Possible to replace 2012 Nav system with 2013?

[mcleanrd]

Recently purchased a 2012 CX-9 GT and was wondering if anyone happens to know if it would be possible to swap out the 2012's nav with the latest 2013 navigation system. Looks like the fitment is identical.

Part found here:
http://www.mazdaparts.org/mazda-cx9-tom-tom-navigation-system.html

Thanks!

 

[J&J's Dad]

If I'm reading the installation instructions correctly from the link you provided, you're only buying the navigation electronics, and not the color touch screen display. Were you aware of that? Look at the parts list in the instructions PDF. Did your 2012 GT come with Nav? If so, what's different about the 2013 unit that you would want to replace it? I think the Nav unit in the 2012 CX9 GT I just bought for my wife works pretty well for a factory installed unit.

 

[ceric]

J&J's Dad is absolutely correct on this.
The $499 is just for the "brain" of GPS. With 2013, NAVI system is self-installable.
You can install one to a model w/o GPS, but with display that control other stuff.
Once installed, you will have GPS function.

Knowing that, you probably can draw the conclusion that it is not possible to do so for 2012.

 

[J&J's Dad]

I recal reading something about a different screen for the 2013 CX-9 while I was researching for our recent purchase. I'm curious if there's a technical improvement (i.e. resolution improvement) to the screen or just the different button arrangement?

 

[ceric]

The new 5.8" is of much higher resolution than the older loousy ones.

 

[J&J's Dad]

Hey, you just called my brand new navigation lousy! LOL I figured resolution must have something to do with the change in screen. The nav on our new 2012 actually isn't that bad. The screen size makes it easy to see, even if it isn't the highest res screen. Too bad they didn't use an OLED screen. Hmm, that gives me an idea...

 

[mcleanrd]

Good catch guys on the part not including the head unit, I wondered why the instructions excluded that part. Bought a new 2012 and couldn't be more disappointed with the quality of the navigation unit, both screen resolution and user interface. The main thing that bothers us is the hideous screen quality, so much that we even talked about downgrading to the head unit without Nav unless we can find an alternative of some sort. Also not impressed with how the maps come on a 2 disc DVD set that have to be changed depending on where you're traveling. The whole thing seems extremely antiquated.

Hoping the enthusiasts here could put there heads together and figure out a way to install the new unit as Mazda has so far told me it can't be done.

Love the car otherwise and just trying to solve this one annoyance.

 

[J&J's Dad]

It can be done, but is it worth the expense? Wouldn't an aftermarket unit meet your needs less expensively than replacing the display and electronics?

 

[mcleanrd]

J&J - good point, I am going to do some more research on third party options. If anyone happens to know of any good aftermarket units I'd appreciate your opinions and experience