What navigation radios to look at

definitely a fan of Garmin portables. Free lifetime map updates on most models and can be removed and used in pedestrian mode for hiking/biking/tourist thing. Also means I have nav in ALL my vehicles not just my truck.

Daryll

The new Garmin 770 is what I'm trying to get, but they are back ordered.

p220sigman wrote:
We've had both a Kenwood and currently, a Pioneer. I much preferred the Kenwood. It (at least the one we had) was Garmin based and worked very similar to my stand-alone GPS. Mostly small things that drive me crazy. For example, the Pioneer system we have doesn't display the current vehicle speed.

Personally, I wouldn't have another built-in navigation. As has been stated, the map updates are costly and in some cases, difficult to do. The built in system can't easily be moved. They are also typically much more expensive than a stand alone (obviously depending on what you buy) GPS. My $100 Garmin does everything I need it to; can easily be moved to other vehicles; and has free lifetime maps. My second choice would be using my cell phone with a built-in system being a distant third. The only reason we have the Pioneer is that it was already installed in the van we bought. If it dies, it will be replaced with a non-navigation system.

The pioneer I showed above always shows vehicle speed and the speed changes color if you exceed the speed limits. Updates are easy as well.
I'll never go back to a phone based system I have to fondle while driving. With the new upcoming laws that forbid one to even have their phone in their hand, a great system like the Pioneer is the way to go.

We've had both a Kenwood and currently, a Pioneer. I much preferred the Kenwood. It (at least the one we had) was Garmin based and worked very similar to my stand-alone GPS. Mostly small things that drive me crazy. For example, the Pioneer system we have doesn't display the current vehicle speed.

Personally, I wouldn't have another built-in navigation. As has been stated, the map updates are costly and in some cases, difficult to do. The built in system can't easily be moved. They are also typically much more expensive than a stand alone (obviously depending on what you buy) GPS. My $100 Garmin does everything I need it to; can easily be moved to other vehicles; and has free lifetime maps. My second choice would be using my cell phone with a built-in system being a distant third. The only reason we have the Pioneer is that it was already installed in the van we bought. If it dies, it will be replaced with a non-navigation system.

The Pioneer AVIC8201NEX is great. It has the most sensitive touch screen and does everything. Cant say enough good things about this radio er, "Infotainment" system.

My double DIN Pioneer AVIC did well navigating and had many functions. As was posted, map updates were expensive. I would update with a one year old map from someone that just updated to the current map or left over sales stock. I was typically able to find one-year old maps for 25-33 percent of the cost of the current map.

The best part of the car deck Nav was lack of dash clutter. It handled radio, satellite, DVD, remote monitor and navigation in one unit.

I had a Garmin with a nice radio.. Garmin wanted $99 for map updates. So I just use my phone and have a small portable unit with lifetime updates as a backup or when we travel by plane and I can use it in a rental car if needed and still make calls on Bluetooth.

RSD559 wrote:
I posted about updating my current truck instead of looking to replace it. One of my wants is a touchscreen nav radio. Which ones do you really like, and which ones should be avoided? Do you like the built-in navigation, or something that pulls it off of your smartphone? I really like the stock Ford, but that's pretty pricey. Thanks.

Look for a head unit (thats what the radio is called) that supports "Android Auto"

It does exactly what you want, pulls nav data off your smart phone (and music, phone, etc.) This way there are no updates to download to the unit itself, it's always up to date.

https://www.android.com/auto/kenwood/

https://www.android.com/auto/pioneer/

For previous posts search this Forum for `GPS' then search the results for `garmin' or other makes.

My 08 Suburban has a built in navigation system. I very seldom use it because I don't like it..
I prefer my old Garmin.

I consider both of them an aid to real maps.