What are some essential tech accessories for a Buick Regal Sportback?

Question

So I finally picked up a 2018 Regal Sportback - love the car, hate how the tech feels just a tiny bit dated compared to my wifes new SUV. I really want to modernize the interior before I head out on a long drive from here in Ohio down to the Blue Ridge Mountains next month. I have about $250-300 to blow on this and I'm stuck on a few things.

First off, I'm dying to get rid of the USB cable for Carplay because that little cubby in front of the shifter is tiny and my phone barely fits in there with a wire sticking out. My logic was to get a wireless adapter so I can just leave my phone in my pocket or the center console. I'm torn between these:

Motorola MA1

Carlinkit 5.0

The Motorola seems more stable from what I read but I heard the Carlinkit is faster to boot up when you start the engine. Does anyone have experience with which one fits better in that specific Buick storage spot? It is a tight squeeze in there.

Then there is the dash cam situation. Since its a sportback the rear window moves with the hatch and I am terrified of messing up the wiring or having it look like a mess. I was looking at the VIOFO A129 Plus Duo because people say the wires are thin and easy to hide, but then I saw the VanTrue N4 which has three cameras but the setup looks way bulkier. If I go with the VIOFO will the hatch mechanism catch on the wire? I dont want to spend hours on an install just to have the cable snap the first time I open the trunk to put groceries in.

I am also considering those magnetic phone mounts that clip onto the air vents but the Buick vents are shaped kinda weird and I dont want to break the plastic vents. Should I just stick to the wireless adapter and keep the phone tucked away or is a mount actually worth it if I already have the dash screen? Kinda leaning toward just the adapter and a really good dash cam but I cant decide which combo fits the budget better without the cabin looking like a total mess...

xjhwsvhrfi · Accepted Answer

To add to the point above: I spent a whole afternoon tucking wires in my own hatch. Honestly, the VIOFO A129 Plus Duo 2K Dash Cam is the sweet spot for the budget.Use the factory rubber grommet for the rear wireSkip the vent mount, they feel cheap The VIOFO A119 V3 2K Dash Cam is also a solid budget pick if you dont actually need the rear view.

GregorySerne · Answer

Congrats on the new ride! The Regal Sportback is such an amazing car, love that sleek look! For the tech, go with the Carlinkit 5.0 2Air Wireless Adapter for sure. Its super slim and fits way better in that tiny cubby than the bulky Motorola. I found it boots up way faster too, basically ready to go by the time you put it in drive! Regarding the dash cam, the VIOFO A129 Plus Duo 2K 1440P Dash Cam is fantastic for hatchbacks. The trick is to feed the wire through the rubber bellows tube at the top of the hatch... it keeps the wire totally safe from pinching when you open the trunk to load groceries! Honestly, skip the vent mount. If you have wireless CarPlay, keeping the phone tucked away makes the interior look so much cleaner and saves your fragile vents. Youre gonna have a blast in the Blue Ridge Mountains with this setup!