This is a nice middle ground for folks wanting to add Android Auto (or carplay I suppose) to their cars.
It's not the cheapest option, but it's relatively inexpensive and one of the more modern Android Auto headunits, supporting future standards (like Wifi Android Auto, which is not yet supported by Google).
I think it looks sharp, but its pretty unusual. The entire headunit sits recessed compared to others. This means that rounded bezel sits within the edges of the dashboard. It also means the round knob sits recessed instead of out in the open on all sides. I really would prefer if if that knob extended out, as it would be a lot easier to use. Regardless, the headunit looks good. Many headunits have what I call a 'tryhard' look, with a lot of sharp edges, shiny edges, glowing buttons changing colors or glowing red. This Sony just looks like it belongs in the car, with no added glitter or nonsense.
The user interface is minimalist and awesome. Even just using bluetooth audio, the unit looks great. Switching into and out of Android Auto is seamless, with a similar font. I know that sounds minor, but it makes a difference. The same basic concept (icons on the bottom) in and out of Android Auto produces a pretty seamless experience.
Sound quality is excellent, with a nice equalizer and other features that you can scroll up and read on the product description because I barely understand them. I do understand that my music sounds really good, and in phone calls, at highway speeds, folks tell me that I sound crystal clear. They complained about the phone calls in my Honda CR-Z's factory bluetooth system, but this Sony seems to be a lot better.
As for Android Auto itself, I'm very pleased. I can just hold in the knob (or the button on my steering wheel that I've wired with a Maestro SW) and tell Google to navigate me wherever I want to go, whoever I want to call, whatever song I want to listen to. I can use Amazon Music and Waze (currently the beta version, but it works great) and get great traffic information for my perilous commute through Austin. Best of all, the experience really does keep my eyes on the road. On my first headunit, years ago, I had to trick the system into thinking my parking brake was engaged to get a usable experience. This one is so much better. Voice control isn't just a safety feature, it's far more convenient for a driver.
For half a car payment on the car I was eyeing to replace my Honda, I was able to upgrade mine with a nice infotainment system.
Oh, don't forget the AM/FM antenna adapter, wiring harness, and some sort of steering wheel button adapter. This is an easy DIY project if you get the right accessories.
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This Item  Sony XAV-AX100 6.4" Car Play/Android Auto Media Receiver with Bluetooth,black |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | Currently unavailable. | $259.00 | $337.84 | $598.00 | $149.99 | $169.99 |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 22 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 22 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 22 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 22 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 22 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sound quality | ||||||
| Touch Screen | ||||||
| Bluetooth connectivity | ||||||
| Sold By | — | Audio Watt Store | Bsd Wholesale | Creative Audio | TouchYa | Amazon.com |
| number of channels | 4 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| connectivity tech | Bluetooth | Bluetooth, USB, RCA | Bluetooth, USB, Auxiliary | Bluetooth, HDMI, USB | Bluetooth, Auxiliary, USB | Bluetooth, USB |
| control method | touch | remote, touch, application, voice | touch | voice | touch, remote, voice | remote |
| controller type | Android | Android | Touchscreen | Android | Carplay & Android Auto, IOS Siri & Google Assistant | Touchscreen, Push Button |
| audio output type | Speakers | — | Speakers | Speakers | Speakers | Speakers |
| supported services | Maps | SiriusXM | SiriusXM | SiriusXM | Maps, YouTube, Music | Amazon Alexa |
| HDMI ports | — | — | 0 | 1 | — | 0 |
| video encoding | — | Mono | H.263 | — | MPEG-4, RMVB, DivX, AVI, 1080P, MP3, WMA, JPEG | AVI, MPG/MPEG, MP4, MKV, MOV, FLV, M4V, H.263, H.264 |
Reviews with images
Huge upgrade to my 2015 Prius, but major challenge finding wiring adapter/harness
Just got it installed in my 2015 Toyota Prius Three, and it's exceeding my expectations. The one major drawback was trying to figure out which harness/adapter solution would work with my car. I literally bought 3 separate things until I figured out which one would work - and I'm fairly technical. It's just that there are many variables, and lining them all up is tricky. I ended up buying the Pac RP4.2TY11, but even that didn't solve everything. Still need adapters to connect the roof radio antenna, and the backup camera. I might also need a USB adapter. And I still can't figure out how to wire the "speed" control.I'm using the XAV-AX100 with a Google Nexus 6p, running Android Auto. All of that works wonderfully - it's such a huge improvement from using my phone sitting in a holder on the dash. It's a much smoother, more integrated experience. I may update this review later, as this is only day 1.