Upgrading your car’s radio can feel like stepping into the modern age, especially if you’re coming from a system that lacks smartphone integration. For Toyota owners, like myself with my ’18 truck, the absence of Android Auto can be a real pain. Trading in a perfectly good vehicle just for a radio upgrade? No thanks. That’s why I started exploring aftermarket options and landed on the Kenwood DDX9906XR. While Pioneer is usually my go-to brand, the integrated dashcam feature of this Kenwood unit really caught my attention, a must-have given the, shall we say, spirited driving in Orlando.
Purchasing from Crutchfield made the process even smoother. Their install kit was a perfect match, and opting for their harness connection service for an extra $25 was absolutely worth it – saved a ton of time and hassle. Overall, the Kenwood DDX9906XR has proven to be a fantastic head unit, and I’m genuinely pleased with its performance.
Here’s how it looks installed in my truck:
Seamless Android Auto Integration
The primary reason for this upgrade was to get Android Auto, and the Kenwood DDX9906XR delivers flawlessly. Connecting my phone is quick and easy, giving me access to navigation, music, and apps directly on the Kenwood’s screen. No more fumbling with phone mounts or outdated Toyota software.
Enhanced Safety with Integrated Dashcam and Backup Camera
Beyond Android Auto, the integrated dashcam is a standout feature. It plugs directly into a dedicated port and connects to the car’s power harness, ensuring it’s always ready to record. The parking sensor is another great addition. If the truck is bumped while parked, it automatically records the incident and alerts you when you next start the vehicle, allowing for immediate video review on the head unit.
The backup camera integration is also well-executed. The dynamic parking lines, which move with the steering wheel, are a neat touch, although perhaps not strictly necessary, they add a layer of convenience.
iDatalink Maestro and Customization
The iDatalink Maestro integration is impressive. It retains factory features and even allows for customization. While I did lose the navigation data on the center console screen, something I never used anyway, the ability to reprogram the steering wheel buttons is a game-changer. I remapped the volume controls to up and down, and skip track to left and right, a much more intuitive setup than the factory configuration. Function over form, every time.
Installation Notes and Minor Quirks
Having installed car radios before, I wasn’t a complete novice, but Crutchfield’s install guide was surprisingly unhelpful. It focused heavily on dash removal, the easiest part, and completely skipped crucial steps like connecting the RCA connectors for the JBL amp. This led to about 15 minutes of unnecessary troubleshooting. A more comprehensive guide would definitely improve the user experience for first-time installers.
One peculiar thing is the need for a GPS antenna even without built-in navigation. Apparently, it’s solely for setting the time. For now, I’ve placed it on the dash, planning to upgrade to a conversion cable to utilize the factory roof antenna for a cleaner install.
Final Verdict: A Top-Tier Android Auto Upgrade
Despite a couple of minor installation hiccups and the odd GPS antenna requirement, I am thoroughly satisfied with the Kenwood DDX9906XR. The Android Auto integration is seamless, the dashcam is a valuable safety feature, and the sound quality is a significant improvement over the stock Toyota radio. I plan to share some dashcam video samples soon to demonstrate the recording quality, which is comparable to my previous dedicated dashcam system. If you’re looking for a top-rated Android Auto head unit with added features like a dashcam, the Kenwood DDX9906XR is definitely worth considering.
