Nav Unit - Pionner or Eclipse - & Install Questions

[leepark]

My TCH currently does not have the navigation unit. I am thinking about buying a Pioneer AVIC N3 (or Z1) or Eclipse. Any recommendations? Does anybody have know if either will fit into the stock radio/cd changer slot? Is it difficult to install for someone with zero install experience? Will any of the TCH features be compromised (bluetooth, ipod, steering wheel controls, etc.)? Will the after market nav unit show hybrid related displays (mpg, graphs, etc.) like the stock Toyota nav unit?

[hybridamp]

If you go with an Eclipse, it's basically plug-and-play. Simple plug-in the wiring/speaker harnesses, along with the steering wheel harness, tap the VSS (easy if you have an '07) and you're pretty much ready to go.

[leepark]

Thanks, hybridamp. I read your post on your Eclipse 5500 install. Why are you selling your set-up?

You say that the Eclipse is "basically plug-and-play", does that mean that the Pioneer AVIC Navs are not? Is the Eclipse better than the Pioneer, and vise-versa?

Since I have a Camry Hybrid, do you know if after market NAV units will show hybrid related displays (mpg, graphs, etc.) like the stock Toyota NAV unit?

[hybridamp]

No, the aftermarket units will not interface with your Hybrid's on-board computers, as far as I know.

I've owned both Pioneer (AVIC-N2, N3, D2) units and Eclipse (AVN-5500). Personally, I felt the Eclipse had much better sound quality and a better touch-responsive screen than the Pioneer units, but both are top-notch quality. The Pioneer is not plug-and-play in regards to wiring in the gen 6 Camry; you will have to use a wiring harness and join that to the Pioneer wiring harness and you will also have to purchase an additional steering wheel remote adapter and splice it into the stock Toyota harness (yes, meaning you will have to splice/cut into factory wiring). As for installing either into a Hybrid, there may even be additional wiring, I'm not sure since I've never worked on a Camry Hybrid before.

I am selling the my unit because I sold my Camry and plan to purchase an Avalon, which doesn't support double-din mounting.

[armen818]

how does the Eclipse (AVN-5500) compare to Kenwood P-NAV6019

[thapranksta]

^^^^^^^That's the same thing I've been wondering. I have a Kenwood DDX6019 and I'm trying to decide if I should buy the Nav attachment (KNA-G510) or just buy another headunit with Nav already included and sell my Kenwood.

Edit: The Kenwood unit does support non-DVD based updates which makes it seem more economical and practical.