Close-up view from the passenger seat of a person connecting a smartphone via USB-C cable to the dashboard console of a modern rental car, with a brightly lit infotainment screen.

Can you request Apple CarPlay and other tech features in your hire car

This guide explains how feature requests such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and USB C charging work when you book th...

4 min. Lesezeit

Quick Summary

  • You can ask for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or USB C ports, but rental fleets rarely guarantee specific gadgets in advance.
  • Choosing newer categories, booking busy airport locations and noting your preferences in the booking all make it more likely your request is honoured.
  • Hola Car Rentals lets you compare categories and suppliers so you can focus on safe, easy navigation instead of worrying about cables and dashboards.

How tech feature requests work in US rental fleets

When you book through Hola Car Rentals you reserve a vehicle category rather than a particular make and model. Each category usually contains several models and trim levels, some with large touchscreens and smartphone projection, others with simpler radios and older USB A ports. Because of this mix, staff at the desk can make a note of your preferences, but they normally cannot promise a specific infotainment system in the contract.

Suppliers often allocate cars based on what is physically parked in the row when you arrive. At a quiet time there might be a choice of several vehicles in your category, but during peak holiday weekends there may only be one left. In that case, the team must prioritise giving you a safe, mechanically sound vehicle even if the tech is slightly older than you hoped for.

How to improve your chances of getting Apple CarPlay

Your request is more likely to be honoured if you choose a category that tends to include newer cars. Mid size, full size and SUV categories at popular holiday gateways often receive the freshest stock. For example, flying into Miami and arranging car hire from the main airport gives staff more choice than a small neighbourhood branch with only a handful of vehicles.

It can also help to look at SUV availability at key hubs. Locations with strong leisure traffic such as Los Angeles SUV options or big family routes out of Orlando usually stock well equipped models because travellers expect Bluetooth, safety tech and modern screens. When you place your booking, use the comments box to mention that you would prefer Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and multiple USB C charging points so the branch can try to plan ahead.

Smart habits before and during pick up

Before you travel, pack your own charging cable and a small adaptor that fits the 12 volt socket so you are not completely reliant on in built ports. If you will be driving straight onto a freeway, set up offline maps on your phone so you have a back up if the screen in your hire car does not support phone projection.

At the counter, politely ask whether a vehicle with smartphone integration is available in your booked category. At big bases such as an Orlando airport desk there may be several options ready, while a city office could be more restricted. Once you reach the bay, take a moment to pair your phone and test the ports. That is much easier in the car park than in busy traffic leaving a San Francisco bay drives location where lane changes and tolls can appear quickly.

Why book tech friendly vehicles with Hola Car Rentals

Hola Car Rentals makes it simpler to match your wish list with the right category and supplier. You can filter for automatic transmission, generous mileage allowances and suitable pick up points, then focus on choosing branches with larger fleets such as a New York JFK pick up where there is usually more choice on the day. Many Hola Car Rentals offers include free cancellation up to forty eight hours before pick up, All Inclusive plus rates with maximum coverage and even cashback on tolls on selected itineraries, so you can concentrate on enjoying the drive and keeping your phone charged.

FAQs

  • Can I pay extra to guarantee Apple CarPlay? Most suppliers do not sell a separate tech package in the United States. Even premium classes usually advertise size and transmission rather than specific infotainment systems, so requests remain on a best effort basis.
  • Are newer vehicles more likely to include Android Auto? Yes, late model cars in mid size, full size and SUV categories are the most likely to offer smartphone projection. Booking a slightly higher category and avoiding very old, budget fleets improves your odds.
  • What if my hire car has no working USB ports? Test the ports before leaving the car park. If nothing works, report it immediately so the team can either switch you to a similar vehicle or note the issue on the agreement before you start your journey.
  • Does Hola Car Rentals guarantee specific gadgets? Hola Car Rentals shows the information supplied by each partner but cannot promise individual tech features. The safest approach is to request what you would like, bring your own charging solutions and choose categories that usually include newer dashboards.

When you are ready to enjoy straightforward navigation, strong protection and clear pricing, book your next US trip with Hola Car Rentals and look forward to a smooth, well connected drive.