Kia Mohave Android Head Unit Review — Infotainment Upgrade

Upgrade Your Kia Mohave's Infotainment System

Are you a Kia Mohave owner looking to modernize your vehicle's entertainment and navigation? The factory-installed AV system often feels limited, especially when it comes to seamless smartphone integration and access to the latest apps. This is where an Android All-in-One head unit comes in, transforming your car's dashboard into a smart hub akin to a tablet. You can enjoy popular apps like YouTube, various navigation services, and music streaming platforms, creating a truly connected driving experience. This review details a specific installation on a Kia Mohave, focusing on the Navifly Android unit, an AHD backup camera, and an audio balance converter.

Kia Mohave Android Head Unit Installation Process

This particular installation was performed on a Kia Mohave equipped with the factory navigation and JBL audio system. The upgrade involved fitting a Navifly Android All-in-One unit, a high-definition AHD rear-view camera, and a 6db audio balance converter (Odilo Link) to mitigate potential noise issues with the factory amplifier. The process began with the careful removal of the original AV audio system. Following this, the new Android head unit was integrated with the vehicle's dashboard trim. Before final assembly, thorough testing was conducted to ensure all functions, including steering wheel controls and the rear-view camera, operated correctly. The Navifly unit features a large 9-inch screen, offering significantly better visibility than the stock monitor and allowing for the installation and use of a wide array of applications, greatly enhancing the vehicle's utility.

Installation process:

1. Carefully remove the original factory AV audio system.
2. Integrate the new Android All-in-One unit with the vehicle's dashboard, ensuring a snug fit.
3. Connect the wiring harness for power, speakers, and any additional components like the backup camera.
4. Test all functions, including touchscreen responsiveness, app compatibility, steering wheel controls, and the rear-view camera feed.
5. Reassemble the dashboard trim panels for a clean, factory-like finish.

Enhanced Features: AHD Camera and Audio Quality

The included high-definition AHD rear-view camera provides a remarkably clear picture, significantly improving situational awareness when parking or reversing. While the camera was mounted cleanly in the factory location, slight off-center positioning was noted due to the original camera's placement, though the overall finish aimed for a natural integration. The 6db audio balance converter is crucial for vehicles with factory amplifiers, as it helps minimize audio noise and improve sound quality, elevating the overall listening experience. Although the owner had prepared the components, final DSP tuning was not performed due to an existing issue with the vehicle's stock speakers. The estimated cost for such an upgrade in the US typically ranges from $400 to $800, depending on the specific unit and installation complexity.