I have a 2014 Sport Venture and I am trying to replace the head unit ASAP - just trying to get all the info beforehand.
I’ve got the Alpine unit (reflashed with the stock Alpine firmware) but my last car had carplay and I can’t go without it! Plus the alpine unit cannot do calls to save it’s life, which is an unfortunate reality for me.
As far as I can tell, the Alpine unit already uses ISO connectors (meaning I should only need the adapter from ISO to whatever standard my new radio uses, if any) but I was wondering if that includes the steering wheel controls?
I’m aware of how the installation process looks (remove plate behind centre console, the console itself, then the ‘wings’, then the dreaded security bolt, then pull the radio out) but if anyone also has any photos or material that they can link to that will be great!
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I got my fixing kit from Dynamic sounds, you can see what parts you’ll need, or give them them a call I found them really good to deal with, I think that you have to go digging behind the dash to find the Mazda factory connection as first one you come across is a alpine to iOS one, then a alpine iOS to factory is taped to the wiring harness after that!!
Not to difficult to do be brave and remember to put a cloth over the gear knob !!
Mine had the TomTom unit in a 3.75 2013.
Pretty confident you will need,
CONNECTS 2 FACIA CT24MZ20
CONNECTS 2 WIRING LOOM- CTSMZ002.2 (CONNECTS THE STEERING WHEEL FUNCTIONS ETC).
CONNECTS 2 ANTENNA ADAPTOR.
A patch lead for the make and model of the unit you install.
Obviously the unit of your choice.
DAB antenna.
Went for the KENWOOD DMX8019DABS Apple CarPlay and a great bit of kit.
Phone connects automatically via Wi-Fi and no faffing about.
A few tricky wires in there but the “Main” plug is taped up and tucked away at the back.
Enjoy. 
PS if you need any assistance please come back. Only spent a day in casualty with the really pointless 10mm bolt!
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Day in casualty? Sounds like a story!
Is this one any decent? Most of the non-Sony ones I’ve seen have plastic screens and capacitive buttons rather than physical ones. Wireless CarPlay is a nice-to-have but I’d imagine I’ll plug in anyway as I’d rather have the charge!!
Just a joke, as it’s an awkward job, but once you know where to look with the right tools it’s okay.
I could tell you it’s the best thing since sliced bread and others will differ.
Just go with what you want, what you like the look of, features and price. 
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Some haven’t got the 10mm security bolt so you may be lucky with that.
As mentioned get the parts from Dynamic sounds, I’ve used the Connects2 brand for my NC, perfect match and fit for the facia plate.
They supply the kit (with steering wheel controls) with everything you need, just make you buy one for your NC2 post 2009 as the bottom of the facia differs from the NC1. Also you’ll need the non Bose kit if you have the Alpine unit.
As mentioned you need to trace back on the wiring loom to find where the extra extended loom is connected for the Alpine, it just unclips, usually wrapped in a foam sleeve. You just connect your ISO lead and supplied leads in the new kit. You may also want an additional lead (head unit brand dependant) at a small price, may even come in the kit as a universal fit to link up to the SW control.
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Interesting stuff. I too have a 2014 Venture Sport Mk 3.75 with Alpine unit that I am considering replacing. My question is, do you require a new fascia if you are simply moving to another 7 inch screen head unit, such as the KENWOOD DMX8019DABS mentioned above, as the current slot is already double din, no?
YES, you will, as done it.
IF it looks the same shape as the 2013 TomTom one.
The CONNECTS 2 FACIA CT24MZ20.
You will see that some have perhaps “tried” to make the original fit again with filing away, but come on…