Does the 2015 Chevy Trax Have Apple CarPlay?

If you're asking whether the 2015 Chevy Trax has Apple CarPlay, I've got a quick answer for you.

Key Takeaway

• The 2015 Chevy Trax does NOT have factory Apple CarPlay support
• It came with Chevrolet's MyLink system instead, which offered Bluetooth and Siri Eyes Free
• Chevrolet didn't add CarPlay to the Trax until the 2017 model year
• You can add CarPlay to your 2015 Trax through aftermarket solutions
• The 2024 redesigned Trax brought back wireless CarPlay as standard

What the 2015 Trax Actually Has

The 2015 Chevy Trax came with Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system. Every trim level got a 7-inch touchscreen as standard equipment, which was actually pretty decent for an entry-level crossover at the time.

Here's what the MyLink system offered:

You got Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calls and music streaming from your iPhone. The system also included Siri Eyes Free, which let you use voice commands to make calls, send texts, and control some phone functions without looking at your screen.

Chevrolet also added OnStar with 4G LTE and a WiFi hotspot that could connect up to seven devices. For music, you could access Pandora, Stitcher, and TuneIn internet radio directly through the touchscreen. Some models also supported the BringGo navigation app, which displayed your phone's GPS on the factory screen.

But none of this gave you the full Apple CarPlay experience. You couldn't project your iPhone's interface onto the screen, you didn't get Apple Maps or Google Maps integration, and you couldn't access most of your favorite apps the way CarPlay allows.

Why the 2015 Trax Missed Out on CarPlay

The timing just didn't work out for the 2015 Trax.

Apple announced CarPlay in 2014, but car manufacturers needed time to build it into their vehicles. Chevrolet actually became one of the first automakers to embrace CarPlay, announcing in May 2015 that 14 of their 2016 models would get both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The problem? The Trax wasn't on that list.

The 2016 Trax also got skipped, which frustrated quite a few buyers who expected a brand new model to have the latest tech. According to GM representatives at the time, only 2016 and newer vehicles with updated hardware could support CarPlay and Android Auto. The 2015 Trax's MyLink system simply didn't have the processing power or setup needed to run smartphone projection features.

Even if you took your 2015 Trax to the dealer, they couldn't add CarPlay through a software update. The hardware limitations were just too significant.

When Did the Trax Finally Get CarPlay?

CarPlay arrived on the Trax with the 2017 model year.

The 2017 redesign brought a refreshed MyLink system with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new system kept the 7-inch touchscreen but added a physical volume knob and better hardware that could handle smartphone mirroring.

From 2017 through 2023, all Trax models included CarPlay as standard. Apple's official compatibility list confirms this, showing Trax support starting with the 2017 model year.

The 2024 Trax took things even further. The completely redesigned second-generation model now comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on an available 11.3-inch touchscreen – a massive upgrade from what the 2015 model offered.

How to Add CarPlay to Your 2015 Trax

If you own a 2015 Trax and want CarPlay, you've got options.

At Car Tech Studio, we've helped hundreds of customers add CarPlay to older vehicles. Here are the two main ways you can do it.

Video Interface Modules

The first option is a plug-and-play video interface system. These connect between your factory screen and its controller, letting you display your iPhone's CarPlay interface on the existing 7-inch touchscreen.

NavTool makes a popular system specifically for 2015-2016 Trax models. According to their specs, you don't need to cut any wires. The interface plugs in at the screen controller, you connect your iPhone via USB, and CarPlay displays on your factory screen.

Installation usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. You'll keep most factory features like your backup camera and climate controls. The downside is that some users report the integration isn't always completely smooth, and you might lose some features.

Aftermarket Head Units

The second option is replacing your entire factory head unit with an aftermarket receiver that has built-in CarPlay.

Brands like Alpine, Kenwood, and Pioneer make double-DIN receivers that fit the Trax. Many offer wireless CarPlay, so you won't need to plug in your phone every time you get in the car.

Installation requires removing the factory dashboard bezel, disconnecting the factory wiring, and installing integration modules to keep your steering wheel controls and backup camera working.

This approach gives you the most complete CarPlay experience. You'll get a modern interface, often on a bigger screen than the factory 7-inch display. The trade-off is higher cost (usually $400 to $1,200 including professional installation) and more complex installation.

You might lose some factory features like the integrated climate display unless you add extra modules, which increases both difficulty and cost.

What 2015 Trax Owners Are Saying

The frustration is real.

Multiple owners have shared stories about buying their 2015 or 2016 Trax thinking it would have CarPlay, only to discover it didn't. Some felt misled by salespeople who either didn't know about the limitation or told them CarPlay was available when it wasn't.

One owner on a Chevrolet forum wrote: "Just leased a 2016 Trax LT. Android Auto is not compatible with that vehicle. Very disappointed. The salesman told me at the time that it was compatible. Why would they not just do a software upgrade?"

That comment captures what a lot of people felt. It seemed unfair that other 2016 Chevrolet models got CarPlay while the Trax didn't, especially since the feature had become so popular so quickly.

On the flip side, some owners who've installed aftermarket solutions report being happy with their upgrades. YouTube installation videos for both video interfaces and complete head unit replacements have thousands of views and mostly positive comments from people who successfully added CarPlay to their 2015 Trax.