** 1 Month-ish Update **Backup camera adapter - check. Antenna adapter - check (FM-only tho... no AM. aw.) Also mounted a USB port to clean up the connection for Android Auto, but had to cut a custom hole into the same panel with the existing cigarette lighter. There is an existing rectangular hole, but couldn't find a USB port that would fit and met my expectations.So, I still really like it, but it's not without drawbacks. There is apparently a frequent issue where the backup camera turns on when it shouldn't. I've also had issues with the volume getting stuck, and a few other bugs/idiosyncrasies. My hunch is that the PAC-to-Sony interface is partly to blame for this, and I understand that may be tricky to work out technologically.On the upside, the sound of the thing is a distinct improvement from the factory unit, with the existing speakers. That was honestly furthest from my mind, so it was a delightful "Oh...wow" experience. I'm a musician, tho admittedly not a car audiophile, but this thing has worked some magic. I'd gotten used to muddy bass, strident highs, and overall a lackluster sound. Not sure how, but this unit makes everything sound, well, good - from audio books, to classical, to Deadmaus and electronica. The bass in particular is really tight and punchy, despite no subwoofer. I may actually get inspired to update the speakers. Sony has this DSO - Dynamic Soundstage Organizer - I know... gimmicky, right? Well, so be it. It's working for me, tho at the lowest of its 3 levels. I've also flipped on the bass booster thingy, at 1 of 2. I've also tweaked the heck out of the EQ - dropping the low-mids to mids, and then curving up from there.So, all in all still pleased, but admit it isn't a flawless experience. I'm a techie, so I can deal, but others may find the few flaky things a burden. For me, the pros outweigh the cons.** 1+ year update **Given the slew of negative reviews, I thought I'd update and say that it's still working for me about as described at one month. Sony came out with a firmware upgrade last fall - I did that (over USB) and it did fix some of the flakiness, but not all. I'm about to do a firmware upgrade on the PAC adapter, to see if that helps. I don't have high hopes. But despite all that, 90% of the time, this thing running Android Auto has still been worth it to me.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2017
This is a nice middle ground for folks wanting to add Android Auto (or carplay I suppose) to their cars.
It's not the cheapest option, but it's relatively inexpensive and one of the more modern Android Auto headunits, supporting future standards (like Wifi Android Auto, which is not yet supported by Google).
I think it looks sharp, but its pretty unusual. The entire headunit sits recessed compared to others. This means that rounded bezel sits within the edges of the dashboard. It also means the round knob sits recessed instead of out in the open on all sides. I really would prefer if if that knob extended out, as it would be a lot easier to use. Regardless, the headunit looks good. Many headunits have what I call a 'tryhard' look, with a lot of sharp edges, shiny edges, glowing buttons changing colors or glowing red. This Sony just looks like it belongs in the car, with no added glitter or nonsense.
The user interface is minimalist and awesome. Even just using bluetooth audio, the unit looks great. Switching into and out of Android Auto is seamless, with a similar font. I know that sounds minor, but it makes a difference. The same basic concept (icons on the bottom) in and out of Android Auto produces a pretty seamless experience.
Sound quality is excellent, with a nice equalizer and other features that you can scroll up and read on the product description because I barely understand them. I do understand that my music sounds really good, and in phone calls, at highway speeds, folks tell me that I sound crystal clear. They complained about the phone calls in my Honda CR-Z's factory bluetooth system, but this Sony seems to be a lot better.
As for Android Auto itself, I'm very pleased. I can just hold in the knob (or the button on my steering wheel that I've wired with a Maestro SW) and tell Google to navigate me wherever I want to go, whoever I want to call, whatever song I want to listen to. I can use Amazon Music and Waze (currently the beta version, but it works great) and get great traffic information for my perilous commute through Austin. Best of all, the experience really does keep my eyes on the road. On my first headunit, years ago, I had to trick the system into thinking my parking brake was engaged to get a usable experience. This one is so much better. Voice control isn't just a safety feature, it's far more convenient for a driver.
For half a car payment on the car I was eyeing to replace my Honda, I was able to upgrade mine with a nice infotainment system.
Oh, don't forget the AM/FM antenna adapter, wiring harness, and some sort of steering wheel button adapter. This is an easy DIY project if you get the right accessories.
It's not the cheapest option, but it's relatively inexpensive and one of the more modern Android Auto headunits, supporting future standards (like Wifi Android Auto, which is not yet supported by Google).
I think it looks sharp, but its pretty unusual. The entire headunit sits recessed compared to others. This means that rounded bezel sits within the edges of the dashboard. It also means the round knob sits recessed instead of out in the open on all sides. I really would prefer if if that knob extended out, as it would be a lot easier to use. Regardless, the headunit looks good. Many headunits have what I call a 'tryhard' look, with a lot of sharp edges, shiny edges, glowing buttons changing colors or glowing red. This Sony just looks like it belongs in the car, with no added glitter or nonsense.
