Apple Car Play

I have a 2016 SR Utility package Tacoma. I was wondering what would be a cheap but reliable head unit to buy or is there a way to use my OEM head unit provided?

 

Research on Crutchfield.com HU replacements that are CarPlay ready. Another option might be something off eBay...

 

Following. After a bunch of reading I’m leaning toward a 2020+ HU OEM. Hard to find one with nav tho

 

Welcome to the forum, as previously stated going with an aftermarket unit would be a good way to go. If you want to get a OEM unit with Apple Car Play the wiring doesn’t match your 16 and you would need to rewire it or get wire adapters.

 

Oh, if you get a HU with Apple CarPlay or Google AndroidAuto, the navigation there is going to be superior to anything that comes with the OEM Nav.
Trust me. Or don't. Your perogative. I know there are plenty of people that will want OEM NAV or Garmin. I wonder if they've ever tried the Nav on AA or Apple CarPlay.

I would never use anything except GoogleMaps or Waze (I am on Android). The integration with everything else that can be done with the associated Assistant and Music... Wow.
Now my HU in my 22 is the 8" non-JBL wo/NAV. I've plugged a

$53 Motorola MA1 , The Only Google Authorized Wireless Android Auto Car Adapter, Smartphone to Screen Wireless Bridge Car Accessories, USB Type-A

Motorola MA1 wireless dongle into the USB port. I just hop in the car and go.
Some HU will have wireless built in.
HTH

 

My OCD is about to shine through…. I never plan on using the native navigation. But I don’t want to lose the compass or the music display on the instrument cluster like I would with a non-nav unit

 

I forgot to mention that. I forget where I saw those adapters. Amazon maybe?
Anyway, I'm thinking unless an OEM unit was inexpensive on eBay, the way to go I think is a new deck, researched at Crutchfield.com. Likely, the aftermarket HU would have more power out to drive decent speakers.

 

Go to Crutchfield and ask them about retaining Instrument Cluster integration. You raise a valid concern. I think "Maestro compatible" might be the option you need, but don't quote me.

 

What are your thoughts on the Atoto head units?

 

I'm not certain whom you're asking. On the off-chance me, my opinion is this:
I wouldn't waste my time installing one of them.

 

That's not a brand I've ever heard of so I'd probably not. I'd stick to the main line brands Crutchfield sells like Sony, pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine and such

 

I use one of those plug in adapters for wireless Apple CarPlay. It works perfectly and automatically connects with my phone with a few seconds of vehicle start.

I did put an aftermarket head unit in my second Gen, but had to use a Meastro kit to connect the aftermarket unit to the steering wheel controls. It worked very well, but it was a PITA to do the installation. Be ready to invest a full weekend.

I’m not certain how bare bones the utility package is on the Tacoma, but if it has the integrated microphone for cell calls, etc., I’d probably leave the stock head unit and just buy the adapter and upgrade the speakers. This will be cheaper and easier.

 

I use the magic box for CarPlay. The time it takes to Connect and work varies from 5 seconds to a couple minutes. Which can be frustrating sometimes but works for me.

 

Is the resolution on the screen as bad as I’ve read?