Radio recommendations (non-JBL)

I'm looking for radio/head unit recommendations for a 3rd gen, no JBL, and with a 7" screen. I would like the radio to have the following:

1) Connect to the factory USB
2) Connect to the factory steering wheel controls
3) Garmin maps preferable (but not necessary as I usually use Waze)
4) Android auto & Apple car play - wireless preferred
5) HD radio
6) Connect to the factory backup camera
7) Don't want to spend $1000, but also don't want the buttons and knobs falling off!

Any recommendations appreciated. Also, if you could list the parts that you used to get your system working with the factory stuff!

 

sony ax1000

 

I've done that already, but their radios tend to have quite a bit of markup.

 

Considered the Alpine for all of 5 minutes until I realized that it turns the back of the dash into a pile of electron filled noodles and the reviews are not so hot

 

Think I'll just order the Kenwood Excelon DMX906S from Crutchfield and get their full wiring kit as I don't have a garage, but don't want to pay an installer!

 

Good call. I put in a Pioneer AVH 1440NEX along with a Alpine amp ditched all the factory junk for some real speakers. Installed it myself with the easy harness set up from Crutchfield.

 

Was thinking of doing the amp later, but is it better doing all at once?

 

Do you know if you would still need the “Sirius XM” tuner or is the factory one still good?

 

I have the Pioneer AVIC-w8400NEX with the Maestro integration unit and have been very pleased. Search the forum for details. There is a newer unit out (8500) with essentially the same features.

 

I like the looks of the 8400/8500. My thought is that I don’t need nav as I’ll probably use Waze or Google maps (which will save me $200 and won’t need to subscribe to traffic). The one thing I do like about the Kenwood is the wireless Android auto. May wait on the amp and speakers as the next upgrade path.

 

Just looked at the Alpine Halo 9! Nice, but no wireless Android auto and also, it’s $1500! Like the big screen though.