Comparing Your Options

Let me break down what you're looking at if you want to add CarPlay to your 2015 Trax.

Keeping your factory system and using Bluetooth plus Siri Eyes Free costs nothing. You'll have hands-free calling and music streaming, but you won't get the integrated navigation or app system that CarPlay provides.

A video interface module typically runs $300 to $600 plus installation. You'll get CarPlay on your factory screen, keep most factory features, and face fairly simple installation. The integration might not feel completely native, though.

A full aftermarket head unit replacement costs $400 to $1,200 including parts and professional installation. You'll get wireless CarPlay (on most units), a modern interface, and potentially a bigger screen. But you'll need to deal with more complex installation and might lose some factory features unless you add integration modules.

The choice depends on how much you use your car's infotainment system and how long you plan to keep your Trax.

Is It Worth Upgrading?

Here's my take after working with Trax owners over the years.

If you use navigation apps daily, stream music or podcasts constantly, and rely on your phone for most entertainment, adding CarPlay makes a real difference. Being able to see Google Maps or Apple Maps on your dashboard screen instead of mounting your phone somewhere is genuinely more convenient and safer.

According to industry research, 70% of car shoppers now consider CarPlay an essential feature. It's become that important to most people.

But if you mainly use your car for short commutes and don't need advanced navigation or app access, the factory Bluetooth system might be enough. You can still make calls, stream music, and use basic voice commands through Siri Eyes Free.

The 2024 Trax is now available with standard wireless CarPlay if you're considering trading in. Depending on your 2015 Trax's condition and mileage, upgrading to a newer model might make more sense than spending $1,000 on an aftermarket CarPlay system.

What Made the 2017 Trax Different

When Chevrolet finally added CarPlay to the Trax in 2017, they didn't just update the software.

The 2017 model got new infotainment hardware with faster processors, more memory, and touchscreen technology that could handle the demands of smartphone mirroring. This is why earlier models couldn't simply receive CarPlay through an update.

The system also added physical buttons and a volume knob, which made it easier to control without relying entirely on the touchscreen. These hardware improvements were necessary to support both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smoothly.

From 2017 onward, every Trax came standard with both systems. It became a baseline feature rather than an optional upgrade.

Looking at the Bigger Picture

The 2015 Trax story is part of a larger shift in automotive technology.

Features that were considered premium or advanced in 2015 became expected standard equipment by 2017. This happened across the industry as smartphones became central to how people interact with their cars.

Interestingly, General Motors announced in 2024 that they plan to phase out CarPlay and Android Auto from future vehicles, starting with the 2028 model year. They want to use their own software system instead. This decision has generated serious pushback from consumers who view CarPlay as essential.

But the 2024 Trax redesign still includes wireless CarPlay as standard, showing that GM recognizes how important this feature remains to buyers in the compact crossover segment.

Making Your Decision

If you're shopping for a used Trax, knowing which years have CarPlay helps you make an informed choice.

The 2015 and 2016 models don't have factory CarPlay. The 2017 through 2023 models do. And the 2024 redesigned model has wireless CarPlay with an 11.3-inch screen.

If you already own a 2015 Trax, you can add CarPlay through aftermarket solutions. Just weigh the cost against how much you'll actually use it and how long you plan to keep the vehicle.

Either way, the 2015 Trax is still a solid little crossover. It just arrived one model year too early to get CarPlay from the factory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add Apple CarPlay to my 2015 Chevy Trax?

Yes, you can add CarPlay to a 2015 Trax through aftermarket solutions. You can install either a video interface module that works with your factory screen or replace the entire head unit with an aftermarket receiver that has built-in CarPlay. Both options require some installation work but will give you CarPlay functionality.

What year did Chevy Trax get Apple CarPlay?

The Chevrolet Trax got Apple CarPlay starting with the 2017 model year. The 2015 and 2016 models were not equipped with CarPlay from the factory, even though Chevrolet was adding it to many other models during that time. All Trax models from 2017 through 2024 include CarPlay as standard equipment.

Does the 2015 Trax have Bluetooth?

Yes, the 2015 Trax has Bluetooth connectivity as part of the MyLink infotainment system. You can pair your iPhone for hands-free calling and wireless music streaming. The system also includes Siri Eyes Free for voice commands, though this isn't the same as having full Apple CarPlay integration.

How much does it cost to add CarPlay to a 2015 Trax?

Adding CarPlay to a 2015 Trax typically costs between $300 and $1,200 depending on which solution you choose. A video interface module runs $300 to $600 plus installation labor. A complete aftermarket head unit replacement costs $400 to $1,200 including parts and professional installation. DIY installation can save money but requires some technical skill.

What infotainment system does the 2015 Trax have?

The 2015 Trax came with Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system featuring a 7-inch touchscreen. It included Bluetooth connectivity, OnStar with 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Siri Eyes Free for iPhone users, and apps like Pandora, TuneIn, and Stitcher. Some models also supported the BringGo navigation app, but the system did not include Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Is the 2024 Trax better than the 2015 for technology?

The 2024 Trax is significantly more advanced technologically than the 2015 model. It comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, features an available 11.3-inch touchscreen (compared to 7 inches in 2015), and includes modern connectivity features throughout. The 2024 model represents a complete redesign with technology that reflects nearly a decade of advancement in automotive infotainment systems.