The user interface is minimalist and awesome. Even just using bluetooth audio, the unit looks great. Switching into and out of Android Auto is seamless, with a similar font. I know that sounds minor, but it makes a difference. The same basic concept (icons on the bottom) in and out of Android Auto produces a pretty seamless experience.
Sound quality is excellent, with a nice equalizer and other features that you can scroll up and read on the product description because I barely understand them. I do understand that my music sounds really good, and in phone calls, at highway speeds, folks tell me that I sound crystal clear. They complained about the phone calls in my Honda CR-Z's factory bluetooth system, but this Sony seems to be a lot better.
As for Android Auto itself, I'm very pleased. I can just hold in the knob (or the button on my steering wheel that I've wired with a Maestro SW) and tell Google to navigate me wherever I want to go, whoever I want to call, whatever song I want to listen to. I can use Amazon Music and Waze (currently the beta version, but it works great) and get great traffic information for my perilous commute through Austin. Best of all, the experience really does keep my eyes on the road. On my first headunit, years ago, I had to trick the system into thinking my parking brake was engaged to get a usable experience. This one is so much better. Voice control isn't just a safety feature, it's far more convenient for a driver.
For half a car payment on the car I was eyeing to replace my Honda, I was able to upgrade mine with a nice infotainment system.
Oh, don't forget the AM/FM antenna adapter, wiring harness, and some sort of steering wheel button adapter. This is an easy DIY project if you get the right accessories.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2017
This radio doesn't have an aux input in the back -- it looks like it does, but don't be fooled by the images. It has two 3.5mm inputs: one for a mic and one for steering wheel controls. The audio sounds phenomenal compared to the stock stereo in my VW, especially when using the DSO feature.
I installed this stereo in a 2007 VW Jetta with the following kit:
[[ASIN:B002B5G4RA Metra XSVI-9003-NAV Non-Amplified Non-OnStar Harness to Retain Accessory Power]]
[[ASIN:B000WUJ96Y Metra 99-9011 Single DIN Installation Multi-Kit for Select 2005-2009 Volkswagen Vehicles]]
[[ASIN:B0007WW64Y Metra 40-EU55 Antenna Adapter for European]]
Note, The Scosche VW install kit was not wide enough for this radio. The scosche is a very popular install kit for mkv Jettas, so keep this in mind. The Metra kit is substantially lower quality but fit the radio well.
A great CarPlay head unit; potentially problematic size.
Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2017
This is an excellent head unit. It is a single-din sized radio with a double-din interface. This means there is a lot of room to put your wire harness and cables. The CarPlay feature works great, the Bluetooth works great. The interface is clean and responsive. The resistive touch screen is much faster than any other resistive touch screen I've used. It's almost as good as a capacitive screen with the added bonus of reduced glare.Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2017
This radio doesn't have an aux input in the back -- it looks like it does, but don't be fooled by the images. It has two 3.5mm inputs: one for a mic and one for steering wheel controls. The audio sounds phenomenal compared to the stock stereo in my VW, especially when using the DSO feature.
I installed this stereo in a 2007 VW Jetta with the following kit:
[[ASIN:B002B5G4RA Metra XSVI-9003-NAV Non-Amplified Non-OnStar Harness to Retain Accessory Power]]
[[ASIN:B000WUJ96Y Metra 99-9011 Single DIN Installation Multi-Kit for Select 2005-2009 Volkswagen Vehicles]]
[[ASIN:B0007WW64Y Metra 40-EU55 Antenna Adapter for European]]
Note, The Scosche VW install kit was not wide enough for this radio. The scosche is a very popular install kit for mkv Jettas, so keep this in mind. The Metra kit is substantially lower quality but fit the radio well.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2018
I'm using the XAV-AX100 with a Google Nexus 6p, running Android Auto. All of that works wonderfully - it's such a huge improvement from using my phone sitting in a holder on the dash. It's a much smoother, more integrated experience. I may update this review later, as this is only day 1.
** 1 Month-ish Update **
Backup camera adapter - check. Antenna adapter - check (FM-only tho... no AM. aw.) Also mounted a USB port to clean up the connection for Android Auto, but had to cut a custom hole into the same panel with the existing cigarette lighter. There is an existing rectangular hole, but couldn't find a USB port that would fit and met my expectations.
So, I still really like it, but it's not without drawbacks. There is apparently a frequent issue where the backup camera turns on when it shouldn't. I've also had issues with the volume getting stuck, and a few other bugs/idiosyncrasies. My hunch is that the PAC-to-Sony interface is partly to blame for this, and I understand that may be tricky to work out technologically.
