New Head Unit Recommendations for 2021 w/JBL

I'm looking to possibly upgrade my head unit for my 2021 DC Tacoma w/ JBL.

Any recommendations that won't break the bank ($299-$399) that can retain all/most of the factory features? True bluetooth phone/audio stream, USB, backup cam, etc.? Not looking to have to connect or mount external mic/usb cable. Any info/recommendations would be great. Thank you!

 

You’re spending $300-$350 just in parts to get a radio hooked up.
Then, you’ll need a maestro-compatible radio so those start around $400 at the cheapest.
You can retain the usb but you’re going to have an external mic, unless you want to do some extra work and take apart the roof console and run your mic all the way to there

 

Yeah, the only new functionality you can add to that head unit is wireless android auto and a larger screen. I'm going to install a way larger floating screen in my 2016 sport, but a lot of people are going with something like in this thread that is flush and more stock looking.
New Pioneer DMH-WC6600NEX flush mount install

In order to retain a lot of the functionality, including buttons on the steering wheel, you have to buy a maestro rr, and some of the extra cabling to retain gps/antenna/backup cam. The upside of this is that when you do it hooks into your ECU, and a lot of higher end head units have a display that will show detailed truck info like actual oil temp, open doors, etc.

If you replace the head unit, you're going to lose the factory microphone, which is the subject of this thread below, and a solution to that.
After Market Head Unit - Mic in Factory Location

Crutchfield.com makes it easier than doing the research yourself in that after I put in the vehicle I had and selected a head unit, it pops up a little notification saying that they recommend these add ons, which are the maestro and adapters for the antenna, backup cam, and usb port. They didn't recommend an adapter for using the factory GPS antenna, but a little bit of research later and it was in my cart. If you want to see the items I picked out, look at the link below this paragraph.
Pioneer DMH-WCT8600NEX Buildout

Total cost for my setup, which is listed in the second link, came out to ~$1500. Yes, it hurt a little bit, but for this, it's a buy once cry once situation. I don't have android auto and I want it wireless, I plan on upgrading the speakers later on, and it is just step one in my plan for what I want to do to my taco. Yes, you could go with a cheaper double-DIN head unit, but at the end of the day, I knew what I wanted to do and the pioneer floating head unit fit my vision.

Good luck.

 

Thank you for all the info! Much appreciated.

 

No problem dude. Let us know what you decide to do and if you need advice!