Vantrue Pilot 2 review: The dashcam bringing thermal imaging to everyday drivers
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Thermal imaging gives the Vantrue Pilot 2 something genuinely different in a crowded dashcam market, but its premium price means it won't suit every driver.
The Vantrue Pilot 2 is one of the few dashcams in recent years that genuinely feels like it's trying something different. While most rivals are competing on resolution and driver assistance features, this premium setup introduces thermal imaging to the aftermarket, alongside a smart display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. If you're looking at a high-end dashcam system, it's certainly one to watch.
On paper, the camera specifications are solid rather than groundbreaking. You get a Sony Starvis 2 sensor at the front, triple-channel recording, parking mode and wide-angle coverage, all paired with a 6.25-inch touchscreen that doubles as a smartphone mirroring display. If your car doesn't already have CarPlay or Android Auto, that extra functionality adds real value to the Vantrue Pilot 2.
The real headline feature, though, is the thermal camera. It can highlight people and animals in poor visibility by detecting heat signatures, making it far more than a novelty. For anyone regularly driving on dark country roads, in fog or challenging weather, it's an innovation that could genuinely improve safety. You can see the latest buying options for the different package combinations.
That innovation doesn't come cheaply. Even with the current launch offers, the Pilot 2 sits firmly in premium territory, and installing multiple cameras means dealing with plenty of cabling. Buyers who already have built-in smartphone mirroring and simply want an excellent dashcam may find better value elsewhere. Still, if you're after pioneering safety tech, or spend long hours behind the wheel in all conditions, the Vantrue Pilot 2 makes a compelling case.