Kia All New Carnival CarPlay Retrofit Installation Review — Cost

Upgrade Your Kia All New Carnival with a 13-Inch Android Head Unit

Many Kia All New Carnival owners find the factory navigation system's screen size to be a bit limiting. If you're looking for a more modern and expansive infotainment experience, upgrading to a large-screen Android head unit like the Dudu7 offers a compelling solution. This review delves into the specifics of installing a 13-inch Dudu7 unit in a 2015 Kia All New Carnival, examining its features, installation process, and overall value.

Dudu7 Android Head Unit: Features and Benefits

The Dudu7 Android head unit is designed to replace the smaller, often frustrating, factory navigation system. It boasts impressive specifications, including a UIS7870 CPU and Qualcomm 3031 Bluetooth audio, ensuring smooth and responsive performance. A standout feature is its support for 192KHz/24bit lossless audio output, bringing CD-quality sound to your car's audio system. The most striking aspect is the expansive 13-inch display, which dramatically enhances the vehicle's interior aesthetics, giving it a more contemporary, Tesla-like feel. This larger screen allows for a more immersive experience when using navigation apps, streaming media, or multitasking. The user interface is highly customizable, allowing you to arrange apps and widgets as you prefer. Features like Picture-in-Picture (PIP) and adjustable split-screen ratios further boost usability, enabling you to watch YouTube or Netflix while simultaneously using navigation apps like Naver Map, Kakao Navi, or Tmap. Steering wheel controls are fully integrated, maintaining convenience for essential functions. Additionally, the Dudu7 can display vehicle information such as climate control settings and door status, and it supports connection to existing rear monitors via HDMI, extending the entertainment experience to all passengers. Data connectivity is flexible, allowing you to use smartphone tethering or a separate SIM card for tablet-like internet access.

Installation Process and Considerations

The installation of the Dudu7 Android head unit in the Kia All New Carnival involves replacing the existing infotainment system. While specific details can vary, the general process is as follows:

1. Removal of Factory Unit: The original head unit and surrounding trim pieces are carefully removed to access the wiring harness and mounting points.
2. Wiring Connections: The new Dudu7 unit is connected using a custom wiring harness that interfaces with the vehicle's existing electrical system, ensuring compatibility with steering wheel controls, power, and speakers.
3. Mounting the Unit: The 13-inch display and its housing are securely mounted in the dashboard. It's important to note that installing a larger screen may require minor adjustments or may slightly restrict the use of the central air vents.
4. System Testing: Before final assembly, the unit's functionality is thoroughly tested, including screen responsiveness, audio output, Bluetooth connectivity, and integration with vehicle systems.
5. Final Assembly: Once confirmed to be working correctly, the dashboard trim pieces are reinstalled for a clean, factory-integrated look.

The installation performed at the 'Oneul-ui Car' Busan branch was meticulous, with thorough testing before and after the procedure. While this review is based on a service performed in Korea, the Dudu7 unit and similar Android head units are available through various aftermarket installers in the US and UK. The cost in Korea for this specific installation was approximately 790,000 KRW (around $570 USD at the time of writing), though prices can fluctuate based on the installer and specific unit configuration.

Is the Android Head Unit Upgrade Worth It?

For Kia All New Carnival owners who feel constrained by their current infotainment system, the Dudu7 Android head unit offers a significant upgrade in both functionality and aesthetics. The large 13-inch screen provides a modern feel and a much-improved user experience for navigation, media, and apps. While the installation requires professional attention and may involve minor compromises like partial vent obstruction, the benefits of enhanced connectivity, superior audio quality, and a vastly improved visual interface often outweigh these considerations. The ability to run modern Android applications directly on the head unit makes it a versatile and future-proof infotainment solution. Durability is generally good for these units, but like any electronic device, proper care and avoiding extreme temperatures can prolong its lifespan. Maintenance typically involves keeping the software updated and ensuring clean connections.