Customer reviews from sony.com
Sony - Mobile XAV-AX6000 Digital Multimedia Receiver with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and HDMI Connectivity - Black
Average customer rating
3.3
(7 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 7 reviews
5 Stars
1
4 Stars
3
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
1
1 Star
1
60%of customers recommend this product.
(
3 out of
5)
Customer Reviews for Sony - Mobile XAV-AX6000 Digital Multimedia Receiver with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and HDMI Connectivity - Black
Posted by: Dave327nc
Gender:Male
Verified Purchase:Yes
The AX6000 is excellent and I only have two improvements that kept me from giving it 5 stars. The screen is very responsive to touch, the start time is excellent at just a few seconds similar to a factory display, the button feel is great and feels very crisp. The only issues/improvements are that I would like the ability to increase the brightness of the background/wallpaper images; the icons and apple car play screens are very clear but the wallpaper seems dimmed out and would benefit from customizable brightness of background or wallpaper images. Second I would like the analog clock to be selectable as an on/off feature.
I would be glad to work with Sony to evaluate firmware updates that could alleviate these complaints as an end user test customer.
I would be glad to work with Sony to evaluate firmware updates that could alleviate these complaints as an end user test customer.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Posted by: xRacer
Gender:Male
Verified Purchase:Yes
I purchased this head unit a month ago and since I've installed, works great and the quality of the sound is great. I love it. the screen looking is phenomenal.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Posted by: BG114
Gender:Male
Verified Purchase:Yes
The car play feature is great. It would be nice if you could have AM, FM, and SiriusXM stations together in a favorite list. You can only have minimum radio stations saved.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
2
Buyer’s remorse: significant downgrade from AX100
on January 24, 2025
Posted by: assman
I regret being talked into “upgrading” from my XAV-AX100 which had many great features that Sony decided to do away with. Among many other terrible design decisions, Sony decided (completely arbitrarily) to turn its back on CarPlay users with the AX6000 and THROWS OUT USB CarPlay, allowing *only* WiFi CarPlay which offers “great benefits” such as a 1-2s delay on touch, a washed out pixelated display, noticeably worse sound quality, enormous battery drain, interference with GPS and 5G connectivity—all things that would be completely resolved IF Sony permitted USB CarPlay just as it does for Android Auto.
This model also abolished some sound configuration settings such as the Bass Boost feature which although simplistic, can’t be replicated on the 6000.
The buttons, like everything else about this device, feel cheap, plastic, loosely fitted, and stupidly unintuitive compared to the single knob/button that older models had. This is an obvious cost-cutting, profit-maximizing move by Sony who clearly has no interest in making great components or maintaining a once great reputation believing it can deceive consumers into buying lower quality, haphazardly “engineered”, rush-to-market planned-obsolescence products designed for their *true* customers: the shareholder.
One last thing: Doesn’t support USB CarPlay (but you wouldn’t know it from this website, looking at the box, or any other way than installing it yourself and being supremely disappointed! Wireless CarPlay has more than 1 second delay between skipping tracks, pause play, etc.
Also the mute button completely cuts volume rather than dropping it to very low but still audible (ideal). Please fix all of these things, Sony.
This model also abolished some sound configuration settings such as the Bass Boost feature which although simplistic, can’t be replicated on the 6000.
The buttons, like everything else about this device, feel cheap, plastic, loosely fitted, and stupidly unintuitive compared to the single knob/button that older models had. This is an obvious cost-cutting, profit-maximizing move by Sony who clearly has no interest in making great components or maintaining a once great reputation believing it can deceive consumers into buying lower quality, haphazardly “engineered”, rush-to-market planned-obsolescence products designed for their *true* customers: the shareholder.
One last thing: Doesn’t support USB CarPlay (but you wouldn’t know it from this website, looking at the box, or any other way than installing it yourself and being supremely disappointed! Wireless CarPlay has more than 1 second delay between skipping tracks, pause play, etc.
