If you're thinking about a novated lease and you're worried you'll miss out on the tech you use every day, you can relax. Leasing a car doesn't strip away any features.
You get the same car display, the same smartphone integration, and the same convenience as if you'd bought it outright. But now you're paying less tax and bundling all your running costs into one simple payment.
Let's walk through what these systems do, which cars have them, and how Easi makes it simple to drive a tech-packed vehicle for less.
What Is Apple CarPlay?
Apple CarPlay is Apple's way of bringing your iPhone to your car's dashboard. Plug in (or connect wirelessly) and your car's touchscreen mirrors a simplified version of iOS. You can use Siri to send messages, make calls, or get directions without taking your hands off the wheel.
Key features include:
Apple Maps, Google Maps, and other third-party navigation apps
Music and podcast apps like Spotify, Apple Music, and Audible
Messaging apps that read texts aloud and let you reply by voice
Phone calls through your car's speakers and microphone
More than 800 car models globally support CarPlay, and in Australia that number keeps growing. Most manufacturers now offer wireless CarPlay on mid-spec trims and above, so you don't even need a USB cable.
What Is Android Auto?
Android Auto does the same job for Android phone users. Connect your Android device to your car's head unit and you'll see a driver-friendly interface built around Google Assistant, Google Maps, and your favourite apps.
The Android Auto app gives you:
Google Maps and Waze for real-time traffic updates
Voice control through Google Assistant to stay focused on the road
Messaging apps like WhatsApp and SMS that read and send messages hands-free
Music streaming from Spotify, YouTube Music, and more
Google lists over 500 compatible car models worldwide, and almost every mainstream vehicle sold in Australia includes Android Auto alongside CarPlay.
Wired vs Wireless: What's the Difference?
Early versions of both systems needed a USB cable. You'd plug your phone in, and the car display would light up with CarPlay or Android Auto. That still works perfectly well, and it charges your phone at the same time.
But wireless connectivity is a newer option. Your phone talks to the car over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, so you can leave it in your pocket or bag, meaning no cable clutter, no fiddling around when you jump in the car.
Wireless drains do your phone battery faster however, and not every car offers it yet. Many 2024 and 2025 models from Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, and Toyota now include wireless as standard or on higher trims. If wireless matters to you, check the spec sheet before you sign.
Can You Lease a Car with These Features?
Absolutely. When you lease a car through a novated lease, you're simply changing how you pay for it. The car itself is identical to one you'd buy or finance any other way. Every factory feature, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, comes standard.
Novated leasing bundles your car payment, insurance, rego, servicing, and fuel into one pre-tax deduction from your salary. You save on income tax and GST, and you get to drive a newer, better-equipped vehicle for less than it would cost you after tax.
Popular tech features like smartphone integration are one of the top reasons Aussie drivers choose a particular model. Leasing doesn't take that away, just making it more affordable.
Popular Australian Cars with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Here's a quick look at models you can browse right now, all with CarPlay and Android Auto included.
Small cars and sedans
Toyota Corolla (USB; wireless on MY25)
Mazda CX-30 (wireless on Touring and SP grades)
Hyundai i30 (wireless on N-Line)
Kia Seltos (wireless on GT-Line)
SUVs and 4x4s
Toyota RAV4 and Yaris Cross (USB; wireless rolling out on MY25)
Mazda CX-5 (wireless on higher trims)
Hyundai Tucson and Kona (wireless MY24 on N-Line)
Ford Ranger and Everest (wireless via SYNC 4A)
Nissan X-Trail and Patrol (Patrol added wireless in April 2024)
Mitsubishi Outlander (including PHEV)
Isuzu D-Max and MU-X (USB)
Subaru Forester and Outback (USB)
Electric vehicles
If you're eyeing an EV to take advantage of the FBT exemption, you'll find both systems on:
BYD Atto 3, Dolphin, and Sealion 7 (wireless)
Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and Kona Electric (wireless)
Premium picks
BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, and Genesis GV60 all come with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
The exceptions
Tesla Model 3 and Model Y don't support CarPlay or Android Auto. Tesla uses its own built-in software instead. Lamborghini and a handful of ultra-luxury brands still treat it as optional. Polestar 3 is rolling out support via an over-the-air update in late 2024.
How to Make Sure Your Next Lease Has the Tech You Want
Before you commit, double-check the spec sheet to make sure you’re getting what you want. Most new cars list CarPlay and Android Auto under "infotainment" or "connectivity". If wireless matters, look for "wireless Apple CarPlay" or "wireless Android Auto" in the features list.
When your car arrives, test it during the handover. Plug in your phone or pair it wirelessly and make sure everything works. If you spot an issue, flag it straight away so the dealer can fix it before you drive off.
If you’re not sure which model suits you, calculate your savings on a few different cars and see how the numbers stack up. Our team can walk you through the options and help you pick a vehicle that ticks every box.
Ready to Drive the Tech You Love for Less?
Leasing a car with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is easy. You get the same features, the same convenience, and the same seamless connection to your phone. The only difference is you're paying less tax and keeping more money in your pocket.
At Easi, we've been helping Australians save on vehicle costs for over 30 years. We handle the paperwork, bundle your running costs, and make novated leasing simple. We'll find the right match and show you exactly what you'll save.
Get in touch with our team today and let's get you behind the wheel of a car that works the way you do.
