The Top 4 Brands for Navigation Radios

ken-DNX7160If you’re looking to upgrade your car’s radio system and would like to add some modern conveniences to your ride, there are a lot of great options available.  Even if you are driving a newer vehicle that came stock with a navigation radio, if you like to stay on top of the latest technology trends, there are a lot of great options that can only be found in [tp lang=”en” only=”y”]aftermarket products[/tp][tp not_in=”en”]aftermarket products[/tp].  The technology for convenience keeps getting better and more refined each year.  If you’re driving a car that was manufactured as recently as a few years ago, it’s not a stretch to say that newer technology has rendered your navigation radio obsolete.  At the very least, it’s safe to say that your older navigation radio doesn’t sport as many features or have the same capabilities as a top radio that has come out in the last year.   So, if you are in the market for a new navigation radio, what are your best options?

When making a purchase on a new piece of technology, the most important way you can spend your time is by researching and comparing products.  For the frugal buyers out there, comparing prices is an important factor but you shouldn’t start with it or let it be the deciding factor.  It’s a good idea to find out what features are available on new models and to consider the features that you are looking to get in the product you will finally choose.  At that point you can easily narrow the search down and start on price comparisons.

There are a variety of trusted brands that make quality navigation radio products.  If you’re a tech buff, the majority of these brand names should be quite familiar to you already.  Obviously, if you can afford to purchase a product from a top name brand it will be your best bet.  There are good reasons why some brands float to the surface in the marketplace.  For one, when a brand name has demonstrated the reliability of their products they are more likely to sell and retain popularity.  Beyond reliability, other factors to keep in mind are quality, customer service, warranty service, competitive technology, and value.  Usually you can expect to pay more for these traits in a brand.  If you’re looking for cutting edge technology, you will need to pay for it.  This is the very reason technology products drop so dramatically in price after they’ve been on the market for a year or two.  The fact is, usefulness and convenience aren’t the only things customers want in a technology product.  They went to be at the head of the pack.  And why wouldn’t they?  Getting to experience new technology as it becomes available is the only way to truly appreciate living in the “future” as we do.

1. Kenwood

The DNX7160 is Kenwood’s top dog in the [tp lang=”en” only=”y”]navigation radio[/tp][tp not_in=”en”]navigation radio[/tp] world.  It’s a little bit pricy but it’s worth the price. This amazing radio combines ease of use with a streamlined interface and a variety of great features.  The only real downside of this radio is that Satellite radio and HD radio do not come stock in the unit.

2. Pioneer

The AVIC-Z120BT is a great option for an aftermarket GPS navigation radio.  This user friendly radio sports a 7 inch screen and features a whopping 12 million POIs.  Unfortunately, the AVIC-Z120BT does not come with a remote control but, as it’s going to sit right in front of you while driving, it shouldn’t make too much of a difference.

3. Sony

The XNV-770BT has many great features including iPod compatibility and Bluetooth functionality.  It also costs about half the price of Kenwood’s DNX7160.   While the GPS navigation features are comparatively limited, as an in-dash receiver it is top-notch.

4. JVC

The KW-NT3HDT is an excellent and affordable option for an [tp lang=”en” only=”y”]in-dash navigation[/tp][tp not_in=”en”]in-dash navigation[/tp] radio.  It offers built-in HD Radio as well as other great features like a detachable face plate.   Unlike some of its pricier competitors, this radio does not feature voice control.   But with built-in HD Radio and great GPS functionality at a comparatively low price, the KW-NT3HDT by JVC is an excellent option.

1 thought on “The Top 4 Brands for Navigation Radios”

  1. i always use a pioneer cause they give a good quallity of sound and the price more cheaper than other famous brand. pioneer also gives a guarantee for their product quallity control so it makes us trust this brand.

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