Also the mute button completely cuts volume rather than dropping it to very low but still audible (ideal). Please fix all of these things, Sony.
I want my money and my XAV-AX100 back :-(
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from sony.comBy Sony North America Customer Support, Sony.com, January 27, 2025
Hi assman,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback regarding the XAV-AX6000 Digital Multimedia Receiver. We’re truly sorry to hear about the challenges you’ve experienced, and we’d like to address your concerns while offering some troubleshooting steps that may help improve your experience.
Wireless CarPlay Performance:
To address the delay, sound quality, and display concerns, we recommend ensuring that your receiver has the latest firmware update installed. Firmware updates can often resolve issues like these (https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/mobile-cd-players-digital-media-players-xav-series/xav-ax6000/software/00283708). Additionally, it’s important to make sure your iPhone is running the latest iOS version to maintain optimal compatibility.
If interference or connectivity issues persist, we suggest checking for nearby devices that might be using the same 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Wi-Fi band. Reducing potential interference can help stabilize the wireless CarPlay connection.
Battery Drain:
This could be due to multiple factors, including background processes or connectivity issues. Ensure that unnecessary features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS are turned off when not in use.
Sound Configuration:
For sound quality improvements, we recommend adjusting the equalizer and other sound settings available on the receiver {https://helpguide.sony.net/ev/xav-ax60/v1/en/contents/TP1000661292.html). While we understand your preference for features like Bass Boost and the previous mute button functionality, we’ve noted your feedback and will share it with our product development team for future considerations.
We understand the inconvenience caused by the lack of USB CarPlay and the button design concerns, and we will use your feedback to improve product communication and evaluate design enhancements in future models.
If the troubleshooting steps above do not resolve the issues, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our product support team via phone call at 239-245-6354 or chat through this link: https://us.esupport.sony.com/support/s/support-contact?language=en_US
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 9:00 pm ET
Saturday - Sunday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm ET.
We’d be happy to assist you further.
Thank you for bringing these matters to our attention and for giving us the opportunity to help. We’re committed to improving your experience and ensuring your satisfaction.
Sincerely,
Maria
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback regarding the XAV-AX6000 Digital Multimedia Receiver. We’re truly sorry to hear about the challenges you’ve experienced, and we’d like to address your concerns while offering some troubleshooting steps that may help improve your experience.
Wireless CarPlay Performance:
To address the delay, sound quality, and display concerns, we recommend ensuring that your receiver has the latest firmware update installed. Firmware updates can often resolve issues like these (https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/mobile-cd-players-digital-media-players-xav-series/xav-ax6000/software/00283708). Additionally, it’s important to make sure your iPhone is running the latest iOS version to maintain optimal compatibility.
If interference or connectivity issues persist, we suggest checking for nearby devices that might be using the same 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Wi-Fi band. Reducing potential interference can help stabilize the wireless CarPlay connection.
Battery Drain:
This could be due to multiple factors, including background processes or connectivity issues. Ensure that unnecessary features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS are turned off when not in use.
Sound Configuration:
For sound quality improvements, we recommend adjusting the equalizer and other sound settings available on the receiver {https://helpguide.sony.net/ev/xav-ax60/v1/en/contents/TP1000661292.html). While we understand your preference for features like Bass Boost and the previous mute button functionality, we’ve noted your feedback and will share it with our product development team for future considerations.
We understand the inconvenience caused by the lack of USB CarPlay and the button design concerns, and we will use your feedback to improve product communication and evaluate design enhancements in future models.
If the troubleshooting steps above do not resolve the issues, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our product support team via phone call at 239-245-6354 or chat through this link: https://us.esupport.sony.com/support/s/support-contact?language=en_US
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 9:00 pm ET
Saturday - Sunday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm ET.
We’d be happy to assist you further.
Thank you for bringing these matters to our attention and for giving us the opportunity to help. We’re committed to improving your experience and ensuring your satisfaction.
