Best Touchscreen Car Stereos for Modern Drive

Key Features

Pros

• Shallow depth eases installation
• User interface and controls are simple and easy to use
• Dual camera connections

Cons

• Screen can exhibit bad glare at some angles
• Icons and graphics lack flashiness

Best Touchscreen Head Unit for Oversized Vehicles

Kenwood DNR1008RVS

When it comes to finding the perfect touchscreen head unit for oversized vehicles, the Kenwood DNR1008RVS is an excellent option. This multimedia hub is not just a high-quality car stereo, but it is also perfect for specialized vehicles. The 10.1” floating touchscreen and navigation powered by Garmin make it an ideal unit for RVs and 18 wheelers.

One of the standout features of this head unit is the mapping capabilities. You can input details about your vehicle, such as length, height, and whether you are towing a trailer. This allows the head unit’s navigation to plot a route that avoids low overpasses and roads that are not accessible to large vehicles. The 3D maps with topography are stunning, and the video feed can send the navigation map to a secondary monitor to allow your navigator to plot the course easily.

In addition to the mapping features, the Kenwood DNR1008RVS offers Bluetooth for dual-phone connection and Kenwood’s Music Mix to stream playback from as many as five devices at once. It also has three pairs of 4v preouts and a three-way crossover, making expanding and custom-tuning possible to get great sound in a large vehicle.

The Kenwood DNR1008RVS is even compatible with iDataLink Maestro, so you won’t lose the factory functions that may have been incorporated into your factory car stereo. It also provides options to connect up to four exterior cameras, making driving large vehicles much safer. We used one camera for a trailer hitch view for hooking up a boat trailer and added side cameras to help make lane changes on busy freeways simple.

Here are the specifications of the Kenwood DNR1008RVS:

Overall, the Kenwood DNR1008RVS is an affordable head unit with excellent capabilities in a streamlined package. While it may lack connectivity to driver safety programs and built-in apps commonly found with many touchscreen head units, it makes up for it with its mapping features and compatibility with oversized vehicles.

Best Touchscreen Head Unit if Money Weren't a Thing

Alpine Halo9 iLX-F509

When it comes to the best touchscreen head unit, the Alpine Halo9 iLX-F509 is a top contender. This unit boasts a massive 9" screen that is bright, clear, and super responsive. The single-DIN size chassis makes it easy to install in almost any car or truck.

The display on the Halo9 iLX-F509 is highly intuitive and distraction-reducing, with easy-to-use tap and swipe gestures. The ultra-modern design gives any interior a sleek and high-tech look. The resolution of 1280×720 is among the best in the market.

But the Halo9 iLX-F509 is not just about looks. It also delivers terrific performance with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay that work flawlessly, and Bluetooth connectivity that enables hands-free calling and Siri Eyes Free. The unit comes ready-to-run with Pandora, Waze, and numerous other apps already loaded.

One of the standout features of the Halo9 iLX-F509 is its ability to control aftermarket light kits and other devices right on screen. The adjustable angles for the screen are -20, 0, 20, and 40 degrees. Alpine advertises a peak of 50 watts x four channels of power output.

Here are some key features of the Alpine Halo9 iLX-F509:

While the Alpine Halo9 iLX-F509 is a bit pricier than some of its competitors, its highly flexible installation, stunning touch screen display, and excellent user interface make it well worth the investment. However, some users have found maps and CarPlay difficult to navigate, so it may not be the best choice for everyone.

Best Bluetooth Touchscreen Head Unit

JVC KW-M780BT

I recently had the opportunity to test out the JVC KW-M780BT head unit and was impressed by its features and capabilities. One of the standout features is the JVC Streaming DJ function, which allows up to five devices to pair simultaneously. This feature is perfect for road trips with friends, as everyone can take turns playing their favorite songs without having to constantly connect and pair devices.

The KW-M780BT also boasts an improved DSP for clean and clear sound, replacing the previous M750BT car stereo. Additionally, it provides dual camera inputs and an A/V port that can be used for an additional video feed, making it an ideal choice for those who want to add rear-seat entertainment to their vehicle.

