Mitsubishi ASX vs Suzuki Vitara vs Toyota C-HR: which one has the best infotainment system?

The Mitsubishi ASX is a rather special vehicle and anyone who has spent any time with one will tell you the same. It stealthily glides under the radar, largely unnoticed and unappreciated. It represents astounding value for money, bundled with reliability, comfort and convenience. It's one of those vehicles that we believe should really do far better than it does locally, if only it wasn't for the brand bias.

Related: New Mitsubishi ASX (2020) Review - Mister Multifunctional

Those that have experience with the brand will know of the unparalleled reliability of their models as well as their astounding ability to retain their future value. While the ASX is considerably softer than some of the other Mitsubishi offerings, like the Prado and Pajero, it still managed to tick so many boxes.

Here's how one aspect, the infotainment system, stacks up against the Suzuki Vitara and Toyota C-HR.

 

Mitsubishi ASX

Our rating: 3.5/5

Inside the ASX you will find the Mitsubishi Smartphone-link Display Audio system that features an 8-inch touchscreen with WVGA resolution. This crisp, clear and easy-to-use system is integrated into the fascia and presents multiple features as standard. 

It will accept inputs from Bluetooth connections and features two USB ports for both smartphone tethering and mobile device charging. The system includes AM/FM reception and is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Voice control is included for those that prefer not to let their hands leave the wheel. Assisting with this is a multifunction steering wheel with all the basic audio controls, laid out in a logical manner.

 

The menu is simple and uncluttered with a home screen that offers a tiled layout for shortcut/function access. One detraction is the persistent warning that initially appears on the screen which can sometimes obstruct the reverse camera image, requiring one to clear the message before setting off.

Users are offered two rotary knobs in addition to the touch screen for volume and tuning functions but the lower section of the screen remains touch-sensitive with several areas for shortcuts.

 

Suzuki Vitara

Our rating: 3.5/5

The Suzuki Vitara in GLX trim (which is similarly priced to the Mitsubishi ASX) is equipped with a system that carries a very similar name, the SLDA (Smartphone Linkage Display Audio) to that of the ASX. These two units are not the same and the Vitara has to make do with a screen that is an inch smaller, measuring in at 7-inches diagonally. 

This full-colour, touchscreen infotainment system can be found in all current GL+ and GLX models as well as numerous other Suzuki offerings. It offers a simplified home screen arrangement split into colour-coded quarters. Each quarter allows access to specific unit functions and this system, on top of AM/FM tuner capabilities, will accept inputs from USB and Bluetooth with smartphone tethering available in the form of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

 

A multifunction steering wheel is in play and the unit allows for voice control. Unfortunately, the system lacks physical volume and tuning controls opting for touch areas on either side of the screen instead. The Vitara does feature a reverse camera with a feed displayed on the infotainment screen.

 

Toyota C-HR

Our rating: 4/5

The Toyota C-HR doesn't seem to fit in with the other two vehicles here, especially when one considers the aggressive, youthful styling of the C-HR compared to the Vitara and ASX. Despite this, they all sit in a similar playing field and are all priced rather similarly. Their tech is similar too.

In the C-HR, you get Toyota's updated Display Audio system with physical controls for basic functions. The 8-inch touchscreen is complemented by two rotary knobs for volume and tuning as well as a bevvy of eight push-buttons for shortcut access and track skip/search functions. This screen is mounted high up and while the installation flows with the interior design, it still appears to be somewhat out of place, appearing to be an afterthought.

 

This unit will provide AM/FM tuning capabilities and will accept input from Bluetooth connections for audio streaming and hands-free telephony as well as USB input. Smartphone tethering is possible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality for display and access to approved apps. Toyota Connect creates a mobile WiFi hotspot in the car and the C-HR is sold with 15GB of rechargeable data preloaded. This also allows for telematics via the MyToyota app.