Sincerely,
Maria
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
4
Nice upgrade for Subaru Outback with two problems
on June 10, 2025
Posted by: Scott Tosa
Overall it's a great upgrade over the original radio in a 2015 Subaru Outback. Going to wireless CarPlay certainly is convenient. Using the RR (Radio Replacement) unit from iDataline Maestro means I still have access to all the car settings, steering wheel controls, etc. However, I dislike the reverse camera messages and I've had a problem with CarPlay map locking up.
The rear camera shows continuously shows "Check surroundings for your safety" when in reverse. The text does not go away and it takes up enough screen real estate that it interferes with -- you guessed it -- checking my surroundings. If you have to have the legal disclaimer, it should go away after a second or two so I can make use of the camera.
The other problem is the CarPlay display has occasionally locked up. As far as I can tell, it's always been where my phone has had poor or no cell coverage. I believe it happened both when using online and offline maps. Turning the car off and then on fixes the glitch, but it happened three or four times in less than an hour.
Response from sony.comBy Estefany, Sony North America Customer Support, June 15, 2025
Hi Scott Tosa, thank you for taking the time to share your feedback regarding your experience with the XAV-AX6000. We genuinely appreciate your insights and are glad to hear that you are enjoying the convenience of wireless CarPlay and the seamless integration with your vehicle.
We sincerely apologize for the issues you are experiencing with the reverse camera messages and the occasional locking up of the CarPlay display. We understand how frustrating this can be, especially when it interferes with your ability to check your surroundings and navigate effectively.
If you require any assistance or further support, please do not hesitate to reach out to our technical support team. We are here to help and want to ensure you have the best experience with your Sony product. Find their contact information here: https://us.esupport.sony.com/support/s/support-contact?language=en_US&category=car
Thank you for considering Sony products and we hope to resolve these issues for you soon.
Best regards,
Estefany
We sincerely apologize for the issues you are experiencing with the reverse camera messages and the occasional locking up of the CarPlay display. We understand how frustrating this can be, especially when it interferes with your ability to check your surroundings and navigate effectively.
If you require any assistance or further support, please do not hesitate to reach out to our technical support team. We are here to help and want to ensure you have the best experience with your Sony product. Find their contact information here: https://us.esupport.sony.com/support/s/support-contact?language=en_US&category=car
Thank you for considering Sony products and we hope to resolve these issues for you soon.
Best regards,
Estefany
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
1
Terrible build quality
on August 11, 2025
Posted by: Dominic H
Gender:Male
I bought this radio just shy of a year ago and the buttons began falling off. The volume button fell off about a week ago and the home button is on its way out. (From what I’ve now seen online there is countless threads of this being an issue and Sony won’t warranty it) I pretty much got told where to buy the part from and the rest is on you. For this being a Sony product there is no backing their product pretty unfortunate since I’m not even a year into the three year warranty.
It seems like there was definitely a lack of thought process with the way the buttons mounted to the face plate (two rectangle slots on both ends of the button)
The display screen “shield” we’ll call it also decided to start having a soft spot on the bottom right. (Evidently it goes hand and hand with the buttons) Part # A-5051-423-A Sony Panel Assy(sv)
Everything else with the radio works fine but for the price point this is at it should be built a lot more sound. Build quality wise it’s right in like with cheap knock off CarPlay radios which shouldn’t even be thought.
All in all, I more than likely have gotten what I need to know from this experience and won’t be buying another Sony radio from here out.
Response from sony.comBy Estefany, Sony North America Customer Support, August 12, 2025
Hi Dominic H,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your experience with the XAV-AX6000.
We're truly sorry to hear that you're having these issues with the buttons and the display panel. We completely understand your frustration. It's not the experience we want our customers to have.
We appreciate you bringing this to my attention, as customer feedback is crucial for us to improve our products. The issues you've described with the buttons and the screen are definitely something we'll be looking into with our product team. Your detailed feedback about the mounting of the buttons is very helpful.
We're sorry to hear that the warranty process wasn't what you expected. We value your business and hope to do better in the future.
