Looking to replace my OEM headunit in my '06. I am pretty sure I have narrowed things to a Kenwood deck. Don't think I need video capabilities, just AM/FM/CD, Sirius, and USB. Wavering now on DIN or Double DIN. Not sure that I need a Double DIN, but not sure that I want the pocket under/over a single DIN headunit. What did you guys go with, and why, when you swapped out your headunits? Feel free to include some pics for inspiration!

Amazon.com: Pioneer DEH-X8500BS CD receiver with Full-Dot LCD Display, MIXTRAX, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM Ready: Car Electronics
I got that one, because my runner did not have a stereo and I wanted to have Bluetooth, I like it because the sound quality is good, but I don't like the way it looks.
I would go for a double din with a touchscreen just because those look cleaner.

I went single din. I kinda like the look now.

Interestng thread as I'm looking to upgrade my stock headunit n on 06 with a double din as well, preferably with a nice sub/amp system. I have non-JBL.

My needs were similar to yours, and I went with a Kenwood double-din non-DVD unit (DPX-500BT.) You can follow the link in my signature (it's on page 3.)

Great sound from the unit, and has all the features I need (Bluetooth for phone, USB/Aux input, iPod/iPhone controls) and a lot that I suppose I could use but don't (pandora, I heart radio, etc.)



The only downside is that the display has a very flat, slick surface that reflects sunlight BADLY! So badly that during the middle of the day the display is almost impossible to read. It may just a be fluke of how high the display sits in the 4th gen T4R but I can't recommend this one for that reason alone.

I have my display colors set to the brightest white colors possible, and with that, if I'm wearing my sunglasses, I can barely read the display, unless the sun is shining directly on the screen.

Having said that, I've decided to live with it for now, it's not that big a deal and I've gotten used to it, pretty much.


At night or in dim light/cloudy conditions, it's fine. The unit has great controls and the sound is awesome.

I think the screen's main problem is how flat it is. If it had some more curve to it I don't think the reflection would be so bad.

I bought mine through Crutchfield and installed it myself (first time I've ever installed a non-factory stereo by myself.) I would definitely buy from Crutchfield again (actually, I did, I bought a unit for my DD Mazda pickup from them and installation was similarly just as easy.)

Crutchfield customer service is great, definitely worth it.

Here is my set up. I work remote so use the bluetooth and hands-free all the time.

I like the Panavise universal phone holder. I can charge my iPhone 5 while I drive - see who is calling, etc.

The Kenwood has been good. The only complaint is that the Garmin Nav updates itself and you lose all your saved locations when it does this about 2x per year.

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Martinjmpr, I saw your post the other night, that unit is one that I am considering. Thanks for the word on the glare/visibility issue.

I was in the same boat as you a few weeks ago until I rented a Dodge Ram with integrated Bluetooth and looked at a new Tacoma. Not having an audio cable was great in the Ram, and the only thing that gave me movement about the Tacoma was the double din head unit.

So I started looking and since I've decided to keep my 4Runner for a lot longer I wanted something that would update the interior a little. I'm between a few different head units right now.

--Still unsure about App Radio but otherwise sounds great except for the 2v preamp
Pioneer SPH-DA110 AppRadio 3 Smartphone receiver at Crutchfield.com

--I love Kenwood
Kenwood DDX371 DVD receiver at Crutchfield.com

--This one might be my winner, still not committed
Pioneer AVH-X4500BT DVD receiver at Crutchfield.com

Also if I can recommend a seller I personally I love Crutchfield. Great customer service and free install kits, not to mention no tax... screw taxes

Not sure if this will help you, just my thought process!

I should add that I have no problem with Kenwood as a brand, in fact, the stereo I put into my DD is a Kenwood single-DIN unit. I wanted the least expensive stereo that had bluetooth, iPod controls and a detachable face, so I went with the BT555U. Shipping was quick and install was a breeze - it took me less than 2 hours and I work pretty slow!

As I said, the glare problem is annoying but for now I can live with it. At night or on cloudy days it's awesome. The sound is good and l love the big volume knob in the center of the unit.

Oh, I forgot, the other feature I absolutely insisted on (with both stereos) was RDS - that's the Radio Data System broadcasts that most FM music stations now use, which will tell you the name of the station, name of the song, etc.

You know what's funny is that apparently this has been around since something like 2002, but I never heard of it until my wife got a new Nissan Altima coupe and it had that feature on the factory stereo. Definitely nice to have!

DD for sure....

X2 Double din for the win. I bought a JVC double din unit that works well except sometimes it doesnt recognize my flash drive so I just have to turn it off and on then it works.

Im also looking into grabbing that kenwood dpx500bt DD. I keep hearing its hard to see during the day due to the glare. Im wondering (with the unit being variable colored) can you change the colors to match the colors of the interior lights? The burnt orange glow?

Yes, it's possible to get a near perfect color match. I think color 22 or 23 is the best match,

Does it work with the steering wheel controls?

I don't have steering wheel controls so I'm not sure.