Ford Everest Wildtrak vs Prado vs Santa Fe: Which one has the best infotainment system?
Too often we only discover the quirks of a particular model a few months into ownership. With technology as prolific as it is, and as frustrating as it can be, don't you want to know that the vehicle you're choosing has a respectable infotainment system? We compare the latest Ford Everest Wildtrak to the outgoing Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and the flagship Hyundai Santa Fe.
Many small factors contribute to the decision one makes when considering the purchase of a vehicle. Fuel consumption, safety features, and even colours all come into play when finally deciding on which vehicle to choose. The infotainment systems in modern cars are packed with features and functionality that can easily sway a decision. When it comes to choosing a sensible 7-seater, finding out which one has the best infotainment system is a serious task.
Related: How much are car repayments on a new Ford Everest Wildtrak?
In our shortlist of midsize 7-seaters, we're comparing the Ford Everest Wildtrak to two of its nearest rivals, not when it comes to powertrain or capabilities, but rather on price. All three of these are in the same ballpark and will cost you similar money. The Toyota Prado may be due for replacement soon, but that doesn't stop it from being an established option. The Hyundai Santa Fe is a slightly left-field selection but still one worth considering. Here's how their infotainment systems compare - the results may just sway your final decision.
Ford Everest Wildtrak
The Everest Wildtrak is a relatively new addition to the new Everest lineup. It combined the features and style of the Ranger Wildtrak in a 7-seater SUV, enhancing the experience and allowing those with larger families to join the Wildtrak action. It's a comprehensively equipped vehicle and features a number of add-ons that help make life that little bit sweeter.
The Everest Wildtrak is fitted with a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system that handles many of the vehicle's settings, HVAC, and entertainment and features off-road displays to help you set up and monitor the Everest when off-road. It's not shy on connectivity, either. This portrait-orientated screen is bright and has good contrast, running the latest SYNC 4A operating system. This evolution of the SYNC architecture features many of the functions that you've come to enjoy, like voice control and customisation.
This unit is equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality, both of the wireless variety. It will also allow for a Bluetooth connection for audio streaming and hands-free telephony. The unit includes built-in navigation, which is handy for times when you are out of range from cellular signal and perfect for those who want to explore the far outreaches of the country. The Everest Wildtrak includes both USB-A and USB-C ports.
The system can be controlled through the aforementioned voice control, touch, or via the multifunction steering wheel, and Ford put enough thought into the controls system to include a tactile rotary knob for the volume and power control, just below the screen.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Many would argue that the Land Cruiser Prado is a safe and sensible choice. Its replacement is imminent, and in a few weeks, you will soon start seeing the new model on the road. This also means that the run out of the current model may see a few deals on the ready. The current generation received its last tech and feature update in 2020, and part of that update was an upgrade to the infotainment system. As such, models from early 2020 or before may not have this system or these features.
A sizeable 9-inch landscape touchscreen infotainment unit is fitted to the Prado, with physical buttons flanking the sides of the screen and two rotary knobs for volume and seeking/tuning. One thing to note is that Toyota positions the volume knob on the right-hand side of the screen, ideal for our right-hand-drive positioning. This means you don't have to reach all the way across to adjust the volume as you would in many other European vehicles. You can also elect to control the system from the multifunction steering wheel.
This system features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay but also allows for a Bluetooth connection for hands-free calling or audio streaming. Navigation is included in the Prado, once again, ideal for those times when you're out of cell signal range.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a more road-biased offering in the 7-seater segment, and if you have little intention of Overlanding or going off-road, then the Santa Fe may be better suited to your needs. It's still able to handle the odd rough situation (should you spring for the AWD version), but the former two are better suited for that task.
In the cabin, you will find an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system mounted atop the dashboard. This colour unit has touch areas off to either side of the screen and two rotary knobs for volume and seeking/tuning. Further control is available on the multifunction steering wheel. Voice control is also available.
It supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and has Bluetooth capabilities for audio streaming and hands-free calling. This system doesn't have a built-in navigation system and relies on your mobile device for such. It has a USB input and plumbing audio through a 6-speaker sound system.
