Sony XAV-AX100 Carplay / Android Auto

Great unit

Both this unit for my 2015 Nissan Altima S. I was really apprehensive about spending so much on this unit, but it came with several features that I desired and overall I am very satisfied with the unit. It is worth every penny.

First, the unit came with physical buttons for reaching the home menu, adjusting the volume, and switching stations/songs. While I use the steering wheel controls while driving my vehicle, I tend to use interface buttons when parked or going through a drive-thru as they offer much greater response time than the steering wheel buttons.

Second, the unit came with Apple CarPlay which allowed for greater integration with my iPhone. It also supports Android as well. The unit also comes with a USB extension cord so don't go out and buy one like I did (although I prefer the one I bought as it looks more factory). This allows for easier integration with your phone of choice.

Originally, I purchased a different unit for my car and I later returned it because it did not allow me to play music and access other menus at the same time; ie, having a favorite song play while in the EQ menu to adjust sound quality. This Sony unit allows such capabilities.

The GUI is very clean and simple, very easy to use without even having to read the manual. I was able to find my way around the settings and adjust the settings accordingly with no problems whatsoever. The switch from the Sony GUI to the iOS is fluid, quick, and seamless.

On starting the car, it takes roughly 15 to 20 seconds for the unit to enter ready mode. For me, this is not an inconvenience as this is usually how long it takes me to get settled; seat belt on, phone connected, etc.

The touch screen is very responsive to the touch. I noticed that I need to be careful when selecting radio stations as keeping my finger on the station icon for a split second too long will cause it to unintentionally save said station as a 'favorite." I am not sure if this due to the programming delay or my carelessness. Otherwise, I have no problems with the display recognizing my finger tapping it.

There is an option for rear view camera and this can be disabled in the settings menu if you do not have a rearview camera. There is also options for connecting via bluetooth (which I have not tried) and regular USB (which I also have not tried). There is no CD slot, so this unit cannot play CDs. This doesn't bother me as all my music is on my phone. There are plenty of ports for subwoofers and additional components as well.

The only thing I don't like, and this is very minor dislike, is the "for your safety" message that appears each time the unit is started. It requires you to tap "ok" to clear. I haven't researched if this has been removed in a current firmware update or if there is a workaround.

Awesome radio that still include as volume knob!

Great radio that includes both CarPlay and Android Auto. If you are a family with split phone type, anyone can use this radio with ease (it just has to be a wired connection). The only downside is no DVD / CD slot, no AUX input, and only one Subwoofer Preout.

By Christopher on February 2, 2018 Verified purchase

Good product, except every time you turn on your vehicle the message display comes on, very annoying.

Great value for your money, downside that's not have a C D player, first display comes on every time you turn your vehicle on... very annoying.

By Angel on August 10, 2017 Verified purchase

Excellent Value

This Sony receiver is a great unit. It is very easy to maneuver around in. With the newly released Android Auto version, you can simply talk to it without having to even touch the screen icon or push the voice button. Using only voice command (hands free) you can achieve whatever your phone is capable of. The display is high quality. The backup camera is very good. Sound is great. I would definitely recommend this unit for what I believe is a fair price point given it's abilities.

By Ron on December 26, 2016 Verified purchase

It works

Very pleased, works well without a lot of bells and whistles.

By Anonymous on October 2, 2018 Verified purchase

I've had better

This is a great radio, although the clock does not keep time.

sony xav-ax100

least expesive way to put android auto in your vehicle. 10 band graphic equalizer sounds great - much better sound than the factory unit. hands free calls work and sound great. especially love the android auto!! there is nothing I don't like about this deck.

BMW E46 Owners - Rejoice!

The XAV-AX100 fits an E46 without cutting into the HVAC. I installed in my '04 325xi with no issues. High quality OEM look and feel (better than Kenwood/Pioneer etc.). Works with factory amp and Axxess unit allows use of all steering wheel controls. Bluetooth, CarPlay, hands-free calling all 5 stars. Volume knob a +. The only - is no HD radio. Radio sound quality is average at best and well below the HD Pioneer units I own. But this Sony fits so I'll live with it. If you only stream music/podcasts/apps you won't care much about the radio. Good value. Overall very happy.

By Jeffrey L. on February 17, 2017 Verified purchase

awesome radio

the sony XAV-AX100 Is an awesome radio ! glad i purchased it i was looking at other brands for cheaper price then decided to buy this and im glad i did ! excellent sound and features . the only thing i think they should change is to add a second usb port for your usb drive for mp3's and media . kind of a drawback to unplug it to plug in your phone for android auto with that being said i can only give it 4 stars .other than that nothing bad to say ! i love it !

By douglas on February 14, 2017 Verified purchase

Simply Elegant Head Unit

In three words....it just works.
Simple, effective interface that doesn't "burp" on a large USB memory device. Android Auto works perfectly. Can't say about Apple since I don't have that.

My only nitpicks would be an option to remove the camera overlays altogether and the screen sensitivity to slide right to the settings is slow way too often. Perhaps a firmware update can fix these items.