Kenwood Android Auto install in 3rd gen - review-ish (long)

SO, I'm just having returned from the installer where we dropped the new Kenwood DNX995S with Maestro interface into Trogdor, the SAR Taco.

I'm really impressed with this unit. The screen is fantastic. considerably better than the OEM 7" screen. Nice and bright, even in direct sun (yes, Seattle gets sun, now and then...), and super crisp. It's a capacitive touch-screen and very responsive. Possibly more so than OEM.

Sound quality (50w) is fantastic. MUCH better and more clear than the JBL unit.

They've included Garmin Nav, which is a requirement for me but the display is a bit different than the stand-alone unit. It's....flatter, like a 6:9 TV. It's still very usable, as it displays the turn-by-turn directions on the bottom of the screen, even when you're not on the nav screen. I haven't tested to see if the nav directions are ported to the small screen in the instrument cluster as with OEM.

Maestro really does an amazing job of keeping all the OEM steering wheel functions and backup camera functionality. Everything works as it does with the stock head unit.

SiriusXM. Well, yeah. It works, of course, but a separate tuner is required, as the OEM head unit contains the XM tuner. This is not a big deal, but does add some additional cost. It does, however, use the stock antenna. (thank god)

Android Auto (and Wireless) - It's pretty damn cool, I must say. Screen mirroring is awesome and the Weblink function in the unit gives you access to Waze, or you can get it on the Android screen.
and about that wireless stuff....Unless you're using one of the Google-branded Android devices, you're shit-out-of-luck for the moment. Pixel, Pixel 2, Nexus 5X or Nexus 6P only.
Samsung or LG? Nope. Wait your turn peasant.
You're also going to be adding a second USB input whether you like it or not. The factory USB/Stereo input requires an adaptor that's on worldwide backorder. Made from unobtainium, apparently. This input is how those of us who didn't appease the GoogleGods and buy a Pixel enable Android Auto.

So, there's the high points.
I'm sure i'm forgetting a ton of stuff but I've got a cigar waiting for me on the deck. I'll be happy to answer specific questions about this unit and its quirks.

Would I buy it again?
Yep, no question. Google's shitty Googleness notwithstanding.

EDIT - Pics of unit installed and some screens added.
Note that the screen is much more sharp than is shown here. the forum's photo compression is fuzzing them out.

 

How does it look in the dash?

 

It's dark outside now;I'll shoot some pics tomorrow AM, but it looks really clean using the Metra bezel kit. pretty close to OEM, albeit a bit smaller.

The best part is that it gets rid of the fingerprint magnet piano black bullshit.

 

in for pix

 

Pics! Lol

 

That's the exact setup I'm going for. Can't wait for pics before I drop $1400 on it. I'm even considering upgrading from my S7e to a Pixel just for wireless android auto. Waze is sooooo important to me and I'm tired of mounting my phone. I assume you are just leaving it on the QI pad right?

For the XM connection to the stock antenna, did they have to use that $50 aftermarket adapter?

 

Interested .the JBL ain't bad but it ain't good

I do want to keep all the functionality but with Android auto

This would be a next year thing, I just got the 18 last week

Thanks for the report.

 

would like to know more about the oem integration? was a lot of it just plug and play and does all the oem buttons still work?

how about the info screens you lost from the oem that are not related to music/nav?

specifically the driver settings screen?

 

Too bad after markets have not been able to add that in.
They should for more sales.
I put in a 4200NEX

 

This looks really nice. I am torn between getting aftermarket or just waiting for Toyota to release their OEM carplay solution and seeing if it wouldnt be easier or cheaper to retrofit mine with the OEM option.

 

it would be nice, but it could be an issue for those that don't have access to techstream. I have it loaded on a laptop so its somewhat of a mute point. but its a lot easier to change settings via the screen that having to lug the laptop out and connect and change settings. a lot easier/quicker via the oem setting screen for those minor things.

not that big of deal on my 2014 4runner since the wife has never driven it once, but on the 18 tundra, kinda nice to change some settings quickly during a long trip that are turned off around town.

 

What settings do you find changing most ? Most of them were generic stuff I never bothered with.

 

The head unit accepts the input from the XM tuner, but a separate tuner is required. I'm pretty sure there is an antenna adaptor in there someplace.

I'm not a huge fan of the original Pixel, just doesn't feel....I don't know.....solid enough for me. I've got an S8+ and an S9+ now and the local samsung mobile guy says the summer update will carry Android Auto Wireless, so it might be worth waiting for. I've got a Pixel in a drawer someplace, so maybe I'll dig it out and play with the wireless stuff.

 

You might have said this, but does it utilize the stock bluetooth mic?

 

Ah...no.
This head unit requires its own mic for phone functionality. The included mic is pretty small and unobtrusive, however.

 

It was largely plug-n-play, save the mic and XM tuner. All the OEM buttons work as they did before. (at least i've not discovered any that don't thus far.)

I'm kind of with TacoMan....I don't change the settings on the info screens.
That being said, this integrates into the CAN and can display TMPS data, engine temp, manifold temp, oil temp....quite a few of the hidden things that the CAN reads but doesn't display anywhere, so It's a wash, for me.

 

That looks fantastic!! Is there a Spotify app or is it all bluetooth controlled? I hate that the stock unit has Pandora but not Spotify on it. This might be my next upgrade for the sound system. BTW off topic but what cigar were you smoking? I'm somewhat of an enthusiast lol.

 

On my Pioneer 4200NEX love Waze, Google maps, Pandora, Spotify, Android auto, DVD movies, rear and front cam, tmps/engine data and sound output.
Much better than stock. I'll do without being able to change the time the dome light stays on using stock receiver.

 

Pixel doesnt do wireless charging.......... yet...