Thanks to an update, 2 million Chrysler cars are now compatible with Siri

By Stephen Edelstein May 2, 2016

siri eyes free offered to two million car owners uconnect — Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you own a recent Chrysler product and an iPhone, you’re in luck. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is releasing a software update that adds Siri Eyes Free voice control to models that left the factory a while ago, for free.

Apple Offer: Trade up to a new Apple iPhone

FCA says the update is available for nearly two million vehicles, spanning 12 models built between model years 2013 and 2015. Owners can download the update from the support website for FCA’s Uconnect infotainment system after entering a car’s VIN. Dealers can also install the software if customers don’t want to do it themselves. Ford launched a similar software update late last year, for vehicles going back as far as the 2011 model year.

Read more: Google and FCA in “later stages” of partnership talks

Like Apple CarPlay, Siri Eyes Free adds a layer of Apple-specific content to a feature already available in most cars. Instead of a generic voice-command system, drivers get Siri, but use the car’s built-in controls rather than their phones to access it. Carmakers believe systems like this offer a workable compromise between the compulsion to use phones while driving, and the safety issues that arise from that practice.

Siri Eyes Free requires an iPhone 4s or later, and Chrysler only offers the feature with its Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system. This is the highest level version, and includes an 8.4-inch touchscreen. The free download can be applied to most recent Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram models with that system.

Compatible models include 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks, the 2013-2015 Dodge Viper, 2014-2015 Dodge Durango, 2015 Dodge Challenger and Charger, 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, 2015 Jeep Renegade, and 2015 Chrysler 200 and 300.

Later this year, FCA will also roll out an upgraded Uconnect system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Those systems probably won’t be added to older models, and won’t be available across the full FCA lineup until at least the 2018 model year.

Editors' Recommendations

Apple’s Siri now helps you to check coronavirus symptoms

Topics

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Rivian R1T gets estimated 410 miles of range with Dual-Motor powertrain, Max Pack battery

People and a dog standing in front of a Rivian R1T electric pickup truck.

The Rivian R1T electric pickup truck now gets 410 miles of range with the new Max Pack battery and Dual-Motor powertrain, the company claims.

Rivian posted range estimates for the Max Pack, which is not available with Rivian's Quad-Motor powertrain, on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Wednesday, but those haven't been confirmed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The 410-mile range estimate applies to trucks with 21-inch wheels. Opting for 22-inch wheels knocks the estimated range down to 380 miles. The available 20-inch wheel and all-terrain tire combination — which helps maximize the R1T's impressive off-road capability — brings a further range reduction, to 355 miles.

Cars

Tesla Model 3 vs. Hyundai Ioniq 6: Which electric sedan is best?

Front three quarter view of the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6.

There are finally some more electric sedan options. For years, the Tesla Model 3 was really the only good electric sedan that comes at a reasonable price -- until, Hyundai recently launched the Ioniq 6. The Ioniq 6 certainly takes some cues from the larger Ioniq 5, but is smaller and sleeker, with a design seemingly inspired by the Porsche 911.

But the Tesla Model 3 is still clearly an excellent option for those looking for an electric car, and who don't want a larger crossover. Which is better? Here's a look.
Design
The exterior design of the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6 is quite different. If you've seen a Tesla car before, then you'll immediately recognize the Model 3 -- it looks largely like a slightly different version of every other Tesla (except the Cybertruck).

Cars

Scout Motors Electric SUV: rumored price, release date, design, and more

Scout SUV Teaser

There's another electric SUV on the way, and this one comes with a familiar name. Volkswagen is reviving the classic Scout name for a new electric SUV that's billed as being an "RUV," or a rugged utility vehicle. And, it could well prove itself as the best electric SUV in its price range, when it does finally come out.

The new EV isn't due out for quite some time, but there's already a fair bit that we know about it. Curious to learn more? Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming Scout SUV.
Design
There's very little we actually know about the Scout SUV so far, but we do know a little about the eventual design. A few teasers for the upcoming vehicle have been released, showing sketches of both the SUV and the accompanying pickup truck, along with what's presumably the front of the SUV -- though in a dark environment, with little detail.