'21 Tundra. Head Unit recommendations?

Hi! So I didn't mind the stock radio in my '16, but I really hate the one in my '21. The fact that it can't display album artwork while the truck is in drive, drives me crazy, ha. The other screen options are just dumb as well.

With that being said, I need some replacement head unit recommendations. What do you use, what do you like?

I'd like to keep the steering wheel controls and as close to factory as possible and fit the current space. Going to keep the current speaker set up for now, but may upgrade down the road. Anyway, give me some options so I can check them out. If you have photos of your set up, even better. Thanks..!

 

Completely agree OP. The HU in these trucks is severely lacking in capability. My ancient TI-86 has more screen functionality

Will be following this thread to see what ppl are using.

 

Guess everyone is still sleeping. Ha.

 

I know there are a few threads on the subject already, but time passes and opinions change…I too am following to see what others went with and if they’re happy with it.

 

I'm looking at this one right now but didn't really want to spend that much, haha. But seems no one has any other recommendations.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113DMX1037/Kenwood-DMX1037S.html?tp=78184

 

I have the DMX1057XR which is virtually identical to that.
(only difference is that the S has 4v preamp out, XR has 5v - no practical difference since you can compensate for that with your Amp)

Massive thread on it:
https://www.tundras.com/threads/kenwood-excelon-reference-dmx1057xr.75490/

The good:
- Huge display, bright & clear
- Android Auto and Carplay, both wireless
- Tons of audio adjustments
- Fast user interface after it's done booting
- Multiple phone support
- Multiple camera support (I only have rear however)
- Real volume dial!

The not-as-good:
- Expensive
- Android Auto doesn't resume after you power cycle the vehicle. Google used to allow this... now they removed the feature. (For your Safety, I'm sure...)
- The home screen isn't really customizable, kind of a clunky layout
- Slow to boot/start

 

I'm looking at getting this one for my wife's Highlander:

$560 KENWOOD DMX9707S 6.95" Capacitive Touch Screen, Car Stereo, Wired and Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, AM/FM Radio, MP3 Player, USB Port, Double DIN, 13-Band EQ, SiriusXM

https://www.amazon.com/Kenwood-DMX9707S-Multimedia-Receiver-Compatible/dp/B084BWS2YZ

I think @BrakeDust has the DMX1037S and might be able to speak a little more to the pros/cons on that one. And I think the DMX9707S is the go-to for a lot of other members on here.

I have an older Pioneer, AVH-W4400NEX, and wouldn't recommend that one due to some reboot issues and software glitches, but I've heard the newer models are pretty solid. Here's another option: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/pionee...y-black/6401083.p?skuId=6401083&ref=212&loc=1

 

There he is!

 

That's another one I was looking at. Not sure yet if I like the floating screen. Plus this one is half the price, ha.

 

No matter what you pick these days it will an upgrade compared to the factory unit.

However... it will never be close to something like a Euro SUV, let alone a Tesla. The HU manufacturers have a huge missed opportunity here, the Japanese and USA auto companies still haven't figured out how to write proper software.

 

This is the one I’m looking at for my truck. Seems to have good reviews. Has your research found otherwise?

 

I haven’t found much negative about this model, other than the interface. But the Pioneer doesn’t have a good one either, so pick your poison lol. I spend most of the time in CarPlay anyway so that part doesn’t really matter.

 

Btw I ordered the

$560 DMX9707S 6.95" Capacitive Touch Screen, Car Stereo, Wired and Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, AM/FM Radio, MP3 Player, USB Port, Double DIN, 13-Band EQ, SiriusXM

DMX9707S for my wife yesterday and everything should be here early next week. I’ll give more feedback after I get it installed.

 

That’s my plan too is to just use CarPlay most of the time. This unit is wireless CarPlay, correct?

Please do!

 

Yep, that was a requirement.

 

I went with the JVC z1000w

5star car stereo did a three part video review on YouTube

has some cool features

 

Those guys are really good. They are about 6 miles from me.

 

I got a alpine halo9 it does just fine. I don’t care about a volume knob I think it looks cleaner

 

Does the 2021 hu have CarPlay? My 2020 has it and it’s fine after changing amp and speakers and adding subs

 

Which is the same unit as the Kenwood DMX1057XR or

$1,499 DMX1037S 10.1" High Definition Car Stereo Receiver with Capacitive Touch Panel

DMX1037S, except without the volume knob. Same factory, different logo.

 

I just bought this one, won't have it installed for another month tho.