September 2, 2016 by

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (NYSE:FCAU) Unveils Its Uconnect 4.0 Infotainment System

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (NYSE:FCAU) has revealed its fourth-generation Uconnect infotainment system which it claims will be included in Various 2017 vehicle models.

Some of the features of Uconnect 4.0 are similar to those of its predecessor such as the 8.4-inch touch screen. However, the Fiat Chrysler claims that the new version of the screen has more functionalities and better resolution. Some of the new functionalities of the display include swiping capabilities and pinch to zoom. Beyond the display, the new Uconnect infotainment features a more powerful processor which FCA claims will support faster booting and enhance the overall performance.

FCA also announced that the new Uconnect will support Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay from Apple Inc.(NASDAQ:AAPL). This means that users will get to control their handsets through the vehicle’s infotainment screen. This is a smart move from the company because other vehicle manufacturers are also bundling Apple CarPlay and Android Auto together so that users do not have to compromise when they purchase any vehicle from the company. FCA had earlier stated that the new Uconnect will be available in various 2017 models including the Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger and the Chrysler 300. The company is expected to include it in other models in the future.

FCA did not reveal whether Uconnect 4.0 will support control of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through the buttons on the steering wheels of the vehicles. The Uconnect 8.4 really shines in the Jeep Cherokee by offerings especially when it comes to off-road maneuvering. It has an add-on called Off-road Pages which keep the driver on track with variables such as wheel articulation, vehicle height, rear diff lock, transfer case position and steering angle among others.

It is not yet clear whether the new infotainment will be included in the 2017 Jeep Cherokee though it should soon be available since the vehicle is one of the bestselling models from the company. Fiat believes that offering both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as one package will provide an advantageous selling point.

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  • eze

    I have a 2017 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk that came with the RA3 non-navigation head unit. It does have an 8.4″ screen but I would need to buy the nav app for $595 if I want navigation. The vehicle already has GPS but to enable the nav app you need an unlock code. My phone has GPS and I can purchase numerous nav apps for it…non of which are over $30. Not sure why they want so much for this app but a $49,000 vehicle that has an 8.4″ screen should have nav standard. There is no excuse for this and if I would of known I wouldn’t of bought it unless it was enabled. I drove multiple GC’s and checked out the nav but I had to have a specific color and in the end (unknown to me) it didn’t have navigation. What it does have is a $495 CD player that takes up 2/3 of the center console so I have limted room for stuff. That is right..a CD player…not DVD in a 2017 vehicle… not sure who is going to use that when you have USB flash drives and your phone.

    This company is just stuffing old hardware in these new vehicles with hopes that you don’t know/care…this old hardware is sluggish and doesn’t have simple features like pinch to zoom… I would look at the competition until Chrylser/Fiat starts supplying the latest head units in all vehicles. I am sure that this is not the only old and outdated hardware they are using in this vehicle or the one you are considering. At the very least insist on them activating nav or insist on them replacing the head unit with an RA4 or newer that already has nav enabled.

    You’re not seeing this new head unit in the 2017 GC because the $595 app business they are in would end with apple car play / android auto. Also, this cost to unlock nav does not include updated maps. So I may or may not have the latest maps installed if I activate for $595. I may need to spend more money ($150+) for updated maps and that could be immediately after activation. Also, you don’t get the 5 years of traffic like you would if the GC came with the RA4 nav-enabled head unit.

    Not sure about the model # on this new and improved head unit but for what I paid I feel mine should be updated for a discounted price.