Choosing an aftermarket navigation head unit can enhance your vehicle with modern features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, GPS navigation, and backup camera support. This guide highlights five suitable options and explains what to consider when upgrading. Each product listed includes its key features and how it integrates with popular car systems, helping you compare installation needs, connectivity, and compatibility across vehicle types.
| Product | Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Universal 9.7″ Touch Screen | Electrosmart | Wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, GPS navigation, WiFi, mirrorlink, reverse camera |
| Eightwood Fakra to DIN Adapter | Eightwood | Dual Fakra Z to DIN, 12V DC, 30 cm length, aftermarket GPS compatibility |
| EWAY Backup Camera Adapter | EWAY | Retains OE radio, 20-pin RCA input, Jeep/Chrysler/Dodge compatibility |
| Anina Twin Fakra Radio Antenna Adapter | Anina | Twin Fakra to DIN, 12V DC, VW/Skoda/Android compatibility |
| Power Acoustik 7” Harley Head Unit | Power Acoustik | Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, GPS navigation, waterproof motorcycle OS |
Electrosmart 9.7-Inch Wireless CarPlay Head Unit
The Double Din car radio from Electrosmart features a 9.7-inch vertical touchscreen designed for many 2-DIN dashboards. It supports wireless CarPlay and wired/wireless Android Auto via Bluetooth 5.0, enabling quick access to maps, calls, messages, and music while driving. A built-in GPS module with an external antenna allows online and offline navigation, offering voice-guided directions and a large POI library. The unit also includes WiFi for downloading apps and streaming content, with mirrorlink and a reverse camera option for safer parking. Installation requires dashboard modification in some vehicles.
Key considerations: verify your vehicle’s model and dash configuration; installation is not plug-and-play, with wire cutting required for many setups. Ensure you have the dash space and electrical capability to support a high-contrast, high-power display. This unit is best for enthusiasts seeking extensive navigation and connectivity features in a modern touchscreen package.
Eightwood Fakra Z Plug to DIN Adapter
This adapter converts dual Fakra Z connections to a DIN plug, designed to interface original factory radios with aftermarket GPS navigation stereos. It carries 12V DC and measures about 12 inches in length, enabling a clean integration path when upgrading a car’s head unit without affecting power wiring. It’s suited for vehicles where an aftermarket navigation head unit needs a reliable radio antenna connection through traditional DIN wiring, reducing setup complexity for some models.
Key considerations: confirm your vehicle’s antenna connector type and the compatibility of Fakra-to-DIN adapters with your chosen head unit. This item focuses on antenna compatibility and power wiring straightforwardness rather than all-in-one radio functionality.
EWAY Backup Camera RCA Adapter for Jeep/Chrysler/Dodge
The EWAY 20-pin RCA backup camera adapter preserves the use of the OEM radio when installing an aftermarket reverse camera in Jeep, Chrysler, and Dodge vehicles. It supports RB2, RBZ, REN, REW, MyGIG navigation head units and helps maintain factory functionality for video input during reverse. This cable is particularly useful for keeping existing OE features intact while upgrading the video system inside the vehicle’s dash.
Key considerations: verify your vehicle model year and head unit compatibility. This adapter is about maintaining OEM compatibility during camera upgrades, reducing the risk of losing radio features during installation.
Anina Twin Fakra Radio Antenna Adapter for VW/Skoda/More
This Anina antenna adapter supports twin Fakra to DIN connections and is designed for Volkswagen, Skoda, and related models. It provides a compact, direct replacement option for upgrading to aftermarket navigation systems while preserving antenna performance. It’s especially helpful when matching the radio’s coax interface to aftermarket head units that require a DIN-style connector.
Key considerations: confirm your vehicle’s antenna plug shape and the compatibility with your new head unit’s antenna input. The adapter offers broad compatibility across several VW Group vehicles, but fittings vary by model and year.
Power Acoustik 7” Harley-Davidson Head Unit
The Power Acoustik 7-inch replacement motorcycle head unit is designed for 2014+ Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycles, offering a plug-and-play upgrade with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, GPS navigation, and a waterproof touchscreen. The device is built to withstand weather exposure with IPx5 protection, making it a durable choice for riders seeking integrated GPS navigation, hands-free calls, and media streaming while riding.
Key considerations: confirm your motorcycle model and year, ensure compatibility with the existing audio system, and verify that the unit’s waterproof rating suits your usual riding conditions. This option focuses on motorcycle-specific navigation and infotainment rather than a car dash installation.
Anina SMA Car GPS Antenna Adapter for Toyota/Lexus
This Anina SMA male adapter is designed for Toyota and Lexus factory radio replacements, allowing compatibility with aftermarket radios and certain factory GPS antennas. It is compatible with a wide range of Toyota models (from 2007 to 2021) and selected Lexus models, making it a versatile option for upgrading navigation capabilities without losing antenna performance. It’s described as a direct replacement for several factory antenna plugs with a circular design.
Key considerations: verify the plug shape and the target vehicle’s antenna configuration. The adapter broadens compatibility for upgrading navigation alongside OEM components, but correct model matching is essential for reliable reception.
Ehlivhall 2 Din Dash Panel For Toyota Yaris
This dash panel fascia is designed to fit 2008–2011 Toyota Yaris models, enabling quick installation of a 2-DIN head unit. It uses ABS plastic and aims to provide a professional, factory-like appearance with a precise fit. The panel supports aftermarket head unit installation while keeping the dashboard’s aesthetics intact and reducing installation complexity.
RED WOLF Car Radio Harness for Honda/Acura
The RED WOLF car radio harness is a comprehensive pre-terminated wiring harness designed for a broad range of Honda and Acura models. It simplifies installation of aftermarket head units by providing a pre-terminated harness with butt connectors, reducing the need for cutting OEM wires. Compatibility covers several popular Honda and Acura years and trims, including some Civic, Accord, CR-V, and Pilot configurations.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations for Aftermarket Navigation Head Units
- Vehicle compatibility: verify dash size (2-DIN vs 1-DIN), mounting hardware, and dashboard cutout requirements. Some units need dash modification.
- Connectivity: decide between wireless CarPlay/Android Auto and wired alternatives. Check Bluetooth, WiFi, and app compatibility.
- Navigation features: consider built-in GPS versus offline maps, map data coverage, POI library size, and voice guidance quality.
- User interface and display: evaluate screen size, resolution, brightness, and touch responsiveness for daytime driving conditions.
- Audio and video: assess amplifier power, supported formats, and compatibility with existing speakers and OEM systems.
- Installation complexity: gauge whether professional installation is recommended or if DIY is feasible, based on wiring, dash modifications, and antenna adapters.
- Backup camera and safety: ensure camera integration is compatible with the head unit and vehicle wiring for reliable reverse-view functionality.
- Weather and durability: for motorcycle units, check waterproof ratings and ruggedness suitable for exposure to riding conditions.
- Warranty and support: review manufacturer warranty terms and available customer support resources.
- Cost of ownership: factor in potential installation costs, adapters, and subcomponents required to complete the upgrade.
When evaluating options, consider the balance between feature richness and installation effort. For many drivers, a model with built-in navigation, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, and a high-quality display offers the best long-term value. For enthusiasts who prioritize authentic OEM integration, look for adapters and harnesses that preserve original radio features while enabling new head units.