The 6.75” capacitive touchscreen can be controlled with gestures and swipes, and the double-DIN design works well in vehicles with limited depth behind the stereo. Installation is easy thanks to the shallow chassis, which provides ample space for wiring connections. The KW-M780BT also includes wired access to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Here are some key features of the JVC KW-M780BT:

Pros:

• Excellent connectivity options using Bluetooth and wired connections
• Customizable wallpapers and dynamic images
• Excellent price point
• iDatalink Maestro-enabled

Cons:

• Smaller screen than some competitors
• Only fits Double-DIN openings

Overall, the JVC KW-M780BT is a great choice for those looking for a Bluetooth touchscreen head unit with excellent connectivity options and additional features like dual camera inputs and rear-seat entertainment capabilities.

Best Value Touch Screen Car Stereo

Jensen CAR8000

When it comes to an affordable touch screen car stereo, the Jensen CAR8000 is a great option. This car stereo boasts a high-definition 10.1” capacitive touchscreen display with all of the bells and whistles you expect from a high-end car stereo at a practically unbelievable price. Jensen even included a CD/DVD player in this unit. Dual USB inputs allow streaming from a connected device or a thumb drive.

The CAR8000 chassis is a standard double-DIN design, and because of the CD/DVD drive, it requires a deep dash space for installation. The car stereo has a single camera input that works with aftermarket backup cameras. Front, rear, and subwoofer preouts offer 4v power for expansion and custom tuning. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are included but require a wired connection.

The CAR8000 offers many options and an excellent screen, but a few things are lacking. I would have liked to see a wireless Bluetooth connection for hands-free driving. The lack of an HDMI input limits the devices you can use to display a video on the monitor. Sound quality is on par with similarly priced units but pales compared to some of the higher-end car stereos I have reviewed.

Key Features:

Jensen CAR8000 Pros

• Massive screen with excellent resolution
• Plays DVDs and offers connections for a second display via A/V input
• Remarkable price point

Jensen CAR8000 Cons

• Massive screen may interfere with the dash in some vehicles
• Lacks the power of higher-end units and will need an amplifier to sound great
• No adjustment of the floating screen

If you're looking for an affordable touch screen car stereo, the Jensen CAR8000 is a great option to consider. However, keep in mind that it may not have all the features of higher-end units and may require additional components for optimal performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Top-Rated Touch Screen Car Stereos with Bluetooth

When it comes to touch screen car stereos with Bluetooth, there are several top-rated options available. Some of the most popular ones include Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX, Kenwood DDX9906XR, and Sony XAV-AX5000. These stereos come with advanced features such as wireless connectivity, voice control, and high-quality sound output.

Best Value Touch Screen Car Stereos

If you are looking for a touch screen car stereo that offers the best value for your money, you can consider options such as JVC KW-M740BT, Boss Audio BVCP9685A, and Pioneer AVH-1550NEX. These stereos come with a range of features such as Bluetooth connectivity, backup camera support, and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Popular Touch Screen Car Stereos with Navigation

For those who need navigation support, some of the most popular touch screen car stereos include Kenwood DNX996XR, Pioneer AVIC-W8500NEX, and Alpine iLX-F309. These stereos come with advanced GPS and mapping features, as well as voice guidance and real-time traffic updates.

Touch Screen Car Stereos Compatible with Apple CarPlay

If you are an iPhone user, you may want to consider touch screen car stereos that are compatible with Apple CarPlay. Some of the top options in this category include Sony XAV-AX1000, Kenwood DMX905S, and JVC KW-M855W. These stereos allow you to access your iPhone's features and apps directly from the stereo display.

Touch Screen Car Stereos with Bluetooth and Backup Camera

If you are looking for a touch screen car stereo with both Bluetooth connectivity and backup camera support, you can consider options such as Pioneer AVH-3500NEX, Kenwood DMX7706S, and Boss Audio BVCP9685A. These stereos come with advanced features such as wireless connectivity, HD display, and compatibility with multiple camera inputs.

Alpine or Pioneer: Which is the Better Brand for Touch Screen Car Stereos?

Both Alpine and Pioneer are well-known brands in the touch screen car stereo market. While Pioneer is known for its advanced features and user-friendly interface, Alpine is known for its high-quality sound output and durability. Ultimately, the choice between the two brands comes down to personal preference and specific needs.