Upgrading 2014 8.4" Head Unit to...Recommendations?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

gizmoguide

Junior Member
Joined
Jan 28, 2023
Posts
4
Reaction score
0
Location
65203
Ram Year
2014
Engine
Hemi 5.7
Hey all, I'm looking to upgrade the head unit in my 2014 RAM 1500 Limited. It's got the 8.4" UConnect system with navigation and the backup cam and I'd like to get something a bit newer, faster, and most importantly, with Android Auto. I'm starting my research and looking for recommendations. I'd like to keep the cost of the unit to no more than $1500, if possible. What's out there that you'd recommend?
 

crash68

ACME product engineer
Staff member
Administrator Moderator Supporting Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2016
Posts
12,341
Reaction score
21,454
Ram Year
2015
Engine
3.0 EcoDiesel
Either the 8.4 UAS or UAQ out of a '18 or newer Gen4 trucks. Both support AndroidAuto/CarPlay. Along with the radio, you need a new USB media hub w/wiring adapter.
The UAS doesn't have the factory nav but you'll want to use AndroidAuto or CarPlay for mapping.

I think the only snag with the '14 model year trucks using the UAS/UAQ is the heated seat buttons on the screen maybe greyed out(physical buttons still work).
 

CanuckRam1313

Senior Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Aug 29, 2022
Posts
3,213
Reaction score
7,922
Location
Ontario Canada
Ram Year
2023 Warlock
Engine
5.7

Kenwood Excelon DMX957XR​


Fantastic head unit, and you'll never have to worry again about the very common Uconnect issues that are pretty much a guaranteed plague with that product.

If you have $1,500 to spend on a quality head unit, go aftermarket.
This, with its required bits for integration are right inline with your indicated budget.
 

Felks32

Member
Joined
Oct 18, 2021
Posts
33
Reaction score
33
Location
Hamilton, ON Canada
Ram Year
2022
Engine
Hemi 5.7
I’m having a Sony XAV9500ES installed this Friday along with the appropriate Maestro RR and harnesses. I’ll post up some pics when it’s done. Also considered the Kenwood excelon DMX1057XR.

The Sony is on sale for a great price right now.
 

Gregket1

Member
Joined
Nov 11, 2021
Posts
54
Reaction score
78
Location
Oregon
Ram Year
2014
Engine
Hemi 5.7
I’m having a Sony XAV9500ES installed this Friday along with the appropriate Maestro RR and harnesses. I’ll post up some pics when it’s done. Also considered the Kenwood excelon DMX1057XR.

The Sony is on sale for a great price right now.
So, how’s your system look/sound? Inquiring minds want to know.
 

Felks32

Member
Joined
Oct 18, 2021
Posts
33
Reaction score
33
Location
Hamilton, ON Canada
Ram Year
2022
Engine
Hemi 5.7
So, how’s your system look/sound? Inquiring minds want to know.
After a couple weeks of ongoing issues I returned it back to stock. Honestly not worth the headaches. It’s a beautiful big screen though.

The first unit was DOA and once the warranty replacement came in, the Maestro RR started acting up and I lost all stock functionality.

I’m sure others have had good experiences, just not me.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2560.jpeg
    IMG_2560.jpeg
    156 KB · Views: 25

Gregket1

Member
Joined
Nov 11, 2021
Posts
54
Reaction score
78
Location
Oregon
Ram Year
2014
Engine
Hemi 5.7
That sucks. Sorry.

But thank you for the feedback!
 

Ramisgood

Member
Joined
Mar 22, 2022
Posts
33
Reaction score
13
Location
Colville, Wa.
Ram Year
2018
Engine
Hemi 6.4
I replaced the unit in my 18 with a Sony XAV6000. Don't like it much as I did the stock radio WHEN it worked properly but, hopefully, it'll last longer than the POS Connect products.
 

seems fishy

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2024
Posts
164
Reaction score
169
Location
Ontario
Ram Year
2023
Engine
5.7
So, how’s your system look/sound? Inquiring minds want to know.
I have that Sony ES 9500 in my Nissan Micra.Had it for a yrar.Very nice unit.Very clean much better than a Pioneer I previously had.I have the Sony hooked up to two Morel 9.50 amps,with Focal speakers,and 2 ,10inch subs.The subs are clean and clear with the Sony.The Sony has a built in DSP and uses a chip that delivers obviously better imagery
 
Back
Top