Toyota response to TaComa CarPlay question

It’s been said before, but I guess I had to hear it directly from Toyota regarding CarPlay retrofit for 2019 Tacomas....

———————
Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and we appreciate your inquiry regarding the integration of Apple CarPlay®.

An update is not available for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma nor are there any plans on launching an update for any additional model vehicles without the Entune™ 3.0 platform. There are also no options to install an upgraded multimedia head unit in the vehicle post-production.

While we have provided an update to retrofit the Apple CarPlay® and Amazon Alexa® features in our 2018 Toyota Camry and 2018 Sienna models, please note the multimedia update is only compatible with vehicles equipped with our Entune™ 3.0 interface and head units. Previous model year vehicles and models that are equipped with our previous Entune™ head units and software are not compatible and will not be updated with the features.

Your email has been documented at our National Headquarters. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,
Daniell T.
Toyota Customer Experience Center

 

Yep, sad stuff. It's a shame they won't do it, but i guess they wouldn't sell someone another Tacoma is they did. Atleast that is what it feels like.

 

Hey at least they didn’t give you the runaround told you no straight out.

 

Thanks for the info. I guess it's an aftermarket head unit then...

 

CarPlay is a whole can of worms that would be a lot of work I'm imagining.

 

Having had CarPlay (aftermarket) for many years in my F150, I will certainly miss it, but not enough to shell out another $400 to $600 to add that one feature again. I’ve learned ways to use Siri via Bluetooth to get around “most” of what I want anyway, just frustrating. My wife’s Infiniti doesn’t have it either - not available - and same high-priced aftermarket solution. In all, the Pro’s far outweigh the Con’s - I LOVE the truck and got what - to me - was an exceptional deal on it, so we will survive! Stay Safe and Happy Motoring!!

 

This dealership has a plug and play harness that will allow you to connect the new 3.0 Entune radio to any older 16-19 Tacoma models. Great solution, however they want $1,500 for the kit. I’ve checked this 2020 radio on eBay and I have found prices as low as $300 for a brand new 3.0 unit. I called this dealership directly to see if they will sell the harness separately but obviously they don’t. They are in to make a huge profit with this kit. Hopefully someone in TW can make a harness as I don’t think is hard at all to do. Someone needs to bite the bullet and buy this kit and copy this harness!

https://youtu.be/Rv1r85eJ0Mw

 

Thanks, STrooper! I saw that a couple days ago, as well. I agree - Customer satisfaction has mostly faded away and been replaced by raw profit. I agree, they are in business to make money, but once upon a time there was a happy middle ground. There I go - living in the past again!

 

Not all hero’s wear capes ? Where are you

 

Pardon me if this a dumb question, but I’m a first time Tacoma owner and as well , new to this forum. My TRD Sport is a late 2019 with the premier audio (w/Navigation). As far as I.can tell, it’s Etunes 3.0. Will I be able to update with AirPlay?

 

Maybe I'm old or just don't care, but I don't get the fascination with the carplay and the such. I run my phone. I don't let the phone run me.

 

hahaha, I feel the same way! I just don’t care. Phone is connected through blue tooth and other than that???? I use my phone for maps and it sits on my AC Vent so easy to see. No complaints here

 

Yup. Toyota’s response was pretty solid. “We aren’t wasting our time with something mundane”

 

Car play tracks and logs everything you do on your phone and with your car. It’s convenient but highly intrusive. The information they gather and sell is mind blowing.