In-Car Screens Reshape Radio’s Future, New Report Finds.

A new industry report finds that while AM/FM radio remains standard in U.S. vehicles, it is becoming harder for listeners to find amid increasingly complex, screen-driven dashboards and growing competition from streaming platforms.

The Quu 2026 In-Vehicle Visuals Report, released Tuesday, examines the top 100 best-selling vehicle models in the U.S. and identifies key trends reshaping how drivers interact with in-car audio. The study concludes that visibility — not availability — is now radio’s central challenge.

“All 100 best-selling new models in the U.S. have AM/FM radio in the dashboard,” the report says. However, “about 35% have a dedicated radio button or widget in the infotainment interface,” and “fewer than 10% have a physical radio button.”

That shift reflects the rapid evolution of infotainment systems, which increasingly resemble smartphones in both design and functionality. As a result, radio now competes directly with built-in streaming apps and smartphone-integrated platforms for driver attention.

The report highlights that screens are now universal in new vehicles, fundamentally changing how audio is consumed. “100% of new models surveyed display text and 65% support images like album art, logos, ads, and other visual enhancements,” according to the findings.

This transformation means radio is no longer just an audio experience. “Dashboards are visual environments, and how radio appears on these screens is increasingly important to listener discovery,” the report says.

Industry leaders say that shift has major implications. “Ensuring sound is seen isn’t optional. It’s essential,” said Steve Newberry, CEO of Quu.

Another key finding shows the rapid growth of built-in streaming capabilities. More than half (53%) of the vehicles analyzed now include integrated streaming apps, a sharp increase from 20% in 2024 and 37% in 2025.

Automakers including Toyota and Hyundai now offer built-in streaming across all surveyed models, making it easier for drivers to switch between audio sources. The report notes that these “familiar interfaces and built-in streaming apps make it easier and faster for listeners to switch between audio sources.”

At the same time, smartphone integration remains nearly universal. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available in 98% of vehicles studied, unchanged from the previous year. In contrast, SiriusXM availability declined to 85%, down from 94% in 2025.

The report attributes that decline in part to automakers prioritizing connected services and streaming options over satellite radio.

Another emerging factor is what researchers call the “last touch” — the last audio source played before a vehicle is turned off. Because most systems default to that source upon restart, it can significantly influence listening habits.

“Most new vehicles default to the last source played when the vehicle restarts,” the report says, adding that some systems require multiple steps to return to radio if another source was last used.

The study also finds growth in HD Radio, now included in 74% of the top-selling models, up from 67% a year earlier. The report describes HD Radio as “a competitive advantage,” allowing broadcasters to offer additional channels, improved sound quality, and enhanced on-screen content.

Despite these technological shifts, the report emphasizes that radio’s core strength — ease of use — may be eroding. Citing broader industry research, it notes that “the top reason people choose broadcast radio is because it’s easy to find and use in the car. That’s no longer a given.”

Experts contributing to the report say radio must adapt quickly to remain competitive in the evolving in-car environment. “Radio is ubiquitous, but that’s meaningless if listeners can’t find it,” said Fred Jacobs of Jacobs Media.

The report concludes that radio broadcasters must focus on improving visual presentation, metadata, and app accessibility to maintain their presence in modern dashboards. “Discoverability is radio’s biggest opportunity — and risk,” the study says.