After Market Nav System

[poolmanlex]

Hello. I have a 2007 Limited Edition 4Runner. i'm looking to put in an aftermarket nav. system. ANY SUGGESTIONS???
SO FAR THE ONLY ONES I KNOW ABOUT ARE THE PINOEER AND KENWOOD OPTIONS BUT HAVE HEARD THAT THEY ARE NOT THE RIGHT DIM SIZE.
I ALSO DID RESEARCH ON A COMPANY CALLED OEM (ORIGINAL ENTERTAINMENT MEDIA) BUT I THINK THE ONLY 4RUNNER OPTION NAV SYSTEM FOR THEM FITS THE SR-5 LET ME KNOW THANKS

 

[dylanc]

Hmm, I have a limited as well, and was looking at some pioneer units.

I was not aware that there were fitment/size issues, nor was I aware that there would be compatibility issues between limited and sr5. I realize the limited has a ton more speakers and they have different amp setups. I guess I just figured they made a different wiring harness for the different setups and besides that install would be the same.

If anybody has any light to shed on this topic, let us know!

 

[A/V1]

There has been a lot of discussion regarding navigation systems under AUDIO & ELECTRONICS. You will find a lot more info there.

There are so many factors & variables that will, or should determine which nav system you purchase. Obviously, price is a huge one. But other things to consider should be the functions you want on the unit, quality of display (and whether or not you want touch screen), navigation mapping detail, bluetooth & ipod ability, steering wheel controls, etc.

As far as the navigation goes, are you concerned about it being an all-in-one? Many units have nav built in, but offer less options & features. Others have external units, and therefore have more features built in.

The OEM Toyota navigation system is a good system. If you have the single indash radio, you will need to buy a different dash trim piece, as well as replace the air conditioning controls with one made for a 6-disc unit.

The aftermarket "OEM" company has stuff in Crutchfield, but I've never seen one in action.

Aftermarket units are generally sized by the industry standard as single Din, or double Din, and are smaller than the OEM opening. You can get aftermarket trim kits to fill in around the nav radio.

The unit I have installed is a Kenwood unit / system, with separate nav unit, etc and really like it. There are many things I wish it had or did, but overall, I am happy with it. Kenwood also makes several units that have nav built in.

The Alpine systems are very nice. I personally haven't seen the Blackbird in use, but the NVE-N872 is phenominal. But very cost probihitive. If I had the money, I would very possibly get this.

Clarion is another company with very good offerings. They don't have any units with built in nav though. So if that is what you are looking for, keep looking. If not, I think you will be very happy with Clarion. This was in close running when I was shopping for a unit. Excellent features and detail.

I've owned Pioneer head units and equipment in the past, but I've never owned a Pioneer nav unit. For more Pioneer info you may want to check out the website AVIC411 (or something like that). Do a google search.

From what I understand, Eclipse is a direct plug in for some Toyotas. I can't remember if it is the JBL, or non-JBL. Remember though, that Eclipse doesn't offer anything for Bluetooth except for a Parrot kit.

Just remember that everyone is going to have different opinions about each one. What one person may like, another may think is a piece of crap. Make a list of what you want in a unit, do your homework, and research each one. Crutchfield, and each prospective brand will have info on their websites.

Ultimately, you are the one paying for it. It's in your best interest to pick the one you like - not the most popular one, or the one everybody else likes.

 

[riverider]

A simple but very effective GPS is the Garmin Nuvi series. They are small and very easy to read with voice directions. What I really like is I can remove the vacuum windshield mount quickly when I leave the 4Runner.
You never ever want to leave a GPS alone. Also the larger in dash units are targets for the thieves if you think just because they are in the dash they are hard to steal think again.:

 

[Bourbon City]

My Garmin Nuvi serves all my needs. Plus I can remove the unit from sight. In my opinion, it is much better than a build in unit.

 

[pipspeak]

Depends how much you want to spend...best bang for the buck is Pioneer F-series, followed by Kenwood. JVC makes the only double-din nav unit with a removeable faceplate (I have one). Kenwood uses Garmin software in its units, which is often ranked as the best.

Several (not all) Eclipse units are directly compatible with the Toyota wiring harness and steering wheel controls so no adapter will be needed. However, Eclipse is generally behind the other nav manufacturers in terms of features. The AVN6620, for example, has no aux/USB/SD input option and the bluetooth add-on has a separate little controller. Most other manufacturers have various aux input options and bluetooth either built in or as a hidden box controlled through the main screen.

As for fitting, any double-din unit will fit a 4runner. The issue is that the space in the 4runner is slightly wider than the norm, so you have to buy a $10 "trim kit" to fill those gaps each side. For most aftermarket units you also need to buy a $10 wiring harness (adapter) so you won't have to cut any of the 4runner wires when connecting. And you'll also probably have to buy an adapter if you want to keep you steering wheel controls functional.

Cruise around the Audio and Electronics board and you should find most of your questions answered.