This post was originally published on this site
- Amazon Alexa auto use growing
- Features vary by make and model
- Alexa Skills feature can act as a digital key
- Complete guide to make and model availability
Amazon’s AMZN, +1.23% Alexa is a hit at home, thanks to the more than 100 million Echo devices using Alexa protocols to control more than 85,000 smart home products. Alexa is used to turn off lights, make sure home doors are locked, adjust home temperatures and more.
Now Alexa Integrations appear on many vehicles sold in North America. Alexa functionality is split into two categories. The first, Alexa Auto, is a comprehensive suite of functions in your car similar to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The second, Alexa Skills, which may work on some vehicles dating back to the 2011 model year, provides the ability to do specific tasks.
Think of the Alexa operating system as your smartphone, and Alexa Skills as the apps you can load onto it. More skills are offered each day, allowing you to tailor your Alexa in-car experience to specific wants and needs.
Some Alexa Skills features include the ability to lock and unlock, find, start and turn off the vehicle. It can also check the vehicle’s vitals and mileage and keep track of when the next service is due. It can also play music, get directions, place calls, listen to audiobooks and more. These skills or apps can be performed remotely while you are away from the vehicle.
Here’s a rundown of Amazon Alexa availability:
Audi
Alexa is built-in but requires an active myAudi account. With it, you can play music, check the weather, open locks, set heating, access home smart devices and more. The system requires an Audi Connect Prime subscription to unlock Alexa features ($199 for Six Months; $499 for 18 months). Certain functions are dependent upon current smartphone technology. Once set up, users can use the voice controls already in the vehicle. Audi vehicles that are Alexa-enabled include the following:
- A6, S6, RS6
- AvantA7, S7, RS7
- A8, S8
- e-tron
- Q3
- Q7, SQ7
- Q8, SQ8
BMW
Originally introduced in 2018, BMW displayed its Alexa integration. A year later, the company revealed its own BMW assistant as an alternative. Still, Alexa skills are available through the use of a home Alexa device, which allows owners to check on the status of battery charge for your i-Series vehicles. Other skills include window closure, remote adjustment of the climate control system and locking the vehicle doors. Its functionality is available for the following BMW models:
- 2-Series
- 3-Series, M3
- 4-Series, M4
- 5-Series, M5
- 8-Series
- Z4 Roadster
- X1
- X2
- X3, X3M
- X4, X4M
- X5, X5M
- X6, X6M
- X7
- i3
- i8
Buick
Alexa Skills are available on model year 2011 and later Buick cars and SUVs using the myBuick system. With an Alexa device, you can remotely lock, unlock, and start or stop your Buick. You will need Buick Owner Center Credentials and an OnStar account with a PIN. Vehicle limitations apply (i.e., Unlock function requires automatic locks). Remote start requires a GM Factory installed remote starter system. Alexa skills require a subscription to the GM GM, -17.32% Remote Access Plan, which starts at $14.99 a month. The myBuick system can utilize Alexa skills on these current Buick models:
- Encore/Encore GX
- Enclave
- Envision
- Regal
Cadillac
Currently, the system provides limited help but is available on Cadillac vehicles dating back to the 2018 model year. The Alexa skills require an in-house Alexa device, an OnStar account, the Alexa Mobile App with the myCadillac skill, and a Cadillac Owner’s Center account. Owners can command Alexa to ask Cadillac for help, to start or stop the car, and to lock or unlock it. It is available on the current 2020 Cadillac model year lineup. Alexa skills require a subscription to the GM Remote Access Plan, which starts at $14.99 a month.