Sincerely,
Estefany
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your experience with the XAV-AX6000.
We're truly sorry to hear that you're having these issues with the buttons and the display panel. We completely understand your frustration. It's not the experience we want our customers to have.
We appreciate you bringing this to my attention, as customer feedback is crucial for us to improve our products. The issues you've described with the buttons and the screen are definitely something we'll be looking into with our product team. Your detailed feedback about the mounting of the buttons is very helpful.
We're sorry to hear that the warranty process wasn't what you expected. We value your business and hope to do better in the future.
Sincerely,
Estefany
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Posted by: SonyGuy15
Gender:Male
Verified Purchase:Yes
On occasion, when I’m at the home screen and CarPlay is connected wirelessly, I won’t be able to select it from the home screen; the screen registers, but it will not send me to the CarPlay page. Also, on occasion, the unit disconnects from CarPlay. Otherwise, it’s a good radio. In particular, the FM signal is terrific on this radio compared to others that I’ve had. Although, the screen could stand to be brighter, and it doesn’t include a few options as the lower echelon model- the AX1000, such as digital stage organizer or bass boost.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from sony.comBy Estefany, Sony North America Customer Support, November 11, 2025
Hello SonyGuy15!
Thanks for reaching out and sharing your experience with the XAV-AX6000. It sounds like you're mostly enjoying the unit, especially the great FM reception.
We appreciate you bringing up the issues you've occasionally run into with wireless CarPlay not launching from the home screen or randomly disconnecting.
Here are a few recommendations that usually resolve these types of intermittent issues:
-The very first thing to check is if your XAV-AX6000 is running the latest firmware. You can find the latest version for the unit here: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/mobile-cd-players-digital-media-players-xav-series/xav-ax6000/software/00283708
-Try removing the XAV-AX6000 from your iPhone's list of saved Bluetooth/CarPlay devices, and then deleting your phone from the radio's device list. Then, re-pair the phone from scratch.
Give those tips a shot!
We hear you on the screen brightness. We're always reviewing user feedback like yours as we develop future models. We appreciate the honest critique.
Also, we appreciate you noticing features like Digital Stage Organizer or Bass Boost aren't on the AX6000. It's mainly because these radios use different internal technology. We designed the AX6000 to focus specifically on the best possible sound quality for music files and providing a very natural, clear sound. To keep that sound pure, we sometimes leave out extra digital effects.
If needed, you can always contact our support team for further assistance at https://us.esupport.sony.com/support/s/support-contact?language=en_US&category=car
We appreciate your decision to go with Sony!
Best regards,
Estefany
Thanks for reaching out and sharing your experience with the XAV-AX6000. It sounds like you're mostly enjoying the unit, especially the great FM reception.
We appreciate you bringing up the issues you've occasionally run into with wireless CarPlay not launching from the home screen or randomly disconnecting.
Here are a few recommendations that usually resolve these types of intermittent issues:
-The very first thing to check is if your XAV-AX6000 is running the latest firmware. You can find the latest version for the unit here: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/mobile-cd-players-digital-media-players-xav-series/xav-ax6000/software/00283708
-Try removing the XAV-AX6000 from your iPhone's list of saved Bluetooth/CarPlay devices, and then deleting your phone from the radio's device list. Then, re-pair the phone from scratch.
Give those tips a shot!
We hear you on the screen brightness. We're always reviewing user feedback like yours as we develop future models. We appreciate the honest critique.
Also, we appreciate you noticing features like Digital Stage Organizer or Bass Boost aren't on the AX6000. It's mainly because these radios use different internal technology. We designed the AX6000 to focus specifically on the best possible sound quality for music files and providing a very natural, clear sound. To keep that sound pure, we sometimes leave out extra digital effects.
If needed, you can always contact our support team for further assistance at https://us.esupport.sony.com/support/s/support-contact?language=en_US&category=car
We appreciate your decision to go with Sony!
Best regards,
Estefany
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com