The era when dash cams served a single purpose—recording the road ahead—has long passed. These devices have evolved at an astonishing rate, and Vantrue used CES 2026 as the stage to unveil what may be one of the most advanced dash cams ever announced.
Vantrue’s latest creation, the Pilot 2, pushes the boundaries of what a dash cam can do. Built around a four-camera system, the device is designed to monitor not just what happens in front of the vehicle, but everything around it. The most striking addition is a dedicated thermal camera capable of seeing through darkness, fog, and adverse weather conditions—making visibility challenges far less of an issue.
And as if that weren’t enough, the Pilot 2 also brings Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support into the mix.
At the heart of the Pilot 2 setup is a dual front-facing camera arrangement. One lens focuses on recording traffic ahead of the vehicle, while a secondary camera monitors the cabin. This interior-facing camera makes the system particularly appealing for ride-hailing and rideshare drivers who want constant oversight of passenger activity.
Where the system truly breaks new ground is with its external thermal camera. This lens must be installed on the exterior of the vehicle, either on the hood or integrated into the front grille. The grille placement is the recommended option, as it aligns with where most manufacturers mount factory parking cameras. However, this position also comes with a drawback: exposure to mud, dirt, and debris, which can quickly degrade image quality without frequent cleaning.
The thermal camera is engineered to detect heat signatures from pedestrians, animals, and other vehicles regardless of lighting or weather conditions. Using a Thermal Smart module combined with advanced detection algorithms, the system is capable of identifying potential hazards even in dense fog or near-total darkness.
To make full use of thermal imaging, Vantrue includes a 6.25-inch touchscreen display that mounts directly on the dashboard. This screen provides real-time visuals from the thermal camera and delivers instant alerts when potential dangers are detected in the vehicle’s path.
But Vantrue didn’t stop there.
Since the system already includes a dedicated display, the company expanded its functionality beyond safety. The same 6.25-inch screen supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing drivers to connect their smartphones and access navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze, stream music through YouTube Music or Spotify, and place hands-free phone calls.
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While a 6.25-inch display may feel small compared to factory infotainment systems, it represents a significant upgrade for vehicles that lack modern connectivity features altogether.
The Pilot 2’s feature list continues with additional hardware and software enhancements, including Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, a fatigue alert system designed to warn drivers when signs of tiredness are detected, and support for microSD cards with capacities of up to 1 TB, ensuring ample storage for multi-camera recordings.
Vantrue plans to launch the Pilot 2 next month. Although the company has yet to confirm exact availability dates or final pricing, the dash cam is expected to retail for approximately $600. A Kickstarter campaign is also planned ahead of the official release, offering early adopters the opportunity to secure the device at a reduced price.