XTOOL G3 Core vs Evolution: Compare wired OBD key programming vs wireless EEPROM & advanced coding. Best for Honda, Toyota, BMW & more. Choose wisely!

Which Covers More Vehicles? XTool AutoProPad G3 Evolution vs G3 Core

Written by: Tuleen Alshamali

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Published on

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Time to read 5 min

XTOOL’s G3 Core (wired) and G3 Evolution (wireless) are cousins in the AutoProPAD family, but they don’t cover the same ground. The Core is all about “straightforward, wired OBD-II key programming” – think day-to-day shops and simple jobs. It’s built rugged and small, designed to zip through “US and Asian” vehicles via the OBD port: Ford, Chevy, Toyota, Honda, etc.


The G3 Evolution, on the other hand, handles everything the Core does—and then some tricky stuff. Evo adds wireless OBD, EEPROM procedures, and advanced coding. For example, if a customer hands you a 2003 Honda or Toyota (’97–’07 models) with no direct OBD path to the immobilizer, the Evo’s EEPROM module reads the chip data and makes new keys. It can even snatch the PIN code out of a Chrysler Pacifica’s SKREEM module (’04–’08). These are cases the Core simply can’t do.


Evo also expands into high-end European and exotic domestic stuff. It comes with the KC100 key-preparation module, so you can write chip data for advanced systems – VW 4th/5th Gen, BMW CAS1–3, Land Rover, Fiat, ProMaster and more. The Evolution handles OBD & EEPROM procedures and PIN retrieval. 


G3 Core = wired OBD for everyday US/Asian cars. G3 Evolution = wireless OBD plus EEPROM and pre-coding for older Asian (Honda/Toyota) and advanced Euro models. Coverage-wise, Evo covers all of Core’s territory and adds the trickier machines. (Keep in mind Evo costs more – about $2,249 at KeylessCity vs $949 for Core – but you get the expanded coverage.) 



Vehicle Coverage


AutoProPAD G3 Core covers US & Asian vehicles with OBD-II (Toyota, Honda, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, etc.). AutoProPAD G3 Evolution, on the other hand, covers Everything Core covers + older non-OBD vehicles + European luxury models, covering 85% of the cars in the market.


Coverage Area G3 Core OBD-II G3 Evolution (OBD + EEPROM + KC100)
American & Asian models Fully supported via OBD-II Fully supported
European & luxury models Only basic via OBD, limited or no EEPROM Supported via KC100 for VW, BMW, Land Rover, Fiat, ProMaster, etc.
Older non-OBD vehicles (EEPROM) Not supported Supported (Honda/Toyota 1997–2007, Chrysler Pacifica 2004–08)
PIN extraction OBD-based PIN read when available EEPROM PIN extraction for unsupported vehicles
Protocol support OBD-II, ISO9141/30, ISO15765, K-Line Plus CAN-FD, DoIP
ECU programming & diagnostics Basic Advanced – ECU coding, calibration (TPMS, DPF, ADAS, ABS, etc.)
Connection Type Wired OBD-II only
Wireless Wi-Fi VCI + Wired OBD-II 

What you can program:

G3 Core:

      • Program transponder and remote keys via OBD-II for current models of Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford F-150, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Optima, etc.
      • Ideal for modern vehicles with OBD access for basic key programming and PIN retrieval where allowed.

G3 Evolution: 

      • All Core functions, plus advanced support for:
        • Toyota Corolla 2005, Honda Accord 2000, or Lexus ES 2003 — EEPROM-based key programming.
        • Chrysler Pacifica 2005 — PIN retrieval via SKREEM EEPROM.
        • BMW 3 Series (CAS1–3) or VW Golf on MQB platform — pre-coding via KC100.
      • Ability to bypass immobilizer on luxury/EU models or vehicles where OBD doesn’t provide full coverage.

VCI and Connectivity


Evolution has an integrated VCI means fewer cables and simpler setup. It also supports CAN-FD and DoIP protocols natively. G3 Core uses an external VCI (KC501-style) connected via cable, which increases setup time and bulk. CAN-FD/DoIP require firmware updates and are not as seamlessly integrated.

Speed and Interface


  • Evolution boots significantly faster due to its upgraded internal chipset and OS.

  • Core has slower boot time and may lag during software switching or larger diagnostics functions.

Supported Protocols


Both units support essential protocols like OBDII, CAN, K-Line, and more. However, the Evolution supports additional modern protocols like CAN-FD and DoIP out of the box, which makes it more future-proof, which isn't available in the G3 Core.

Software and Coverage


Software coverage is identical across both machines. They run the same software suite, updated at the same frequency. However, the Evolution runs the software faster and handles heavier workloads better.

IMMO & EEPROM Functions


Both models offer the same EEPROM, MCU, and advanced IMMO functions. However, the Evolution handles these tasks faster, especially during backup/restore operations.

Display and Battery

  • G3 Evolution: 10.1" Full HD display with 1920x1200 resolution, 12,000 mAh battery.

  • G3 Core: 8" HD display at 1280x800, 5,000 mAh battery.

Battery life and screen clarity are significantly better on the Evolution, especially for daylight outdoor use.

Pricing


  • G3 Evolution is priced higher due to the premium build and features.

  • G3 Core is an affordable entry into the AutoProPAD ecosystem but sacrifices speed and hardware durability.

     

Hardware and Build


AutoProPAD G3 Evolution is the premium unit. It features a robust magnesium alloy housing, integrated VCI, and a more powerful processor. This makes it better suited for frequent or demanding field use. It is faster, sturdier, and built for professionals who need maximum performance. AutoProPAD G3 Core, on the other hand, is a more budget-friendly option. It uses a plastic housing and has a detachable VCI. While still capable, it is better suited to shops with occasional mobile work or as a backup unit.


Processor and Memory:

G3 Evo: Quad-core + 4 GB RAM + 64 GB Storage

G3 COre: Quad-core 1.5 GHz (RAM/Storage not officially disclosed)

How to Choose: AutoProPAD G3 Core vs Evolution


  • Choose Evolution if you need a high-performance, all-in-one programmer with the latest protocol support and plan to do heavy-duty diagnostic work.

  • Choose Core if you’re on a tighter budget, plan mostly in-shop work, and don’t need integrated VCI or CAN-FD/DoIP daily.



Feature

AutoProPAD G3 Core

AutoProPAD G3 Evolution

Housing Material

Plastic

Magnesium Alloy

VCI

External (detachable)

Integrated

Display

8" HD (1280x800)

10.1" FHD (1920x1200)

Battery Capacity

5,000 mAh

12,000 mAh

Protocols Supported

OBDII, CAN, K-Line (CAN-FD/DoIP via update)

OBDII, CAN, K-Line, CAN-FD, DoIP natively

Boot Speed

Slower

Fast

Software

Identical coverage

Cloud-based via USB or Wi-Fi

Identical coverage

Cloud-based, more frequent

EEPROM/IMMO Speed

Standard

Faster

Build Durability

Basic

Aluminum chassis with rubberized grip

Rugged (Field-ready)

Price

Lower

Higher

Smart Assist Yes Yes (expanded guidance and features)

For locksmiths looking to stay ahead of modern vehicle technologies, the G3 Evolution clearly leads in performance, durability, and future-proofing. The G3 Core remains a solid alternative for lower budgets or as a secondary device.

Ready to upgrade your programming setup? Get your XTOOL AutoProPAD G3 Core or Evolution from KeylessCity — the trusted supplier for locksmith professionals. Whether you're investing in the rugged power of the Evolution or the dependable Core, you're backed by the lowest market prices and premium quality guaranteed.

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