When the all-new 2019 Ram 1500 made its debut earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, it shocked the automotive world with some of its industry leading tech. One of the items was the beautiful 12.1-inch UConnect infotainment system. The all-new system runs the fourth generation UConnect software allowing for customization of the items on the menu screen, high-resolution graphics, advanced in-vehicle connectivity and a wickedly fast processor that has very little to no lag.
For the first time ever, the 12.1-inch UConnect display features a split-screen mode capable of dual-application operation. This allows the driver and/or their passengers to view more than one setting at the same time. Not only does this feature improve accessibility, but offers improve safety by allowing the driver to have less of a distraction off the road from having to move back and forth through the different UConnect applications.
Using simple icons at the bottom of the screen of the system, the customizable menu bar allows the driver to set their most used applications to where they would like them to be placed. This allows the driver to be more familar where their favorite applications are location on the infotainment system and allows the driver to spend more time focused on looking ahead at the road then searching for items on the display screen.
Along with the 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) display in the center of the gauge cluster, the UConnect system allows the TFT to also be customizable to the driver’s needs. Navigation for the TFT is provided with steering wheel mounted control, which allow you see over 100 different features inside the TFT screen. The screen features bright colors and high-resolutions graphics that are not just for appeal, but to provide easy navigation and to allow you to make slight glances down off the road instead of having to look for long time periods of the road ahead to focus on the information the vehicle is telling you.
The UConnect system is not about just offering the latest goodies and features in an amazing looking package, but offering package that provides functionality and safety for the driver who can be easily distracted.
You can see more of our thoughts on the 12.1-inch UConnect system in our sister site’s (5thGenRams.com) review of the all-new 2019 Ram 1500 Limited.
This system will slowly work it’s way into other FCA US products, starting in the 2020 model year. Vehicles such as the 2020 Ram HD, 2020 Jeep Wagoneer and 2020 Grand Wagoneer will feature the 12.1-inch UConnect system as well.
