Google Maps Lets Android Auto Users Customize Vehicle Icon on Their Car's Screen

Google Maps has added a new feature to its Android Auto and CarPlay versions that allows users to customize their vehicle icon without needing to touch their phone. This change is available in version 17.8.163744 of Android Auto and Google Maps 26.38.0.

The customization option, labeled 'Driving Avatar,' was first introduced in February 2025, but it could only be accessed through the Google Maps app on mobile devices. Now, users can access it directly from their car's screen using Android Auto.

Within the Driving Avatar settings, users can choose from a variety of preset colors and vehicle types, including sedans, trucks, SUVs, sports cars, small EVs, and legacy icons like red cars and green pickups. These customizations are purely visual and do not affect any functional aspects of Google Maps.

While the Driving Avatar feature may seem like a minor addition, it can add some personality to users' navigation experience. Additionally, this update reminds users of other practical settings they should enable in Google Maps, such as downloading offline maps and sharing trip progress with friends and family.