2016 Jeep Wrangler Radio Replacement

Looking to replace your 2016 Jeep Wrangler radio? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve got all the information you’ll need!
Written by Patrick Price
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
To replace a 2016 Jeep Wrangler radio, you’ll need to remove the window control unit, disassemble the dashboard, and then remove the OEM stereo. After that, you’ll be able to install a compatible aftermarket stereo.  
The iconic Jeep Wrangler is well known for many things—versatility, durability, off-road driving capabilities, etc. What the Wrangler has never been known for is having a quality stereo system. If high-quality audio entertainment is important to you, you’ll probably want to replace the stock radio with a superior aftermarket unit. 
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Jeep Wrangler car insurance costs
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How to change the radio on a 2016 Jeep Wrangler 

Replacing the radio in your 2016 Jeep Wrangler is going to require some fairly in-depth disassembly of the window unit and the dashboard. Once you know what to do, though, it’s relatively straightforward. 
Here’s what you’ll need to do in order to replace the radio in you 2016 Jeep Wrangler: 

1. Remove the window control switch

Start by shutting off your Jeep and disconnecting the battery. Using a flat-head screwdriver, gently pry up the window control, starting with the corner. Once you have the window control partially out, you’ll need to push down on the clip holding it in place—then you’ll be able to pop it out the rest of the way.
Once have the window control out, carefully set it aside—you’ll need to reinstall it when you’re done. Underneath the window control switch, you should see a bolt. Use a seven-millimeter screwdriver socket to remove the bolt.

2. Pull out the dash trim and the 7mm bolts behind it.

Carefully but firmly pull away the trim from under the steering wheel. Behind the trim, you should see two more seven-millimeter bolts on either side of the driving column. Use your screwdriver socket to remove these as well. 

3. Remove the dash

Once the 7mm bolts are removed, you should be able to pull the dash right out—it might take a bit of muscle but it should clip out without too much trouble. 
After the dash is out, you should have access to the four bolts that hold the OEM radio in place. Remove these four bolts—they’re also seven millimeters in diameter. 
Next, you’ll need to disconnect the wiring connectors attached to the back of the radio. After that, the radio should lift free quite easily. 
And that’s it! Once you have successfully removed the stock battery, installing a compatible aftermarket replacement unit should be very easy—just follow the removal steps in reverse! 
A compatible aftermarket radio is one that can be installed in your Jeep without requiring any other alteration to your vehicle. If you want to install a radio that does require vehicle alterations, you’ll need to have a professional mechanic handle the project for you. 
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The best aftermarket car stereo units for a 2016 Jeep Wrangler

Installing a new radio might be simpler than it sounds, but the opposite is true for picking out the aftermarket unit to install—it’s much tricker than you’d think. 
There are quite a few options out there for Jeep owners to choose from when they’re thinking about upgrading their radio. Deciding which one to use can be a daunting challenge. To make things easier for you, we’ve listed a few recommendations below. 

Best radio upgrade overall

If you want the best of the best for your 2016 Jeep Wrangler, you should go with the
Sony XAV-AX8100 Digital multimedia receiver
. It’s an extremely high-end receiver and control unit for your jeep’s radio. You can find it for sale for $748.00
With the XAV-AX8100, you’ll get quite a few top-notch features, including:
  • Multimedia receiver 
  • AM/FM tuner 
  • 8.95-inch touchscreen with an adjustable mount
  • Bluetooth
    compatibility for audio streaming and hands-free calling 
  • 10-band graphic equalizer
  • High/low filters
  • Extra bass
  • And more! 

Best radio upgrade on a budget 

If you’re looking to upgrade your radio without spending a fortune, you can invest in the
Jensen MPR2121 Digital media receiver
—it only costs about $59.00! This unit may be affordable, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t a lot of great features and gadgets that go along with it. Here’s what you’ll get with the MPR2121:
  • Media receiver
  • Bluetooth compatibility for audio streaming and hands-free calling 
  • J-Link P2 app for smartphone control
  • Smartphone assistant feature
  • Customizable multi-color illumination LCD display
  • Remote-control app for adjusting audio and lighting settings

Best mid-grade radio upgrade 

For a good mixture of affordability of high-quality, consider purchasing the
Alpine UTE-73BT
Digital media receiver
. At $119.00, it’s a great deal for the audio quality it provides. Take a look at some of the features that the X includes: 
  • Media receiver
  • AM/FM tuner
  • Customizable multi-color illumination
  • Bluetooth compatibility for audio streaming and hands-free calling 
  • Multiple USB ports
  • Three-band parametric equalizer
  • 24-bit audio conversion
MORE: The 12 best Jeep accessories

How to save on Jeep Wrangler insurance costs

Any time that you increase the value of your vehicle with aftermarket modifications, it’s going to raise your insurance premiums. And, if you’re going to be investing in an improved audio system, you’ll want to add
sound system coverage
to your existing car insurance—which will raise your rates even more.
In order to keep your
Jeep Wrangler car insurance rates
from skyrocketing, you can use
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—the
licensed insurance broker app
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In just 45 seconds, Jerry will gather and compare rates from 55+ insurance providers in order to find you the best possible coverage and the best possible price. The entire process only takes 15-20 minutes and saves drivers an average of $800+ a year! 
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