Vantrue Pilot 2 Thermal Dashcam Review: Nothing escapes this camera's gaze

For what this dashcam system does, Vantrue has not only managed to tackle peripheral management but also to do so in a way that offers incredible video capabilities, thermal or otherwise, and to make it as easy and painless to install and operate as possible. This system brings all the video quality Vantrue is known for and extends it into a completely new light-wave spectrum. The 4-camera setup provided clear visuals on all fronts, delivered accurate obstacle detection, and made everything easily accessible through the console display. While it was disappointing not to have a chance to test the upcoming Android Auto features, the Vantrue Pilot 2 is the definitive standard for comprehensive car video coverage, and on more of the non-visible spectrum to boot.

The Vantrue Pilot 2 is currently featured on Kickstarter with early bird pricing starting around $499.00.

The Vantrue Pilot 2 is a versatile dashcam designed to provide all-weather safety with a 4-camera array, including front, rear, cabin, and thermal views. It is among the first consumer dashcams to integrate military-grade thermal imaging to detect hazards like pedestrians and wildlife beyond the reach of standard headlights

The Vantrue Pilot 2 came in a fairly large box with everything packaged neatly inside. Upon initial unboxing, it truly felt a bit intimidating as an install with so many cameras and wires, not to mention the hardwire kit. Fortunately, Vantrue labeled each of the wires individually and even went so far as slightly changing the connecting ends to ensure that users can easily identify the correct plug-in location. Also, the use of a flat wire coming from the thermal camera outside not only made it easier to route but was such a smart choice as it also kept it from tangling. The hardwire kit also works as expected, but users with batteries having lower cold cranking amps may want to exercise caution as this system undoubtedly uses a good amount of juice.

With everything installed, it was clear that this system would leave no area around the vehicle unmonitored. The 4-camera view on the Pilot 2 console is clear, with no-fuss operation, using simple swipes to navigate all the camera feeds. The settings menu is also very clean and straightforward, giving users access to features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (though the latter is still coming soon). Notably, there was no need to connect your smartphone to the system, a welcome change that made it entirely self-contained. Furthermore, all AI features, whether obstacle detection or voice commands, worked as expected, with very few false positives. The thermal imaging, it was top-notch, even if the image was stretched a bit on the screen. There should also be a notice of how quickly the camera stream is, as there was very little delay between the thermal imaging and what showed up on the console. This is very impressive and truly felt like the system was handling detection in real time. Other real-time metrics tracked by the Pilot 2 system include G-forces, altitude, and cardinal orientation. While, there wasn't a direct need for such metrics, they are nice to have nonetheless. 

The Vantrue Pilot 2 strikes a perfect balance between form and function, delivering a high-tech safety net that remains user-friendly. By successfully integrating thermal imaging into a 4-channel array, Vantrue has created a tool that is as much about accident prevention as it is about recording. While the full software suite is still maturing, the hardware's ability to "see" the invisible makes this an easy choice for drivers who prioritize absolute safety.