Whether you use an iPhone, or an Android, the premise of CarPlay and Android Auto is simple: the same gestures, menu structures, icons and fonts, pop-up alerts, settings and applications you use from your phone, are available right in the dash. Used to be that you’d use your Smartphone and tablet all day, and need to switch to a different interface to control numerous functions in the car. Different alerts. Different maps. A different arrangement of your contact list and media and a totally different (and typically messier) voice-command structure.

Now, the same interfaces, programs and functions you’re using with your handheld devices are available on screen, while your phone is hidden away. Heck, users get Siri or Talk to Google functionality with a tap on the steering-wheel mounted voice button.

Justin: “Text Mom: ‘HI MOM, I’M HEADING OVER NOW, SEE YOU SOON!’”
Google: (reads message back) “Do you want to send this message?”
Justin: “Yes.”
Google: “Your message is sending.”

The message is never displayed on the screen, only read back to me.

Or

Justin: “Navigate to Okinawa Sushi.”
Google: “Your route is clear, and you’ll arrive in nine minutes.”

I made the connection with my Android phone, and immediately, my current Google Now cards popped onto the screen, as well as a list of my recent navigation destinations and contacts. I pressed the music button, and Slacker radio (which my phone knew was my listening app of choice) popped up on the Accord’s screen. Same menus. Same buttons. Same interfaces. A high performance graphics processor keeps the whole thing smooth and fast when flicking between menus and screens, and the Google Maps program proved excellent, since it’s powerful, includes real-time traffic, and never needs an update, since your phone does that automatically on WiFi, while you’re asleep, for free-ninety-nine. Beats heading to the dealer to buy a pricey new map CD.

This is delightfully slick, next-level stuff.

Of course, distracting functions are blocked. You can’t watch YouTube puppy videos while driving, or ask Siri to show you a picture or put some text onto the screen to read.

Maybe you shouldn’t text or stay connected while driving at all – though you’ll probably try anyways, and Apple Car Play and Android Auto make it fast, easy and all but distraction free.

Elsewhere, typical Accord traits remain untouched. Rear seat legroom is adult-generous, at-hand storage is above average, and the four-cylinder VTEC engine’s high-revving powercurve feels expertly tuned to the programming logic of the CVT transmission, for a peaky and seamless flow of power to the front wheels during spirited driving, refined all the while. Typical Accord complaints remain, too. Your writer found himself wishing for less road noise at speed, and the turning circle is on the hefty side, as mid-sized sedans go.

The 2016 Accord lineup is on sale now, with pricing from $24,150 with six-speed manual.

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