Brad Deery Honda Official Blog
How Google built-in Makes the 2026 Honda CR-V Smarter for Iowa City, IA Drivers
By Brad Deery Honda | Posted in Honda CR-V on Thursday, October 30th, 2025 at 7:47 pm
Brad Deery Honda – How Google built-in Makes the 2026 Honda CR-V Smarter for Iowa City, IA Drivers
In a world where the best tech is often the simplest to use, the 2026 Honda CR-V with Google built-in stands out for drivers who want their daily drive to be as intuitive as their smartphone. On the Sport Touring Hybrid, Google built-in integrates navigation, Google Assistant voice control, and compatible apps directly into the 9-inch color touch-screen. That means your directions, calendar reminders, and playlists are part of the vehicle’s native interface—no plugging in, no extra steps, and no learning curve. For busy Iowa City, IA commuters, it’s a subtle but meaningful shift: tap or say where you’re going, and you’re on your way, hands on the wheel and attention on the road. Because wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™ are standard across the lineup, every driver enjoys seamless connectivity, but the integrated Google experience takes convenience to a new level on the Sport Touring Hybrid.
The benefit of integration goes beyond convenience. Voice-first controls reduce distractions by letting you set a destination, send a message, or adjust certain settings with natural speech. If you’re navigating to a new coffee spot on the east side or meeting friends near campus, Google Assistant can handle the details while you focus on traffic, construction, and pedestrians. The system also pairs well with Honda Sensing® driver-assist features that come standard on every CR-V, helping you maintain safe distances and lane position. Add the available Real Time AWD™ for foul-weather confidence, and the CR-V becomes a tech-forward SUV that’s equally at home on wet city streets, gravel detours, or winter roadways.
Google built-in enhances trip planning too. When your day includes stops across town and a quick highway run, in-car Google Maps can suggest routes, adapt to changing conditions, and sync with your calendar to keep things moving. Because updates happen through the vehicle’s built-in platform, the interface stays familiar and responsive. For longer trips, integrate your media apps so your podcasts and playlists are ready as soon as you start the engine, and use the voice assistant to switch tracks or find the next rest stop without taking your eyes off the road.
- Natural voice navigation: Ask for directions, detours, or nearby points of interest without touching your phone.
- Streamlined daily routine: Calendar and reminders can integrate with navigation to reduce mental overhead on busy days.
- Clean cabin setup: Wireless connectivity reduces cord clutter and keeps the center console tidy.
- Future-ready interface: Built-in apps and updates help the system stay relevant longer.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I still get Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ if I have Google built-in?
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™ are standard on every 2026 Honda CR-V, and Google built-in is standard on the Sport Touring Hybrid for integrated navigation and apps.
Is Real Time AWD™ compatible with hybrid trims?
AWD is standard on TrailSport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid and available on other trims, complementing the hybrid’s responsive power delivery.
Does Google built-in require a separate device?
No. It’s an integrated system on the Sport Touring Hybrid, so navigation and compatible apps live within the vehicle’s interface.
How does voice control help with safety?
Hands-free commands reduce distractions by limiting the need to touch the screen or your phone while driving.
For drivers who want tech that simply works, the 2026 Honda CR-V makes it feel effortless—precisely the point of a well-designed SUV. Brad Deery Honda is proudly serving Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty with a lineup that puts convenient technology front and center in a vehicle that’s comfortable, capable, and easy to use every day.
