Sony 10.1” XAV-9500ES - anyone install one yet?

Curious if anyone on the forum has installed the new Sony 10.1” head unit yet… looks to be a Tacoma used in their social media photo.

 

Bump it up

 

Welp- found a nice discussion thread here on it:

https://www.reddit.com/r/CarAV/comments/qx6f1a/sony_xav9500es_in_a_2016_toyota_tacoma/

 

Looks good, but I can't stand the amount of wasted black space around the screen.

 

How else are they supposed to make it 10.1 with an 8” screen?

 

Exactly! The marketing team would be in shambles!

 

Agreed- it is quite a large bezel... wish it was more edge to edge.

 

If it was edge to edge, I'd be all over this.

 

how has this setup worked out for you?

 

I just placed an order for this today from Trail Grid Pro. I was in between this and the XAV-6000 but jumped all in for the larger screen among a few other things. I'll let you all know how everything goes from installation, set-up, and overall satisfaction.

 

Looking forward to that. Trying to see which package I want. Screen size isn't critical, just want maximum function. The ability to see my backup camera when in drive is pretty cool.

 

I just installed the XAV-6000 this weekend from Trail Grid Pro. Hands down easiest installation I have ever done. And they have great customer service and are very responsive.

 

Looks good. This one doesn't have maestro right?

 

Yes it does have Maestro. So I do retain all the factory steering wheel settings and everything else.

 

That's great. I thought I saw something about the 9500 being the first sony with maestro.

 

Hi everyone, just wanted to update everyone on my experience with Trail Grid Pro and the Sony VAX-9500ES on my 2018 TRD Off-Road.

I received my order 10 days following my order placement. When I initially installed the head unit everything was fast and easy to install. I ended up using weed-eater line to feed the microphone through the dash not having a wire snake. When I started up the unit everything seemed to function properly and CarPlay connected quickly, although the rear camera did not work. I emailed the Trail Grid Pro team and spoke to them about my issue.

They followed up with me the next day and I stopped by their shop since I live in the area and had them take a look. They ended up informing me that they have been getting reports that Tacomas for whatever reason have been having issues with the rear camera not working initially, but swapping one of the wiring harnesses generally fixes this issue. Sure enough, that is what my unit ended up needing.

While I was there, I spoke with Cliff and Bryan, the two owners, and they were extremely helpful, accommodating, and down to earth. Bryan ended up installing the microphone in the factory spot for me while I was there and it made a world of difference when calling people as they said I was not only louder but clearer. The Trail Grid Pro team are a fantastic group and pushing out great units. I would recommend their units to any Tacoma, 4Runner, or Tundra owner.

Some things that I learned through this experience:

• Install the microphone in the factor location. The sound is significantly improved here versus on the dash location
• Not all of the "gauge cluster" options on the head unit will appear as the ECU just does not send that information
• the backup camera will appear to be more pixelated as the image is being enlarged so I would suggest getting their rear camera upgrade
• It does take time for some of the gauges to load and may take some time for the ECU to mesh with the head unit
• If you do have an issue with your unit reach out to the Trail Grid Pro team. They are extremely knowledgable and want to customers to have the best experience possible

 

Thanks for the good review! I'm waiting on my 9500 now...

 

I just installed the Sony 9500ES in my 22 Tacoma TRD Sport w/ JBL. It was an easy install. I also installed the mic in the factory location. The only issue is that media description and call info is not showing on the gauge cluster screen.

I’ll contact TGP on Monday.

 

I just installed the Sony 9500ES bundle from Trail Grid Pro as well. Superb customer service!

I didn’t see a rear camera upgrade option on their website - do you have a link/description of what they recommended? My front & rear camera views look so washed out on the larger screen now. Not too concerned about my front camera, but wonder if there are more compatible (better resolution) backup cameras available?

 

I'm thinking the camera quality issue is a Toyota software limitation. Check out the video below, it still has the factory warning in red. Quality is washed out.