With vehicles getting more complex and offering a wider variety of options for interiors and features, there has never been a better time to take advantage of new tech. While some tech features in more recent vehicles are simply for convenience or novelty, some have legitimate safety applications and can make for a better driving experience. One of these is the head-up display, which can make driving safer and more engaging than ever before. 

Before deciding whether a head-up display (HUD) is a good investment, understand what they are and how they can help. There are many different options for HUD systems, and it can be tricky to pick one that will be useful and suit your needs. However, by knowing what is available and what they can do before deciding whether to look for one in your next vehicle. 

### What is a Head-up Display? 

A head-up display is an informational tool that projects an image onto your vehicle's windshield right under the driver's eye level. This display will show pertinent information such as your speed, RPM, gas mileage, and more. Many HUD systems are customizable, so you can choose what information will be most relevant to you at the time and switch between parameters as you wish. 

Most head-up displays are projected as a hologram or laser image and will be bright enough to be seen, even in broad daylight. Although it seems like a relatively futuristic feature, it has been available on certain vehicles for over two decades. It was even an option on the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. In recent years, though, it has become more popular than ever and is a relatively common option on late-model cars. 

### Types of Head-up Displays

There are a few different types of HUD systems that you can choose from if you want to incorporate one into your vehicle. Some vehicles come with them already installed, but even if you don't have one as standard equipment, there are ways to add one to your car. Understanding some of the different types can help you figure out the best option for you and your vehicle. 

#### In-Car

Many new vehicles come with a factory HUD system either as standard or optional equipment. These car head-up displays are integrated with the gauges and infotainment system in the car. They are usually customizable so that the driver can decide between a speedometer, navigation system, fuel consumption display, and many more options. While they are generally offered on higher-end vehicles by automakers like BMW, Mercedes, Cadillac, and Audi, they also come with more mainstream cars. They are also usually covered by the factory warranty, which can come in handy if something goes wrong. 

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#### Apps

If your vehicle didn't come with a head-up display, there are ways you can add one. One of the most straightforward methods is to get a smartphone app. Many of these apps can be used with an iPhone or Android phone on the dashboard. It then can project the image up and onto the windscreen. The problem with this is that you might have issues with seeing the display when it is bright out due to the glare. You also have to find a way to secure your phone to the dashboard and keep it in place while the vehicle is in motion. 

#### Third-Party

If your car doesn't have a built-in HUD system and you want to add one, your best bet will be to find an aftermarket car HUD. These systems come in boxes that will stick to the dashboard. You can plug them into your 12v charging port or your vehicle's OBD II outlet. That's where the display will gather the data needed to display the information you want to be projected. The third-party systems also use the same display tech as the built-in systems or a dedicated LCD screen, so you won't have to worry about limited visibility due to ambient light and glare. They are available online at places like Amazon or other automotive parts retailers. 

### Why Use a Head-up Display?

The primary benefit of having a HUD display in your vehicle is that they allow you to keep your eyes on the road. Since the display is directly below your line of sight, you don't have to move your head to check on things like your speed, fuel level, or RPM. In addition, since the display is directly in your field of view, using a HUD is much safer than checking your gauges, which can often force you to take your eyes off the road, even if it is just for a split second. 

Head-up displays also offer an augmented reality experience, which can be very helpful. It's handy for viewing directions since the display can show things like arrows and warnings in real-time. As a convenience and safety feature, it can offer a lot in the way of keeping you safe on the road. 

### Are Head-up Displays Recommended? 

With so many new vehicles offering large infotainment displays and connectivity with all kinds of devices, safety considerations are more important than ever. A head-up display is highly recommended because it allows you to access all of this information without having to take your eyes off the road. When driving, all it takes is a split second to get in a situation that can be potentially dangerous. If you're looking down to check your gauges or look at a navigational display, you could be opening yourself up to the possibility of an accident.  

Head-up displays are also recommended because they can be clearer to read, particularly with built-in systems or third-party displays. In addition, they're generally bright enough that you don't have to worry about glare, which can be a big problem with infotainment touchscreens. No matter what time of day it is or what the light is like, the odds are good that you will be able to see your HUD display and get the information you need quickly. 

### What to Look For in a Head-up Display 

If you are looking to buy a third-party head-up display or are set on making a new car purchase based on the HUD system, it's essential to know what to look for. Many HUD systems are different and will not offer the same features, visibility, or customization. By knowing what you should be looking for, you can get the car or system that will work best for your needs. 

__Display Size:__ 
Display size is significant when shopping for a HUD system. It can walk a fine line, and you must find one that sits right in the middle. You don't want the display to be so big that it is distracting, but you also don't want it to be too small to read and absorb at a glance. The projection should be about the size of the screen on your smartphone. Generally, this is around five inches but if you only want to display one parameter at a time, three inches should be big enough. 

