I swapped the Pioneer P4200DVD out for the AppRadio 4. The introduction of Apple's CarPlay to Pioneer receivers intrigued me. Though it's not perfect, so far I'm definitely happy with it.

Pros:
- Talk to Siri to call and text, or find directions
- Can use Siri for directions to anything, not just known addresses
- Reads text messages out loud and offers to reply
- Easy to upgrade firmware thru USB
- Easy Pandora music interface
- Podcasts
- Built in Bluetooth for both calls and for music

Cons:
- Uses Apple Maps, not Google Maps
- Physical buttons for volume and fast forward are actually touchscreen buttons, so not so easy to press without looking at them
- Difficult to switch between Equalizer settings, takes multiple touches
- In Apple CarPlay mode, the clock not easily visible on left side of screen, especially when pressing volume buttons b/c it is blocked by your hand. I much preferred upper right corner like when in regular Pioneer mode.

Glitches that I hope are fixed with firmware updates:
- Spotify doesn't always play properly when opening the App
- A contact's picture doesn't show up for phone calls, but does for texts
- Can't say "hey siri", have to push button on screen.

Oh and a note for anyone that may buy this, the antenna plug is on the steering wheel side of the back of the head unit. The antenna cable in my 05 stang was a bit short so it needed an extension.

 

Thanks for the heads up. I intend to buy one this month for my 05 Convertible with a shaker 500.

So how does it sound?

 

Sounds great. As do most Pioneer units, includes an Auto-EQ feature if you have/buy their special mic.

 

I almost went with an Appradio 4 for my Ranger, but the lack of support for a SiriusXM tuner killed it. bought an AVH-4100NEX instead.

 

Mine goes in tomorrow!

 

Mine is in along with a pair of 5.25" Fosgate speakers n the front doors. IT BLOWS AWAY the old shaker, not to mention I carry all my music in my phone via music match, ans SIRI works great. Now I am thinking about swapping out the 8" door speakers and adding a little more sound deadening to the doors.

It has been a couple of days and I havent even read the directions... It just works great.

 

Looks good but have you ever thought of getting rid of that huge piece of fill in plastic around the head unit and have something custom made so it looks all one piece? I that would look better IMO. Always been a Pioneer man myself though.

 

I don't mind the plastic around it, I assume you mean something chrome? You have any examples or pictures?