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Alpine i207-WRA Review – 2007 to 2017 Jeep Wrangler
Those who own a JK Wrangler Jeep would certainly find the Alpine i207-WRA digital multimedia receiver that brings smartphone connectivity to your 2007 to 2017 jeep Wrangler.
Just like any other Alpine product, this kit comes with everything you need to install the unit in the dashboard and integrate it into the vehicle system. In this post, we take a closer look at the receiver’s features and performance to find out if it is a worthy purchase.
Introduced as the first Apple CarPlay and Android Auto supporting solution from Alpine, the i207-WRA is designed to suit almost all Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited models after 2007.
The feature-packed receiver fits into the jeep to offer you Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, HD Radio and other input options.
Features
Built-in Bluetooth
Bluetooth Technology – The Alpine i207-WRA has an integrated Bluetooth technology that allows making and answering calls wirelessly and streams music from external device to the head unit.
Hands-Free Communication – This unit supports hands-free communication for a connected phone using the car’s speakers and external mic. It is possible to transfer the audio between the speakers and phone during a conversation.
Audio Streaming – The Alpine i207-WRA unit can stream music from any Bluetooth enabled device. It allows controlling the music with basic playback functions and displays the song information on the screen.
Siri Eyes Free Control – When connected to an iPhone via Bluetooth, the head unit allows accessing Siri through its panel and external microphone to allow hands-free calling, messaging, navigation, music search and reminders.
Smartphone Integration
Apple CarPlay – This iPhone feature lets you do anything with your phone while driving by integrating everything into the head unit. It offers an intuitive way to listen to music, make calls, access messages and view maps from a compatible iPhone through the head unit.
Android Auto – The Alpine i207-WRA also supports Android Auto to extend the smartphone functionality into the vehicle in a way that suits driving. It brings all the required info on the screen so that you can drive without getting distracted. Android Auto lets you access music, phone & SMS, Google Assistant and Maps.
Design
Touchscreen – The convenient 7-inch capacitive touchscreen provides a clear and balanced picture to let you see everything clearly.
Controls – It is possible to adjust the screen color of the receiver’s LCD by selecting from green, blue, red or white. You can also adjust the brightness of the LCD backlight and button illumination. It also lets you choose between a 12 hour and 24 hour clock that displays on the source screen.
Optional Wireless Remote – The head unit is wireless remote control ready. You can simply get an external remote to be able to control the basic functions easily.
Audio Features
The head unit has pre-outs for connecting external amplifiers and subwoofers. Active high and low pass crossovers limit the frequencies delivered to the outputs and speakers.
It is also equipped with a wide variety of EQ presets for various music types and a 9-band parametric EQ to fine-tune the sound to individual preferences.
The alpine receiver also provides audio enhancements like Source Volume Level, Media Xpander Pro and Time Correction to enhance the music experience in the vehicle.
Expandability
Pandora Internet Radio App – The Pandora app lets you enjoy easy operation of your favorite channels using the Thumbs Up/Down buttons available on the faceplate. You can enjoy quick search and even create new stations and bookmark tunes on the go.
SiriusXM Ready – The receiver is compatible with the SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner that gives access to more than 175 channels through subscription.
HD Radio – With the integrated HD Radio tuner, it is possible to receive digital AM/FM broadcasts whenever available. The FM stations offer CD-quality sound and crystal-clear reception without any distortion.
HDMI and USB
HDMI – The Alpine i207-WRA features an HDMI input and output to provide connection for Android, iPhone and other HDMI enabled devices.
USB Connectivity – Apart from the iPhone and Android connectivity, the receiver has a rear-panel USB port that allows connecting mass storage devices like portable audio player or USB flash drive. You can play a wide variety of audio and video files stored on these devices.
Camera
The camera input of the receiver allows connecting an external backup camera. The camera input can be set as front, rear or side. It also provides color-coded guidelines to assist parking.
You can connect a maximum of three cameras with the optional multi-camera selector interface to be able to see what’s around your vehicle.
Installation
Installing the Alpine head unit is somewhat complicated and requires special skills. One can either get it installed by a technician or use the user manual to follow the step-by-step instructions for installation. Here are some useful tips to consider while installing the head unit on Wrangler Jeep:
- Make sure to use the fuses with specified current rating
- Do not modify or disassemble the product
- Only connect it to a 12VDC negative ground car
- Remove the ground wire from the battery’s negative terminal before you start the wiring
- See that you don’t install it at a location that blocks the driver’s forward view, disturbs the operation of gearshift or steering wheel
- Be careful when making a hole in the vehicle to avoid damage to fuel tank, pipes or electrical wiring
The installation requires some tools and accessories. One can follow the detailed instructions given in the manual to complete the process.
What’s In the Box
- Alpine digital media receiver
- Camera input adapter
- Pre-out harness
- Extension cable
- Mounting pad
- GPS antenna
- Two-sided tape
- Visor clip
- Microphone
- Instruction manual
Conclusion
The Alpine i207-WRA is the ultimate head unit for Wrangler jeeps and extends the functionality of your smartphone so that you can enjoy the functions on the go without getting distracted. With everything one would want in a high-quality head unit, this receiver is certainly a great solution for your vehicle.
