Do 2017 Subarus have CarPlay?
In brief: CarPlay was not universal across the 2017 Subaru lineup. Apple CarPlay (and Android Auto) were introduced for certain trims that had Subaru's Starlink infotainment with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, but base models and some trims did not offer CarPlay. Availability varied by model, trim level, and whether the vehicle included the navigation-enabled Starlink system.
To understand what this means for a 2017 Subaru, it helps to know how Subaru rolled out CarPlay in that year, which models could benefit from it, and how to verify CarPlay compatibility when shopping for a used car from 2017.
What changed in 2017 regarding CarPlay?
Subaru began offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its 2017 lineup as part of the Starlink infotainment family. The feature generally appeared on models equipped with the larger 7.0-inch Starlink touchscreen navigation system, rather than the older or smaller displays. In practice, this meant that only higher trims or packages that included the navigation-equipped Starlink system were eligible to use CarPlay and Android Auto, with base versions mostly lacking it.
Which 2017 Subaru models offered CarPlay?
The rollout affected several popular models, but only on select trims with the right infotainment hardware. Here is a model-by-model snapshot for 2017 Subaru vehicles, noting that availability depended on having the 7.0-inch Starlink/navigation setup rather than the 6.2-inch non-navigation unit.
- Outback — CarPlay/Android Auto available on higher trims that include the Starlink 7.0-inch navigation system; base trims with the smaller screen did not support CarPlay.
- Forester — CarPlay/Android Auto available on upper trims with the 7.0-inch Starlink navigation; lower trims without the navigation display generally did not have CarPlay.
- Legacy — CarPlay/Android Auto available on higher trims that feature the 7.0-inch Starlink navigation system; base configurations typically lacked CarPlay.
- Impreza — CarPlay/Android Auto available on Limited (and other higher trims) that include the 7.0-inch Starlink navigation; base models with the smaller screen did not offer CarPlay.
- WRX/STI — CarPlay was usually not available in the 2017 WRX/STI lineup; Subaru expanded CarPlay support more broadly in later model years.
Concluding: If you’re evaluating a 2017 Subaru, you should verify the exact trim and infotainment hardware. CarPlay required the Starlink system with the 7.0-inch touchscreen and navigation option, or a later dealership/upgraded configuration; not all 2017 Subarus had CarPlay.
How CarPlay was implemented in 2017 Subarus
Subaru’s 2017 CarPlay implementation centered on the Starlink multimedia system. The feature showed up primarily in vehicles equipped with the larger 7.0-inch touchscreen navigation interface, rather than the standard 6.2-inch displays found on some base models. In several cases, CarPlay/Android Auto required a higher trim level or a navigation package and could involve a dealer-installed update if the vehicle did not ship with CarPlay from the factory.
Verification tips for buyers
To verify CarPlay compatibility when examining a 2017 Subaru, use these steps as a quick checklist:
- Check the infotainment system: look for a 7.0-inch Starlink navigation display rather than a smaller 6.2-inch screen.
- Confirm the trim and options: ensure the vehicle is one of the higher trims that typically included Starlink with navigation.
- Inspect CarPlay availability: connect an iPhone via USB and see if CarPlay appears on the home screen; confirm CarPlay is listed in the system’s features.
- Ask for documentation: request the original window sticker or service records that confirm CarPlay/Android Auto capability for that vehicle.
Concluding: If you’re buying a used 2017 Subaru, confirming the exact infotainment hardware and trim is essential for CarPlay availability. If CarPlay is a must-have, prioritize models with the 7.0-inch Starlink navigation system or plan for a potential upgrade where feasible.
Bottom line for buyers
In 2017, Subaru’s CarPlay offering was not universal across the lineup. It began appearing on select trims that included the Starlink system with a 7.0-inch display and navigation. For many 2017 Subarus, CarPlay was limited to higher trims and specific configurations, with earlier or base trims lacking the feature. If CarPlay is important, check the exact model, trim level, and infotainment hardware before purchase, and be aware that later model years broadened availability across more trims.
Summary
2017 Subarus could have Apple CarPlay (and Android Auto), but only on certain trims that included the Starlink 7.0-inch navigation system. Base trims and some models without the navigation display generally did not offer CarPlay. For buyers, the key is to verify the specific trim and infotainment package to determine CarPlay compatibility, and to note that later model years expanded CarPlay availability across more trims.
Which 2017 cars have CarPlay?
Standard/Optional
- 2017 Chevrolet Bolt.
- 2017 Chevrolet Camaro.
- 2017 Chevrolet Colorado.
- 2017 Chevrolet Corvette.
- 2017 Chevrolet Cruze.
- 2017 Chevrolet Impala.
- 2017 Chevrolet Malibu.
- 2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid.
Does the 2017 Subaru have Apple CarPlay?
Device starting with Hamilton. Then click on it. You're going to have a couple prompts that pop up on your. Phone. First a pairing code when it shows click pair allow to contacts and favorites.
What year did Subaru start having Apple CarPlay?
March 2016: Subaru announced the beginning of CarPlay and Android Auto support, starting with the 2017 Impreza.
How to get Apple CarPlay in a 2017 Subaru Legacy?
How to Set Up Apple CarPlay
- Connect your Apple iPhone to your Subaru with an Apple Lightning-to-USB cable.
- On your Subaru infotainment screen, a prompt will show.
- On your Apple iPhone select Allow to enable Apple CarPlay.
- Your iPhone and Subaru are now connected with Apple CarPlay.
