Honda's Jessica Pawl coaches editors Dave Zoia (left) and Bob Gritzinger as they navigate through touchscreen menus in new Odyssey minivan.
Text messages accessible in new Odyssey, as is "Social Playlist," which allows multiple passengers to add songs for extended roadtrip entertainment.
User settings easily accessible in Hyundai Ioniq.
Hyundai Ioniq's steering wheel hosts switches for adaptive cruise control.
Crisp graphics greet driver at startup in Audi A5 Sportback.
Audi A5 Sportback's reconfigurable digital display.
Full-screen map part of reconfigurable Digital Cockpit in Audi A5 Sportback.
Editor James Amend experiments with audio settings in Subaru Impreza.
Setting temperature and fan speed among accepted voice commands in Subaru Impreza.
Impreza's multi-color upper display can be reconfigured several ways. This option shows available driver-assistance systems.
Globe icon on instrument panel of BMW 540i takes driver to Connected Drive apps.
Helpful apps plentiful with BMW's Connected Drive.
Dual display screens featured in Acura TLX.
Acura TLX employs push-button transmission shifting.
TLX loaded with driver-assistance features.
WiFi hotspot among connectivity features in Kia Niro hybrid.
Voice-recognition system in Kia Niro can be tailored to user's familiarity.
Bright, artsy display in Kia Niro communicates to driver if power is coming from engine or is being regenerated to battery pack.
Android Auto launches easily in Volkswagen Atlas.
Atlas drivers can choose which navigation route they prefer -- phone-based Android system (in picture) or in-dash technology.
Atlas drivers using voice recognition need specific commands to control navigation, telephone, radio or media.