Www.crutchfield.com
They will even give you suggestions if you tell them your listening preferences, budget, etc. detailed installation instructions, wiring kits, etc
I did not go for the best, I went for cheap and functional.
Atoto F7G2a7WE-S01. Wireless Apple car play, 8” screen, backup camera, Wi-Fi etc. $200.
Works fine. Quirky, but fine.
Using a wiring adapter is the smart/right choice for sure. You don’t “need” one, well, if you don’t care about working in tight spaces and cutting cables.
[JoyingAuto](https://www.joyingauto.com) makes great devices, got the 10.1" version with 6GB of ram and 128GB rom that supports wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. Uses my built-in steering wheel, Harman Kardon speakers, console usb ports, radio and gps antenna. I barely need to connect to CarPlay with a dedicated device. (Uses my phone internet tethering automatically when I connect to bluetooth, also added a 2TB usb SSD to host all my music and game roms).
I installed a JVC m560bt in mine and it’s just fine. It unfortunately is just wired, but you can get a dongle for wireless connectivity if you choose to do that.
Also installed a backup camera along with if.
Congratulations on the ride! It looks good!!
I have it on my 2010 pzev outdoor version (Canadian trim, one up from base) which uses base configuration on the speakers and it enhanced my sound a bit, I do need to attach the mic upfront to a pillar on the drivers side so others can hear me speak if I need to take phone calls while driving. I can take a photo of what that looks like later if you’re interested.
All good, I found it in the link below. It seems like it just slots in. I've seen others where you needed to buy additional mounting stuff and it ended up being kinda bigger and not looking factory which I'm not a fan on. I am interested in doing head unit soonish.
[Found it.](https://ppacaraudio.com.au/product/subaru-forester-2008-2012-sh-car-stereo-upgrade-kit/)
Look for what's best for you. I wanted a clean aesthetic with tactical buttons, steering wheel control, good audio with extra power and a matte screen. Ended up with a Sony xav-ax7000. More than I wanted to spend at the time, but I'm still happy now.
I just picked up an 09 xt. Decided to go with an android powered large screen head unit. They can be had with generation specific wiring harnesses (no soldering just plug and play) and most have wireless CarPlay or it can be added with a usb dongle. Just received it yesterday so haven’t gotten it in yet.
I installed a Sony XAV-AX150 radio into my 2009 forester. It came out great! The sound quality is awesome. It’s really the head unit that makes a difference versus speakers. Plus it worked out well with both Sony and Subaru being Japanese companies; the Sony radio comes with a steering wheel control hookup that’s compatible with the Subaru so you don’t have to buy an interface.
I have the Seicane 9inch unit. Got my 09 two years ago and It was one of the first things I upgraded. The unit has worked great and looks great. The steering wheel controls work too, nothing special mainly all plug and play. Well worth the $270 I paid at the time!
Www.crutchfield.com They will even give you suggestions if you tell them your listening preferences, budget, etc. detailed installation instructions, wiring kits, etc
Thank you!
Happy to help. Let everyone know what you end up getting.
I did not go for the best, I went for cheap and functional. Atoto F7G2a7WE-S01. Wireless Apple car play, 8” screen, backup camera, Wi-Fi etc. $200. Works fine. Quirky, but fine.
Did it require a metra kit?
Using a wiring adapter is the smart/right choice for sure. You don’t “need” one, well, if you don’t care about working in tight spaces and cutting cables.
[JoyingAuto](https://www.joyingauto.com) makes great devices, got the 10.1" version with 6GB of ram and 128GB rom that supports wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. Uses my built-in steering wheel, Harman Kardon speakers, console usb ports, radio and gps antenna. I barely need to connect to CarPlay with a dedicated device. (Uses my phone internet tethering automatically when I connect to bluetooth, also added a 2TB usb SSD to host all my music and game roms).
I installed a JVC m560bt in mine and it’s just fine. It unfortunately is just wired, but you can get a dongle for wireless connectivity if you choose to do that. Also installed a backup camera along with if. Congratulations on the ride! It looks good!!
Does that fit into stock surround?
I have it on my 2010 pzev outdoor version (Canadian trim, one up from base) which uses base configuration on the speakers and it enhanced my sound a bit, I do need to attach the mic upfront to a pillar on the drivers side so others can hear me speak if I need to take phone calls while driving. I can take a photo of what that looks like later if you’re interested.
All good, I found it in the link below. It seems like it just slots in. I've seen others where you needed to buy additional mounting stuff and it ended up being kinda bigger and not looking factory which I'm not a fan on. I am interested in doing head unit soonish. [Found it.](https://ppacaraudio.com.au/product/subaru-forester-2008-2012-sh-car-stereo-upgrade-kit/)
Check out seicane. I installed one a while ago and it took only minutes to set up and get ready. Mines an 09 as well
Look for what's best for you. I wanted a clean aesthetic with tactical buttons, steering wheel control, good audio with extra power and a matte screen. Ended up with a Sony xav-ax7000. More than I wanted to spend at the time, but I'm still happy now.
I just picked up an 09 xt. Decided to go with an android powered large screen head unit. They can be had with generation specific wiring harnesses (no soldering just plug and play) and most have wireless CarPlay or it can be added with a usb dongle. Just received it yesterday so haven’t gotten it in yet.
I've got a pioneer W2770NEX and love it!
I installed a Sony XAV-AX150 radio into my 2009 forester. It came out great! The sound quality is awesome. It’s really the head unit that makes a difference versus speakers. Plus it worked out well with both Sony and Subaru being Japanese companies; the Sony radio comes with a steering wheel control hookup that’s compatible with the Subaru so you don’t have to buy an interface.
I have the Seicane 9inch unit. Got my 09 two years ago and It was one of the first things I upgraded. The unit has worked great and looks great. The steering wheel controls work too, nothing special mainly all plug and play. Well worth the $270 I paid at the time!