Kenwood DNX697S 6.8″ Garmin Navigation Receiver

I have owned 6 + – navigation systems from OEM, pioneer, Alpine, and Kenwood. My $6,500 Tundra OEM navigation system failed. I was unable to see the screen oh, so I took the truck to Toyota and tried to use my mega Platinum warranty. The warranty doesn’t cover the in-dash navigation system, and Toyota wanted $3,500 to replace it with a refurbished unit. So I did two months of research and purchase this from Amazon. I called Crutchfield and purchased the 2 required steering wheel, and OEM backup camera adapters for my 2013 Tundra Platinum. I set up an appointment with Best Buy who install the unit for $100. I was skeptical about Best Buy car audio installation but when they were finished, it looked like it had been installed at the factory. A very clean and Professional installation, and the managing technician even showed me how to set it up to my cell phone. The Kenwood uses Garmin Navigation which I consider to be the best in the business. The Android auto navigation places the desktop of my cell phone on the screen. If you want to use Google Maps for continuous updates via cellular data oh, this is your best bet as Google will keep you up-to-date on the most current waypoint’s, speed traps, and construction slowdowns while you’re on the road. Kenwood, should build an in dash navigation system that you can insert a cellular data card to perform the same functionality for their Garman system. I think that would be a big hit with the public. The audio in this system is phenomenal, especially if you have an app driving your base and a subwoofer. You will definitely be impressed by the sound quality of this unit since it supports high definition audio extensions. For an aftermarket unit oh, I am definitely impressed.

Overall I’m very impressed with this unit in my 2009 Ford Escape. Excellent sound quality, nice user interface, and very responsive. Display is bright and clear, and the touch screen works well. The Android auto works wonderfully, as well as the built in Garmin navigation.

I was concerned initially because this unit does not have a “pink wire” vehicle speed sensor input for speed compensated volume (SCV), which my factory radio did have. However, after digging through the manual, I discovered it does have SCV via the built-in GPS speed (called “Drive Equalizer+”), and it works well.

It takes a longer-than-factory amount of time (maybe 10-15 seconds) to “boot up” when I start my car, but once it does boot up it runs really smooth. If you shift into reverse before it’s finished booting, the backup camera does work almost immediately which is very nice.

There is a nag screen that pops up every time you turn it on, but thankfully it does auto-dismiss after 10 seconds, and the backup camera will display over it if you shift into reverse. Also, the volume can be adjusted while waiting for the screen to go away (I originally thought otherwise, but I think it was fixed with the new firmware).

Integration with my factory equipped satellite radio tuner and steering wheel buttons (via the optional idatalink maestro box) works seamlessly, and saved me having to buy/install a new Sirius tuner. I recommend going into Maestro settings and enabling radio power during cranking for a slightly faster bootup.

Unfortunately, the factory clock screen displays the incorrect date/time for up to 60 seconds before syncing up with the radio. I already contacted idatalink support, and they confirmed this is a limitation in the radio itself, however they are working on a fix to hide the incorrect time while it waits for the radio to update it. This bug may be specific to my vehicle, I really don’t know.

I would definitely recommend this unit for anyone, I don’t think you’ll find a better choice for this particular set of features and price range.

Product arrived, but it had been obviously opened and taken out. All the sealed tape and plastic off. Looked like everything was still in there? Should of bought the cheaper used one that was advertised. Guess we will see..

Bought extra equipment and still can only run one camera not accurate description

I have a FJ Cruiser, and I take it into the woods all the time, and I always travel to new places . I wanted to upgrade the stock stereo, and have navigation for those purposes. The features are endless, and it does way more than I thought. The ease of use is incredible! XM radio, equalizers, backup camera, and so many other features. If you want to upgrade your system, then this is hard to beat. I have used Kenwood in other vehicles, and have never been disappointed.