3rd Gen Apple Carplay

Hi, everyone and merry Christmas, I was wondering a local radio shop recommended me to get the Sony XAV-AX5000 that has Apple CarPlay and was wondering what everyone thinks about this radio and should I get it for my Taco. All I'm wanting to do is be able to plug iPhone in and get free maps and listen to my Apple Music as well.

Thanks for the input and Happy Holidays!

 

Whatever makes your Christmas happier... I prefer the capability of the factory system, and I’m not willing to lose current functionality for Apple Play (and the whole family uses the Apple ecosystem, so I would like it). I would love to see a firmware update to include Apple Play, however I’m certain Toyota won’t pay Apple for the licensing...

 

If all you are going to use is maps and music I wouldn’t bother at all. My wife’s Maxima uses Apple CarPlay and I’m super envious. Especially talk to text.

 

I seen a thing where Toyota was coming out with entune 3.0 but don’t think it was for Tacoma’s just yet but from the way it read it maybe awhile before we see it happen.

 

Check out this thread. The new Pioneers have wireless CarPlay so you don't have to plug the phone in. More expensive, but just in case you didn't know about it. I really think CarPlay would make life safer for me personally since I use google maps from the phone often especially when searching for something on the web. I also music apps and where having it on the larger screen makes life safer.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/pioneer-avic-w8400nex-installation-and-review.570282/

 

I ran the Sony XAV-AVX5000 for about a month before returning it to Crutchfield and going with a higher end (and about double in price) Alpine ILX-207.

My main reasons for returning the Sony unit were as follows:

-No ability to change screen brightness and limited ability to change anything else
-When using Android Auto, the head unit's RAM was so overworked that it would freeze up and restart, get stuck on a Google Maps route and freeze on an image, or (most annoyingly and unacceptable) freeze and emit a loud, mod frequency noise when playing music and receiving route guidance
-Integration with iDatalink Maestro RR is very minimal. I managed to retain the volume and seek controls, but lost everything else

Crutchfield was awesome with the return and states they'd had some customers return the Sony with similar issues. In my opinion, spending a bit more on a more reliable unit would be the better buy.

 

Go with a unit that is compatible with Idatalink Maestro. You get the vehicle info on the radio and your factory steering wheels buttons work.
I got this one. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113DMX7705/Kenwood-DMX7705S.html

 

Wait, how long have we been able to use Google Maps in Apple Carplay?

 

Since iOS 12. You can also use Waze.

 

I absolutely love my XAV-5000, I've had zero issues whatsoever.

 

You don't lose any functionality. I went with a Kenwood HU and it has been great. Actually gained a lot of functionality.

 

So no add on boxes (maestro), you have factory steering wheel audio control? You have full control over vehicle settings (those that can be adjusted via entune access)? You have vehicle fuel system info displayed on radio head, etc..? And what additional functionality is gained... pictures please or it isn’t true.

 

I have it on my second gen and my steering wheel controls work I love the system and have had no problems I went to an audio shop that one of my buddies runs and he needed some extra cable kits to get it all to work with the truck but it works great.

 

Does anyone have a photo with the Kenwood HU in the 3rd Gen?

 

I did Maestro RR to retain all this and more. Entune is terrible and would encourage anyone to switch to a smart hu. Use Waze and other Android Auto apps every day! Works great!!

 

February 8th the slightly tweaked 2020 Tacoma will be debued with what looks like a few updates and one might be an updated infotainment to Entune 3.0. I’d pay the guesstimate of $1500 for a plug n play factory deck.

 

Sounds like a good bet to me. The interior trim in the teaser video all looks the same and if they don't come out with CarPlay in 2020... .

 

Has anyone found more info on this? Hoping that there is a solution sooner than later.

 

Current entune receivers go for about $4000. I can't imagine that the new systems would be much less. I would assume that if you want apple car play you're just going to have to go after market.

 

Bummer... would obviously like to keep it OEM. I wonder if there is any demand for second hand entune units