first gen) that has TomTom offline maps installed so I can use it without a SIM, and I actually like it better than the Garmin one installed on the Ridgeline.

I know I sound like I’m wearing a tinfoil hat and maybe I am a bit but having my identity stolen at least a couple of times I value my privacy more each day. I know it’s nearly impossible to avoid smart devices these days but a guy can try, and hope. 😎

 

[rcpaton3]

A 2022 RTL-E already has car play. Just plug it in.

In my opinion Apple Carplay/Android Auto is better than any other option and it's free.

Also, the maps are always up to date and has live traffic, again.... for free.

What he said. You're always current with CarPlay, AndroidAuto & Waze.

 

[SJMaye]

I felt the same way about the Garmin navigation screens. The look out of focus and outdated. I tried Android Auto and was also unhappy. Sure, you got better navigation, but everything still looks horridly grainy. The screen resolution just sucks.