10 Best Kenwood Car Radios 2026 in the United States

The Kenwood DMX809S eXcelon car radio is designed to enhance your driving experience with its 6.95-inch capacitive touchscreen that offers a high contrast ratio, clear display, and responsive touch controls. This makes it easy to view and interact with the screen while driving.

For connectivity, it supports both wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to access apps, make calls, and navigate hands-free. The inclusion of Bluetooth and USB ports also adds to its versatility, letting you stream music or play audio files from various sources. Audio quality is another strong point, with a 13-band graphic equalizer and time alignment feature for customized sound settings.

The device supports surround sound with a 5.1 channel configuration, providing an immersive listening experience. Navigation is enhanced via integration with Apple and Google Maps, ensuring you stay on the right path. Additionally, the unit is expandable with options for satellite radio (SiriusXM) and multiple camera inputs for better safety. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The SiriusXM tuner is sold separately, adding to the cost. The device's dimensions may also pose installation challenges in certain car models.

The KENWOOD eXcelon Reference DMX1057XR is a feature-rich car stereo system designed to enhance the in-car multimedia experience. Its standout feature is the 10.1” HD floating touchscreen display, which offers high contrast and vivid colors, making it easy to use and visually appealing. The capacitive touch panel is responsive, providing a smooth interaction with the interface. For connectivity, this model supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless integration with smartphones. This compatibility allows for hands-free control over navigation, phone calls, messages, and music streaming, contributing to safer driving.

Audio quality is another strength, with Hi-Res Audio support that includes various file formats like FLAC and WAV, promising clear and detailed sound. The stereo is also SiriusXM ready, offering access to a wide range of satellite radio channels. Expandability is well-covered, featuring four camera inputs that enhance safety by supporting various camera configurations, including front, rear, and side cameras. The iDatalink Maestro RR integration allows for retaining factory features and adding advanced functionalities like parking sensor display.

The system’s complexity might be overwhelming for users not familiar with car electronics, and its relatively high price point may not be suitable for budget-conscious buyers. Additionally, the installation could be challenging, potentially requiring professional assistance. Despite these considerations, the DMX1057XR is an excellent choice for those looking for a comprehensive and high-quality car multimedia system.

The Kenwood eXcelon Reference DNX997XR stands out with its 6.8-inch high-definition capacitive touch display, offering clear and vibrant visuals. This makes it easy to navigate through menus and settings, enhancing user experience. Its built-in navigation system ensures you never lose your way, which is a significant benefit for frequent travelers.

The receiver is compatible with CarPlay, allowing seamless integration with your iPhone for hands-free control and access to apps, music, and more. Its audio quality is top-notch, supporting high-resolution audio wireless and various audio output modes like stereo, surround, and mono for a rich listening experience.

Connectivity is another strong point, with Bluetooth, WiFi, and USB options available, making it versatile for different user needs. The inclusion of 4 camera inputs and HD rear camera readiness enhances parking and driving safety, especially useful for larger vehicles. Despite some considerations about the receiver's weight and price, the Kenwood eXcelon DNX997XR offers a comprehensive set of features with excellent display quality, robust connectivity, and superior audio performance, making it ideal for users who prioritize these aspects in a car radio.