The Pioneer AVIC-5200NEX is an in-dash navigation system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a variety of navigation and entertainment features. With its built-in maps and nearly 8 million points of interest, the navigation system can guide you efficiently to your destination. And you can enjoy music and apps from your smartphone thanks to its cell phone integration.
Arguably, the two most important features that the Pioneer AVIC-5200NEX has are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Apple CarPlay works with iPhones to display apps on the aftermarket navigation device’s screen. It connects to the unit using the Apple Lightning port on the bottom of the phone. You can then interact with select iPhone apps, including Messages, Phone, Music, Maps and Spotify, through the display’s touch interface.
This unit also supports wireless connectivity through Bluetooth. This is especially useful if you have a Windows Phone. The Windows Phone can’t make the same type of connection as CarPlay and Android Auto, but you can still use Bluetooth to make calls and listen to music.
While you could simply connect your Apple or Android smartphone to the 5200NEX using CarPlay or Android Auto and then use your smartphone’s navigation app, using the device’s built-in navigation doesn’t burn through your phone’s data. The in-dash GPS comes with preinstalled maps of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, provided by the HERE database, as well as 7.9 million points of interest. You can check the traffic on your route ahead, as well as view the current speed limit without using up data on your smartphone.
The double-din navigation system has a 6.2-inch screen, similar to the Kenwood DDX24BT and Soundstream VRN-65HB. This is the average for these units. The resistive display has a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels, and though capacitive touchscreens offer a more sensitive, accurate and easy-to-use experience, resistive screens typically help keep the price low. Like most of the other GPS navigation devices in our review, the 5200NEX can play CDs and DVDs. It can also play satellite or streaming radio, and stored media files, allowing you and anyone else you’re driving with to enjoy a variety of entertainment options.
Pioneer offers a one-year warranty for the navigation GPS, provided you purchase from an authorized dealer. It also offers email and phone support. Additionally, Pioneer has an active social media presence, which can be helpful for getting questions answered quickly. Pioneer has service centers in most major cities, so you should be able to get your unit fixed locally should you ever have a problem.
In terms of features and functionality, the Pioneer AVIC-5200NEX is solid and powerful. Its preloaded maps and extensive navigation features help make your journeys pleasant, while its impressive multimedia options make it easy to listen to music, interact with your smartphone and even put on a movie for your kids during a road trip.