- CT4
- CT5
- CT6, CT6-V
- XT4
- XT5
- XT6
- Escalade, Escalade ESV
Chevrolet
Using the myChevrolet system allows you to use Alexa Skills in 2011 and later Chevy vehicles. With an Alexa device, you can remotely lock, unlock, start, or stop your Chevy by a simple ask. You will need Chevrolet Owner Center Credentials and an OnStar PIN. Vehicle limitations apply (i.e., Unlock function requires automatic locks). Remote start requires a GM Factory installed remote starter system. Alexa Skills require a subscription to the GM Remote Access Plan, which starts at $14.99 a month. The myChevrolet system can utilize these Alexa apps on the following Chevrolet vehicles:
- Bolt EV
- Camaro
- Corvette
- Cruze
- Impala
- Malibu
- Sonic
- Spark
- Volt
- Blazer
- Equinox
- Suburban
- Tahoe
- Silverado 1500
- Silverado 2500
- Silverado 3500
Chrysler
Chrysler jumps into the Alexa fray with a system that works in specific vehicles. The ability to use Alexa requires the Uconnect 4C/4C NAV system with an 8.4-inch display and Uconnect+SiriusXM guardian connected services. Subscription fees start at $17.99 a month. Commands include the ability to start/stop the vehicle, ask how much fuel remains, find the nearest restaurants and “send an address to my car” functionality. They are currently available in the following Chrysler FCAU, -9.20% vehicles:
- Chrysler 300
- Pacifica
- Pacifica Hybrid
Dodge
Dodge joins with Amazon’s Alexa allowing increased functionality from its Uconnect system. The system requires the Uconnect 4C/4C NAV kit with an 8.4-inch display and Uconnect+SiriusXM guardian connected services in 2017 or newer models. Subscription fees start at $17.99 a month. Commands include the ability to start/stop the vehicle, ask how much fuel remains, find the nearest restaurants and “send an address to my car” functionality. They are currently available in the following Dodge vehicles:
- Challenger
- Charger
- Durango
Ford
Using the Ford+Alexa App and speaking to Alexa will allow you the same information and access to Alexa Skills as you would get with your home device. Skills include commands for playing music, listening to audiobooks, checking upcoming schedules and more. The Ford+Alexa app also gives control of smart devices in your home (“Alexa, turn the heat to 74-degrees”). Sync 3 Software version 2.2 is required and can be accessed in the following Ford F, -10.18% vehicles.
- 2019 EcoSport: Standard on SES and Titanium Trim. Optional on SE. Not available on S.
- 2019 Edge: Standard on SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST.
- 2019 Expedition: Standard on Limited, Platinum. Optional on XLT. Not available on XL.
- 2019 Explorer: Standard on Limited, Sports, Platinum. Optional on XLT. Not available on Base models.
- 2019 Escape: Standard on SE, SEL, and Titanium
- 2019 Super Duty: Standard on Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited. Optional on XLT and XL.
- 2019 Fusion: Standard on SE, SE Hybrid, SEL, SEL Hybrid, Titanium, Titanium Hybrid. Not available on S.
- 2019 Mustang: Standard on GT350, Optional on EcoBoost Premium, and GT. Not available on EcoBoost.
- 2019 Transit Connect: Standard on XL, XLT, and Titanium.
- 2019 F-150: Standard on King Ranch, Platinum, Limited, XLT, Lariat, Raptor. Not available on XL.
- Ranger: Standard on XL, XLT, Lariat.
Genesis
With Genesis Alexa Skills, owners may use the Amazon Echo device to activate Alexa within the vehicle. Through this app, owners may remote start and stop, remote lock and unlock, and adjust the temperature within the cabin through simple voice commands. For instance, an owner may say, “Alexa, tell Genesis to lock my vehicle,” or “Alexa, ask Genesis to start my car and set the temperature to 72-degrees.” The system requires an account with the complimentary Genesis Connected Services subscription (3 years / 36,000 miles), and operates with the following Genesis vehicles:
- G70
- G80
- G90
- GV80
GMC
Using the myGMC system allows you to use Alexa Skills in 2011 and newer GMC vehicles. With an Alexa device, you can remotely lock, unlock, start, or stop your GMC by a simple ask. You will need GMC Owner Center Credentials and an OnStar PIN. Vehicle limitations apply (i.e., Unlock function requires automatic locks). Remote start requires a GM US:GM factory-installed remote starter system. Alexa Skills require a subscription to the GM Remote Access Plan, which starts at $14.99 a month. Combined with the myGMC system, Alexa skills are available on the following GMC vehicles:
- Terrain
- Acadia
- Yukon
- Canyon
- Sierra
- Next Generation Sierra HD
Hyundai
Alexa operates with Hyundai’s Blue Link 2.0 and the Hyundai Alexa Skills. Owners will launch the Alexa app with their MyHyundai account and an active Remote Package Subscription. Commands include remote start and stop, setting cabin temperature, remote lock and unlock remote start charge and stop charge on plug-in hybrids and EVs, remote horn and lights, and more. Alexa is compatible with Hyundai HYMTF, -1.78% vehicles from 2017 and newer. Requires MyHyundai Account, which is free during a trial period and then $9.90 a month or $99/year.
