If you commute to work, getting stuck in traffic at some point in time is almost unavoidable. As a matter of fact, some recent studies have shown that in some cities residents may spend as much as 20% of their lifespan stuck in traffic. So when it came time to buy a new Chevy truck, the salesperson was all over me trying to sell me an upgraded sound system.

I know car manufacturers nowadays are putting a lot of focus on the sound quality of audio systems. However, I have never been a big believer of factory radios. Not of BOSE, Harman Cardin, JBL, Infinitely or any other premium sound system. If people only understood what the cost of an “audiophile quality,” aftermarket car stereo is, I will bet you that as much as 80% of new car buyers will choose to buy their new vehicle without a radio. As a matter of fact, this trend became quite popular during the early 2000s, for this reason, you are not longer able to order a car without a radio. Furthermore, manufacturers have made it even harder to change the factory radio. They have now integrated, AC controls, navigation, and other features into the factory head unit so that you are unable to upgrade.

Thank God for the aftermarket people, because the more OEM manufacturers try to keep you locked to your factory radio the more options become available in the aftermarket world. A perfect example is the Alpine X009-GM. This 9-inch Restyle dash system engineered by Alpine for select GM trucks 2007-2017 and GM SUVs with lower dash radio location.

I have been a fan of Alpine car stereo for a long time, but this new unit takes it over the top. Purposely designed for Chevrolet and GMC trucks and consisting of the largest screen in its class along with a custom-fitted dash bezel for an authentic factory look makes this radio unique. The large back-lit buttons give you direct access to the most modern features such as audio sources, navigation, and Bluetooth hands-free calling while the touchscreen handles the rest.

The Alpine X009-GM’s audio, video, navigation and Bluetooth features are controllable through the touch screen. Audio sources include an HD Radio receiver and of course iPhone and iPod music control through the “Made for iPod and iPhone” compatibility feature. However, audio streaming from popular apps such as Pandora, are also supported on Android devices. If you’re into sports and satellite radio, the Alpine X009-GM offers you Sirius XM via a separate tuner (Sirius XM subscription required).

As far as video is concerned how about a WVGA screen with HDMI input for connectivity to any HDMI-enabled devices such as the iPad as well as many smartphones and mobile devices. Yes, you can use Google maps if you’re driving but using the Alpine X009-GM huge WVGA screen for maps is so much better. Coverage area for the navigation features includes the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Also when using the Alpine X009-GM map view in either full or split screen mode, you can see the traffic congestion ahead thanks to the free lifetime HERE Traffic RDS service.

So what is the point of having all of this technology and still having to pick up the phone when it rings? With an Alpine X009-GM making and receiving calls via the Bluetooth wireless technology is easier than picking up the phone. With the Alpine X009-GM you can answer calls through the touch screen or bezel but as well as view caller ID on the screen. Not only that but you can play your call through your truck’s speakers in as good a quality as FM radio.

In the past, changing your factory radio typically meant giving up something. However, with the Alpine X009-GM, you retain select factory controls and features necessary to luxury truck owners. Such features include OnStar, steering wheel controls as well as warning chimes. One unique feature the Alpine X009-GM offers that not even the premium OEM radio has is the ability to view vehicle information like tire pressure, battery voltage, and user selectable gauges on the screen.

If you’re a techie, you will be very impressed with his head unit. The Alpine X009-GM is not only about sound quality. It also offers an array of unique features. For example, the “My Favorites” feature is one that allows you to customize and quickly access screen with shortcuts to your most-used features. Some of these include things like audio sources, frequented navigation destinations (“Office,” “School,” etc.), and the favorite people in your phone’s address book may the Alpine X009-GM worth every penny. So, if you’re looking to change the head unit on your new 2017 GMC or Chevy pickup, take a look at the NEW Alpine X009-GM!