Shopping for a used family-friendly vehicle that includes Apple CarPlay smartphone integration? Check out these Apple-friendly midsize SUVs. All offer plenty of power, room and features, and some even offer 3-row seating. They all score well in government crash tests, and some even offer advanced driver assists like a blind-spot monitor, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking.
2017 Buick Envision ($23,000-$29,000)
Apple CarPlay compatibility is standard on every 2017 Buick Envision, as is a power rear liftgate, dual-zone climate controls, heated front seats, and 10 airbags. Power comes from a 197-horsepower, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that is surprisingly strong yet fuel-efficient. The Envision is a luxury-grade SUV, so you’ll find high-quality materials throughout, as well as numerous standard features. Seating is limited to five with plenty of room for adults front and rear, plus a generous cargo bay.
2017 Ford Explorer ($26,000-$30,000)
Ford’s Explorer is a rugged crossover SUV with real off-road capabilities. For the 2017 Explorers, Apple CarPlay was optional on the XLT trim, but standard on the Limited and Sport as part of the Sync 3 infotainment system. 2017 Explorers are powered by 290-horsepower V6, with two turbocharged engines available as options. With its standard 3rd-row seat the Explorer has room for seven. Popular options include a dual-panel moonroof, a power folding 3rd-row seat, and a heated steering wheel.
2017 Honda Pilot ($27,000-$30,000)
Known for its stellar reliability and resale numbers, the 7-passenger 2017 Honda Pilot is a great family vehicle that, on EX and higher trims, comes standard with Apple CarPlay. On the safety front, the Honda Sensing driver assist system is available on all but the base LX trim, while under the hood a powerful but somewhat fuel thirsty V6 puts out 280 horsepower. The Pilot is equipped with wide and comfortable front seats, a quiet cabin and a very stable ride. You’ll pay more for a Pilot over a similarly equipped Kia Sorento or Ford Explorer, but it will hold its value far better over the long haul.
2017 Kia Sorento ($23,000-$28,000)
Like all Kia products, the 2017 Sorento is packed with value, offering loads of standard and optional equipment in a handsome 5- or 7-passenger SUV. There are three engine choices, while Apple CarPlay is optional on the LX, and standard on the EX, SX and Limited trims. In the Sorento, you’ll get a nicely appointed cabin, a smooth and comfortable ride, and reasonably good fuel economy from the 4-cylinder engines. Opt for a certified pre-owned Sorento, and the factory 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty gets reinstated.
2017 Nissan Murano ($23,000-$29,000)
The Nissan Murano is a sporty looking crossover, with room for five passengers, a 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, and an advanced CVT automatic transmission that helps it attain a respectable 21 city/28 highway fuel economy rating. In the 2017 Nissan Murano, you’ll find CarPlay standard on the SV and SL trims, and optional on the S trim with the navigation package. All Muranos feature a futuristic interior with NASA inspired Zero-Gravity Seating that helps limit fatigue. Cool options include a 360-degree Around View monitor and an 11-speaker Bose audio system.
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OK, I’m interested in some of these SUVs, so I’d like to see what I can get for my current car.
