Does the 2016 Acura TLX have Android Auto?
The short answer: No — the 2016 Acura TLX does not support Android Auto. This article explains what connectivity it did offer, why the feature wasn’t included at the time, and what options exist for owners seeking smartphone integration.
For context, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration in Acura vehicles arrived in later years. The 2016 TLX relied on Acura’s own infotainment system (AcuraLink) and USB/Bluetooth connections rather than Google’s platform.
What the 2016 TLX offered in its infotainment
Here are the core capabilities of the 2016 TLX’s infotainment setup.
- 8-inch touchscreen Display Audio interface with AcuraLink
- Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming
- USB ports and iPod compatibility
- AM/FM radio with optional SiriusXM satellite radio
- Streaming radio apps such as Pandora and iHeartRadio (availability may vary by trim)
- AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic, weather, and remote services (subscription may apply)
- No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay integration
In short, the system offered standard connectivity and Acura/partner apps, but it did not include the smartphone integration platforms that became common later.
When did Android Auto arrive for Acura/TLX?
Automakers gradually added Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to Acura models in the late 2010s. For the TLX, these features appeared in later model years, expanding smartphone integration beyond the factory system.
- 2019 model year: Android Auto and Apple CarPlay began appearing on TLX configurations in some markets and trims
- 2020 model year: Compatibility became more widespread across TLX trims
- 2021 onward: Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were commonly standard or readily available on TLX models
For owners of a 2016 TLX, there was no official, manufacturer-supported Android Auto option. Upgrading to modern smartphone integration typically requires a newer TLX or an aftermarket head unit.
Options for upgrading smartphone integration in a 2016 TLX
If you want Android Auto or Apple CarPlay in a 2016 TLX, you have a few paths worth considering.
- Install an aftermarket head unit that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This is the most reliable way to gain native smartphone integration without being tied to the factory system.
- Continue using the factory system with Bluetooth/USB for audio and navigation on your phone. You’ll lose native CarPlay/Android Auto functionality, but you can still access your phone’s maps and apps via the device itself.
- Upgrade to a newer TLX model that includes CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. A newer vehicle will offer the latest infotainment software and hardware compatibility.
Whichever path you choose, an aftermarket head unit generally provides the simplest and most consistent experience for Android Auto on a 2016 TLX.
Summary
The 2016 Acura TLX does not include Android Auto from the factory. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were introduced in later TLX generations (and models) through updates and newer vehicles. For drivers sticking with a 2016 TLX, the practical options to gain modern smartphone integration are either an aftermarket head unit or upgrading to a newer TLX that ships with CarPlay/Android Auto.