- Accent
- Azera
- Elantra
- Ioniq Hybrid, PHEV, EV
- Kona, Kona EV
- Nexo Fuel Cell
- Palisade
- Santa Fe
- Sonata, Sonata Hybrid
- Tucson
- Veloster, Veloster N
- Venue
Infiniti
Infiniti owners can use Alexa Skills to lock and unlock their vehicles. There’s also remote start and stop and control of the climate system to cool it down or heat it up. The system goes a bit further by offering the ability to “contact my personal assistant to find hotels in New York for a business trip next week.” That’s a mouthful. And it comes with a price: Infiniti InTouch Services begin at $14.92 a month, or $179 a year and climb to $25.67 a month or $307 a year for advanced functionality. Alexa Skills are enabled for the following Infiniti vehicles:
- Q50
- Q70
- QX50
- QX60
- QX80
Jeep
Jeep features Alexa functionality when equipped with its Uconnect system. Requirements include the Uconnect 4C/4C NAV kit with an 8.4-inch display and Uconnect+SiriusXM guardian connected services in 2018 or newer models. Subscription fees start at $17.99 a month. Commands include the ability to ask how much fuel remains, to start/stop the vehicle, find the nearest restaurants and “send an address to my car” functionality. They are currently available in the following Jeep vehicles:
- Cherokee
- Compass
- Gladiator
- Grand Cherokee
- Renegade
- Wrangler
Karma
Amazon’s Alexa is even available for specialty car maker Karma Automotive’s Revero GT vehicle. Through it, owners can download a Karma Connect skill from the Amazon app store, enable it, and link it to their Karma Connect account. Owners can view the current battery charge, start remote preconditioning, cool or heat the car, activate the valet mode, access vehicle information, and determine the vehicle range.
Kia
Alexa-enabled devices can now control functions in Kia vehicles using Kia’s UVO Skill app for Amazon Alexa. With it, users can start and stop the engine from the comfort of their homes. They can also heat or cool the interior, lock or unlock doors, sound the horn and flash the lights, start and stop charging their plug-in or electric vehicles as they choose, and more. It is available for a complimentary period, after which a subscription for the UVO Skill Ultimate package will cost $297 a year.
- K900
- Optima, Optima Hybrid
- Niro EV
- Seltos
- Sportage
- Soul, Soul EV
- Telluride
Read: 8 great 3-row SUVs priced under $40k
Lexus
Amazon’s cloud-based assistant requires the Lexus Enform App Suite 2.0 app and free Lexus+Alexa app. Once permission is granted to your phone and connected to the vehicle’s Bluetooth system, you can listen to audiobooks, stream Amazon Music, make lists, check the weather, listen to news and more. That also includes the ability to control smart-home devices such as lighting, security systems, and thermostat settings. The Lexus+Alexa app is free, but certain functionality may require paid subscriptions. The Alexa app currently works with the following Lexus vehicles:
- ES
- LC
- LS
- NX
- RC
- RC F
- RX
- UX
Lincoln
Using the Lincoln+Alexa App and speaking to Alexa will provide access to Alexa Skills that are available on your home Echo device. Skills include commands to play music, read a book, check upcoming schedules and more. There’s also the ability to control smart devices at home (“Alexa, turn the heat to 74-degrees”). Sync 3 Software version 2.2 is required and can be used in the following Lincoln vehicles:
- Continental
- MKT
- MKZ
- MKC
- Navigator
- Corsair
- Nautilus
- Aviator
Mercedes-Benz
Using Mercedes Me skill for Alexa (Free), owners can access their Mercedes vehicle from the comfort of their living room. Through the app, owners may remotely lock and unlock the doors, start the engine, activate and change the climate control and more. Other features include accessing vehicle information, fuel level, and even asking the vehicle to send an address. It will not currently confirm the completion of those tasks, though. An active Mercedes Me account is required and the system can be used in vehicles from 2002 and newer via an adapter. The Mercedes Me skill for Alexa can be operated in the following Mercedes-Benz DMLRY, -13.49% vehicles:
