Sony’s 2010 Xplod navigation systems paired Sony in-dash A/V hardware with TomTom navigation, but the European and North American models were different products with different map coverage and feature claims. The European XNV-L66BT and XNV-L77BT advertised TomTom LIVE services including HD Traffic; the North American XNV-770BT and XNV-660BT were announced with U.S. and Canada maps and a year of free map upgrades. Those launch announcements describe the products as sold then, not the current availability of used units, updates, or connected services.
What was the Sony–TomTom collaboration?
In 2010, Sony and TomTom announced a collaboration to bring TomTom navigation to Sony’s Xplod in-car A/V navigation systems. TomTom’s first-quarter 2010 report records the collaboration, and Sony’s European announcement, dated September 1, 2010, describes the XNV-L66BT as a Sony A/V unit paired with a TomTom navigation module. TomTom’s Q1 2010 report · Sony’s European announcement
The arrangement combined an entertainment head unit with a separate navigation capability. The models and their advertised features varied by market, so the European XNV-L names should not be treated as interchangeable with the North American XNV-770BT and XNV-660BT.
European models: XNV-L66BT and XNV-L77BT
Maps and navigation features
Sony’s European announcement said the systems’ maps covered 45 European countries. The XNV-L66BT announcement also listed IQ Routes and MapShare updates through a computer and TomTom HOME. Sony described the L66BT as a double-DIN unit with an 800 × 480 WVGA display. Sony Italia, September 1, 2010
#1 Best Overall
- Bright, high-resolution 5” glass capacitive touchscreen display lets you easily view your route
- Get more situational awareness with alerts for school zones, speed changes, sharp curves and more
- View food, fuel and rest areas along your active route, and see upcoming cities and milestones
- View Tripadvisor traveler ratings for top-rated restaurants, hotels and attractions to help you make the most of road trips
- Directory of U.S. national parks simplifies navigation to entrances, visitor centers and landmarks within the parks
HD Traffic and LIVE services
The European materials advertised TomTom LIVE services including HD Traffic, Google Local Search, and Safety Alert. Sony said HD Traffic information about queues or accidents updated every three minutes and could suggest alternative routes. That is Sony’s 2010 product description, not evidence of present-day service operation or a verified current performance level.
Announced European availability
Sony said the XNV-L77BT and XNV-L66BT would be available from October 2010 in selected European countries: the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal. Italy was listed for the XNV-L66BT only. This was the announced launch availability, not a statement about current stock.
Rank #2
- 6” high-resolution navigator includes map updates of North America
- Hands-free calling when paired with your compatible smartphone with BLUETOOTH technology and convenient Garmin voice assist lets you ask for directions to places you want to go
- Road trip–ready features include the HISTORY database of notable sites, a U.S. national parks directory, Tripadvisor traveler ratings and millions of Foursquare POIs
- Driver alerts for things such as school zones, sharp curves and speed changes help encourage safer driving and increase situational awareness
- Access live traffic, fuel prices, parking, weather and smart notifications when you pair this navigator with your compatible smartphone running the Garmin Drive app
North American models: XNV-770BT and XNV-660BT
Sony’s U.S. announcement of September 30, 2010 described the XNV-770BT and XNV-660BT as its first TomTom-powered in-dash navigation systems for the U.S. market. The release listed U.S. and Canada road maps, one free year of map upgrades, IQ Routes, Advanced Lane Guidance, Quick GPSfix, MapShare, and more than six million points of interest. Those specifications and figures are Sony’s launch claims. Sony Corporation of America, September 30, 2010
| Model | Announced display | Maps and launch details |
|---|---|---|
| XNV-770BT | 7 inches | U.S. and Canada road maps; one free year of map upgrades. Sony announced an approximate U.S. price of $1,300 and planned availability in November 2010. |
| XNV-660BT | 6.1 inches | U.S. and Canada road maps; one free year of map upgrades. Sony announced an approximate U.S. price of $1,000 and planned availability in November 2010. |
The prices above are approximate U.S. launch figures from 2010, not current values. Sony also claimed its TomTom U.S. maps had “more than 1 million more miles of roads than other GPS brands”; this was a company comparison, not an independently verified finding.
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Rank #3
- 7” high-resolution navigator includes map updates of North America .Special Feature:Easy-To-Read Display; Voice Assist; Hands-Free Calling; Live Traffic and Weather; Traffic Cams and Parking; Smart Notifications,Driver Alerts; Tripadvisor; National Parks Directory; Find Places by Name; Garmin Real Directions Feature.
- Hands-free calling when paired with your compatible smartphone with BLUETOOTH technology and convenient Garmin voice assist lets you ask for directions to places you want to go
- Road trip–ready features include the HISTORY database of notable sites, a U.S. national parks directory, Tripadvisor traveler ratings and millions of Foursquare POIs
- Driver alerts for things such as school zones, sharp curves and speed changes help encourage safer driving and increase situational awareness
- Access live traffic, fuel prices, parking, weather and smart notifications when you pair this navigator with your compatible smartphone running the Garmin Drive app
How the regional systems differ
| Question | European XNV-L models | North American XNV models |
|---|---|---|
| Models announced | XNV-L66BT and XNV-L77BT | XNV-770BT and XNV-660BT |
| Map territory in the announcements | 45 European countries | U.S. and Canada road maps |
| Traffic and connected services | LIVE features listed HD Traffic, Google Local Search, and Safety Alert | The U.S. announcement listed IQ Routes, Advanced Lane Guidance, Quick GPSfix, and MapShare; it did not list the European LIVE feature set |
| Display details stated | XNV-L66BT: 800 × 480 WVGA; 6.1-inch screen | XNV-770BT: 7 inches; XNV-660BT: 6.1 inches |
These are announcement-era descriptions, not an independent comparison of navigation accuracy, traffic performance, or sound quality. The available product announcements do not establish a performance winner.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Related follow-on: Sony AV Center and XA-NV300T
In 2013, TomTom announced a separate Sony AV Center integration: the XAV-602BT used TomTom navigation through an XA-NV300T GPS module. TomTom said the navigation app was pre-installed and Western Europe maps were stored on an SD card. The announcement gave North American availability from October 2013 and European availability from 2014. This was a distinct implementation, not another name for the 2010 Xplod XNV systems. TomTom, September 10, 2013
Rank #4
- Get over 1 million more miles of mapped roads in the US
- Stay up-to-date on road changes with Free Lifetime Map Updates
- Navigate with ease using premium maps of the US, Canada & Mexico
- Travel in style with the new, slim design and integrated Fold and Go EasyPort Mount
- Plan routes easily with smarter user interface on a bright 5-inch touchscreen
What to check before buying or using a surviving unit
The launch announcements establish that these products were announced and describe their original features; they do not establish current used-market availability, map-update access, HD Traffic or other LIVE service operation, or vehicle-specific fitment. Before buying a used unit, verify the exact model and condition, whether the maps and any connected services still work, and whether the unit fits your vehicle. The XNV-L66BT was described as double-DIN, but that alone does not confirm compatibility with a particular car or installation.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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