On the upside, the sound of the thing is a distinct improvement from the factory unit, with the existing speakers. That was honestly furthest from my mind, so it was a delightful "Oh...wow" experience. I'm a musician, tho admittedly not a car audiophile, but this thing has worked some magic. I'd gotten used to muddy bass, strident highs, and overall a lackluster sound. Not sure how, but this unit makes everything sound, well, good - from audio books, to classical, to Deadmaus and electronica. The bass in particular is really tight and punchy, despite no subwoofer. I may actually get inspired to update the speakers. Sony has this DSO - Dynamic Soundstage Organizer - I know... gimmicky, right? Well, so be it. It's working for me, tho at the lowest of its 3 levels. I've also flipped on the bass booster thingy, at 1 of 2. I've also tweaked the heck out of the EQ - dropping the low-mids to mids, and then curving up from there.
So, all in all still pleased, but admit it isn't a flawless experience. I'm a techie, so I can deal, but others may find the few flaky things a burden. For me, the pros outweigh the cons.
** 1+ year update **
Given the slew of negative reviews, I thought I'd update and say that it's still working for me about as described at one month. Sony came out with a firmware upgrade last fall - I did that (over USB) and it did fix some of the flakiness, but not all. I'm about to do a firmware upgrade on the PAC adapter, to see if that helps. I don't have high hopes. But despite all that, 90% of the time, this thing running Android Auto has still been worth it to me.
Huge upgrade to my 2015 Prius, but major challenge finding wiring adapter/harness
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2018
Just got it installed in my 2015 Toyota Prius Three, and it's exceeding my expectations. The one major drawback was trying to figure out which harness/adapter solution would work with my car. I literally bought 3 separate things until I figured out which one would work - and I'm fairly technical. It's just that there are many variables, and lining them all up is tricky. I ended up buying the Pac RP4.2TY11, but even that didn't solve everything. Still need adapters to connect the roof radio antenna, and the backup camera. I might also need a USB adapter. And I still can't figure out how to wire the "speed" control.Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2018
I'm using the XAV-AX100 with a Google Nexus 6p, running Android Auto. All of that works wonderfully - it's such a huge improvement from using my phone sitting in a holder on the dash. It's a much smoother, more integrated experience. I may update this review later, as this is only day 1.
** 1 Month-ish Update **
Backup camera adapter - check. Antenna adapter - check (FM-only tho... no AM. aw.) Also mounted a USB port to clean up the connection for Android Auto, but had to cut a custom hole into the same panel with the existing cigarette lighter. There is an existing rectangular hole, but couldn't find a USB port that would fit and met my expectations.
So, I still really like it, but it's not without drawbacks. There is apparently a frequent issue where the backup camera turns on when it shouldn't. I've also had issues with the volume getting stuck, and a few other bugs/idiosyncrasies. My hunch is that the PAC-to-Sony interface is partly to blame for this, and I understand that may be tricky to work out technologically.
On the upside, the sound of the thing is a distinct improvement from the factory unit, with the existing speakers. That was honestly furthest from my mind, so it was a delightful "Oh...wow" experience. I'm a musician, tho admittedly not a car audiophile, but this thing has worked some magic. I'd gotten used to muddy bass, strident highs, and overall a lackluster sound. Not sure how, but this unit makes everything sound, well, good - from audio books, to classical, to Deadmaus and electronica. The bass in particular is really tight and punchy, despite no subwoofer. I may actually get inspired to update the speakers. Sony has this DSO - Dynamic Soundstage Organizer - I know... gimmicky, right? Well, so be it. It's working for me, tho at the lowest of its 3 levels. I've also flipped on the bass booster thingy, at 1 of 2. I've also tweaked the heck out of the EQ - dropping the low-mids to mids, and then curving up from there.
So, all in all still pleased, but admit it isn't a flawless experience. I'm a techie, so I can deal, but others may find the few flaky things a burden. For me, the pros outweigh the cons.
** 1+ year update **
Given the slew of negative reviews, I thought I'd update and say that it's still working for me about as described at one month. Sony came out with a firmware upgrade last fall - I did that (over USB) and it did fix some of the flakiness, but not all. I'm about to do a firmware upgrade on the PAC adapter, to see if that helps. I don't have high hopes. But despite all that, 90% of the time, this thing running Android Auto has still been worth it to me.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
T Fan
Works great! Not too hard to install if you have the tools and know-how
Reviewed in Canada on May 30, 2017Amazon Customer
Absolutely wrong product was shipped and no replacement option
Reviewed in Canada on December 2, 2018
Amazon Customer
Reviewed in Canada on December 2, 2018
Images in this review