- C-Class Coupe
- C-Class Sedan
- C-Class Cabriolet
- CLA Coupe
- CLS Coupe
- E-Class Coupe
- E-Class Sedan
- E-Class Cabriolet
- G-Class SUV
- GLA SUV
- GLB SUV
- GLC SUV
- GLC Coupe
- GLE SUV
- GLE Coupe
- GLS SUV
- Mercedes-AMG GT
- Mercedes-AMG GT COUPE
- Mercedes-Maybach
- S-Class Coupe
- S-Class Sedan
- S-Class Cabriolet
- SLC Roadster
- SL Roadster
Mitsubishi
Owners of certain Mitsubishi vehicles can use Mitsubishi MSBHY, -2.94% Connect and the Alexa Skills app to perform many tasks. These include the ability to lock and unlock the vehicle, adjust climate controls and defrosters, turn on lights and horn, and more. There is also the ability to enable a curfew alert, a speed alert and a geofence for the time family members decide to go beyond a predetermined area. Currently, the Mitsubishi Connect Alexa skills are available on the following vehicle:
- Eclipse Cross
Nissan
Nissan owners can use NissanConnect Services and Alexa Skills to remotely lock and unlock their vehicles, to remote start and stop, and to control the climate system to cool it down or heat it up. The system goes a bit further by offering the ability to “contact my concierge to find the best sushi restaurant in midtown.” That’s a mouthful. And it comes with a price: Base NissanConnect Services begin at $11.99 while the Premium package starts at $19.99 a month. Finally, NissanConnect Services Premium Plus is $24.99 a month. Alexa works with the following Nissan NSANY, +0.14% vehicles:
- Altima
- Armada
- GT-R
- Maxima
- Murano
- Pathfinder
- Rogue, Rogue Sport
- Sentra
- Titan, Titan XD
Ram
FCA’s Ram division includes Alexa functionality when equipped with its Uconnect system. Requirements include the Uconnect 4C/4C NAV kit with 8.4-inch or 12-inch displays and Uconnect+SiriusXM guardian connected services in 2018 or newer models. Subscription fees start at $17.99 a month. Commands include the ability to ask how much fuel remains, to start/stop the vehicle, find the nearest restaurants and “send an address to my car” functionality. They are currently available in the following Ram vehicles:
- Ram 1500
- Ram 2500
- Ram 3500
- Ram Chassis Cab
Toyota
Amazon’s cloud-based assistant requires the Toyota Enform App Suite 2.0 app and free Toyota+Alexa app. Once permission is granted to your phone and connected to the vehicle’s Bluetooth system, you can listen to audiobooks, stream Amazon Music, make lists, check the weather, listen to news and more. The more limited Toyota Alexa Skills allows Alexa to start or stop the engine, lock/unlock the doors and even check fuel levels and odometer readings. The more extensive Toyota+Alexa app also includes the ability to control smart-home devices such as lighting, security systems, and thermostat settings. The Toyota+Alexa app is subscription-free, but certain features like audiobooks may require subscriptions. The Alexa app currently works with the following Toyota TM, -2.37% vehicles:
- Avalon
- Camry
- Corolla
- Corolla Hatchback
- Prius Prime
- RAV4
- Sienna
Related: How to choose trim levels and options when buying a new car
Volvo
With the Volvo On Call phone app, Amazon Alexa users can perform actions and receive information from their Volvo vehicle. The system requires an account with the Volvo On Call subscription service, which is complimentary for the first four years. After that, the subscription may be renewed for $200 a year. With it, Alexa users may lock and unlock the car, check vehicle fuel levels, find how far you can drive before needing to refuel, check if windows and doors are locked, stop and start the climate control system, and sound the horn and flash the lights to locate it. Currently, the app works with the following Volvo vehicles:
- C30
- C70
- S60
- S80
- V60
- V90
- XC40
- XC60
- XC70
- XC90
This story originally ran on KBB.com.
