New Head Unit in 4th Gen - Help

[Dusty Driftwood]

I'm looking to replace the stock deck from my 2008 SR5 with a new head unit that has

- GPS (preferably Garmin)
* The unit has to be update-able as I would prefer to replace the head unit once, not repeatedly
- Blue Tooth Phone/Streaming
- Satellite Radio
* Does this require a monthly subscription?
- iPod Connectivity
- DVD (would be nice but not necessary)
* I'd prefer a unit that allows operation of GPS/DVD while the vehicle is moving. Since the Runner isn't my DD, I would almost always have a passenger to put in gps coordinates or que up a dvd.

I have ordered and installed units from Cruthcfield in my last couple vehicles, but I'm not exactly an expert in this field. I may ask for help on an install or just have it done professionally. This would be the first time installing a unit with GPS.

I've had good experiences with Alpine, Clarion, Kenwood & Pioneer in the past. But, I'm also open to Lexus/Toyota/Scion factory units as well. At some point, I would like to add a small sub. That said, I don't want to sacrifice my cargo area for a sub box and I'm not looking to impress people or rattle windows. So, something small, like the OEM JBL sub that fits in the side wall of the cargo area would be ideal.

I've searched here, but models come and go so quickly its hard to compare. I've also already looked on Cruthcfield, but the reviews are skewed to say the least. So, I thought I'd get some opinions from people here. What have you installed? Do you like it? What would you do differently if given the chance? And, of course, post up some pictures for me to drool over.
Thanks in advance for your help,
Jeff

EDIT: Can't believe I forgot this. My wife will be driving the 4Runner a lot more once my son is born and I need the head unit to be able to function with a back up camera as well.

 

[SXM_Help]

Hi there -

There are several radio models that support our subscription service. If you decide to go with a model that doesn't support SiriusXM, then you do have an option to purchase our Online Subscription (which includes our smartphone app) and would allow you to stream our music service through your new radio's Bluetooth or AUX capabilities. Here's more information on our subscription packages: https://listenercare.siriusxm.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3676

Hope this helps,
SiriusXM Digital Care Team

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Dusty, check out Pioneer AVIC's or JVC Navi

 

[BrightLight7]

I prefer the Pioneer hands down personally.

 

[Dusty Driftwood]

Dusty, check out Pioneer AVIC's or JVC Navi

I prefer the Pioneer hands down personally.

Thanks guys, any particular reason you prefer Pioneer? I've been leaning towards Kenwood because I prefer Garmin navigation. Does Pioneer also use Garmin, or someone else.
Thanks,

 

[2StepsAhead]

I just got my DNX6990, hopefully itll be installed within the next week. Love the Kenwood units, JVC is going to be almost the same thing as Kenwood recently bought JVC.

 

[JET4]

Clarion has 2 new units coming out that look very interesting. The wont be out tell around April though.FX503 and NX603

 

[BrightLight7]

Clarion has 2 new units coming out that look very interesting. The wont be out tell around April though.FX503 and NX603

I've seen the NX603 already and it's looking alright. Doesn't use Garmin though if I remember correctly. I have my Galaxy S3 & iPad2 always in my car so no need to drop too much money on in-dash navi. I got the Ram Mount for my iPad, so it's safe and bigger screen anyways! So I'm not a fan of in-dash navi personally for the cost of updates and small screen. That's just my .02 though.

 

[Techsan]

I recently bought the Pioneer AVH-x2500BT & have been happy. It has just about everything you listed, with the exception of Sat Radio & Nav. However, you can display the MotionX or Waze navigation apps on the unit. You can also stream Netflix to it (Im using an iPhone 4). It also plays DVDs. The shop that installed my unit also put in a parking brake bypass so DVDs, Netflix, and the app mode can function all while moving. I also have Bluetooth streaming audio & hands free. Works great.

Check on the 3500BH model though, because I think it adds sat radio & HD radio.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Thanks guys, any particular reason you prefer Pioneer? I've been leaning towards Kenwood because I prefer Garmin navigation. Does Pioneer also use Garmin, or someone else.
Thanks,

I've been a Pioneer guy all my life, but I recently bought a JVC double din navi for my 4runner because the Avic's were a bit too expensive for me and the JVC had the removable faceplate which I really wanted. Kenwood and JVC are the same company, my JVC double din navi actually has a KW at the end of it's model number

 

[Dusty Driftwood]

I recently bought the Pioneer AVH-x2500BT & have been happy. It has just about everything you listed, with the exception of Sat Radio & Nav. However, you can display the MotionX or Waze navigation apps on the unit. You can also stream Netflix to it (Im using an iPhone 4). It also plays DVDs. The shop that installed my unit also put in a parking brake bypass so DVDs, Netflix, and the app mode can function all while moving. I also have Bluetooth streaming audio & hands free. Works great.

Check on the 3500BH model though, because I think it adds sat radio & HD radio.

In all honesty, if I have a regular radio, iPod connectivity and BT streaming from Pandora on my Droid phone, I probably don't need Satelite Radio. Nav is a must though, otherwise, I don't think it would be worth a change.

 

[Dusty Driftwood]

Been doing some research and trying to decide between these few units. Anyone have any experience with them that can share pros/cons? I'm kind of leaning towards the JVC, but the issues with it not turning off and quirky GPS have me concerned. Thoughts?

Clarion NX602

JVC KW-NT500HDT

Kenwood DNX6190HD

 

[BrightLight7]

Been doing some research and trying to decide between these few units. Anyone have any experience with them that can share pros/cons? I'm kind of leaning towards the JVC, but the issues with it not turning off and quirky GPS have me concerned. Thoughts?

Clarion NX602

JVC KW-NT500HDT

Kenwood DNX6190HD

Personally my vote goes to the Clarion NX602, out of those 3 listed for the UI personally. You know that HU is $500 on Amazon right now right? I'd check the reviews on amazon for those HU's as well. This uses iGo Primo for the navi.

The JVC had this on a particular review I read: "Some reviewers noted that the maps have issues. This unit uses NavTeq Maps, as did my old unit, so any map errors are a result of faulty NavTeq data. You can actually browse NavTeq maps on their website, if you want to ensure that they have accurately depicted your area" 614.95 on amazon atm

Kenwood is 699.95 on amazon atm and it's the only one to actually use Garmin.

Just some insight.



personally I say, http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-AVIC-X940BT-Navigation-Touchscreen-Bluetooth/dp/B006Y443TU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358788381&sr=8-1&keywords=x940bt but its not Garmin maps, but nor is the JVC & Clarion. NavTeq I've read is the company that does the mapping for Garmin and someone else? Not too sure on that intell, but it's what I've read.