__Visibility:__ 
Being able to see your head-up display in all kinds of light is crucial. Since most of them use a projection system, the display must be bright enough to be seen, even in high light situations with a lot of sun like dusk and dawn. Therefore, if possible, you should be able to adjust things like brightness, contrast, and color parameters on the HUD. That will allow you to dial in the correct settings so you can see the information without being distracted by it. 

__Features:__
The information that the display can detect and read is one of the most important things to keep in mind when shopping for a system. You should be able to customize the display and ensure that it includes everything you want to know at a glance. Decide whether you need features like navigation, gas mileage, or road conditions. You will need to pay subscription fees for some of these features, so prepare for that.

__Ease of Use:__ 
The main reason to get a head-up display for your car is to make it safer for you to check pertinent information while driving. If the display is not easy to use, you could end up being just as distracted as you would be if you didn't have it. You should be able to change displays easily and arrange the information in a way that won't be difficult to read or understand in a split second. Many head-up displays will pair with your phone for controls and also have automatic brightness adjustments, so you don't have to be fiddling with it to see it while driving in bright light. 

### Best Head-Up Display Systems 

While most head-up displays will give you the information and visibility you need, some of them are better than others. That's especially true with built-in HUD systems that come as standard or optional equipment in new cars. So knowing which cars have the best head-up displays can help you choose during a new car purchase. 

__Chevy Silverado HUD:__ 
The head-up display in a new Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is incredibly comprehensive and has a lot of options when it comes to what you can display and keep track of. The Silverado is one of the only pickups to offer a HUD system, and Chevy has worked to make it as helpful as possible. Aside from all the standard information that comes with a head-up system, it also has an "Off-Road View" setting that allows you to monitor the truck's steering and suspension when driving over uneven terrain. 

__Mercedes C-Class HUD:__
The Mercedes C-Class is an upscale vehicle, so its head-up display is on par with the rest of the car. The display will automatically change its brightness and contrast depending on the conditions you are driving in, making it even easier to use than most. It also comes with a navigational system to easily get where you are going without looking at your phone. 

__Ford Shelby GT350 HUD:__
The Shelby Mustang is a high-performance vehicle, and because of its performance capabilities, it comes with a HUD system for distraction-free driving. It will also help you get the most out of your vehicle by offering gear shift point alerts on the display as you drive. In addition, it is fully customizable, making it one of the most usable head-up displays available. 

__Toyota Camry HUD:__
The Toyota Camry isn't a high-end vehicle, but it offers a full-color head-up display with all kinds of features. For example, the display will show trip information, vehicle speed, a compass, and information from the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance systems. 

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### Vehicles That Are Available With a Head-Up Display 

With distracted driving becoming more and more of a problem every day, a head-up display is an excellent addition to any vehicle. By keeping your eyes on the road and concentrating on driving while still getting the information you need, you can ensure that you will get to your destination safely. In addition, understanding the ins and outs of HUD systems and what they have to offer can help you find the one that you will feel comfortable with when you are out on the road. 

__Here are many cars that offer a head-up display for 2022:__

__Acura:__ MDX, RDX, TLX

__Audi:__ A3, A4, A8, E-Tron, Q8, RS3, RS5, S6, SQ8

__BMW:__ 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, 8 Series
X2, X4, X5, X6, X7

__Buick:__ Enclave, Encore GX

__Cadillac:__ CT5, Escalade, XT4

__Chevrolet:__ Camaro, Corvette, Silverado 2500/3500HD, Suburban

__Ford:__ Escape, Mustang Shelby

__Genesis:__ G70, G80, G90

__GMC:__ Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Terrain

__Honda:__ Accord

__Hyundai:__ Ioniq 5, Kona, Santa Fe

__Infiniti:__ QX60, QX80

__Jaguar:__ E-Pace, F-Pace, I-Pace, XF

__Jeep:__ Grand Cherokee, Grand Wagoneer

__Kia:__ Seltos, Soul, Telluride

__Land Rover:__ Defender, Discovery, Discovery Sport, Range Rover Evoque

__Lexus:__ NX, UX

__Lincoln:__ Corsair, Navigator

__Mazda:__ CX-30, Mazda3

__Mercedes-Benz:__ C-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class, EQS, S-Class, GLA-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class

__Mini:__ Countryman 

__Nissan:__ Pathfinder, Rogue

__Porsche:__ Cayenne

__Ram:__ TRX

__Rolls-Royce:__ Cullinan

__Toyota:__ Prius Prime 

__Volvo:__ S60, S90, V60, V90 Cross Country, XC90

What is a heads-up display and which cars come with them? Can you add one to your existing vehicle? Do they make driving safer? We answer all these questions and more in our complete Heads Up Display guide. 

Heads-Up Display: What Is It and Which Cars Have It?

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