Tacoma Infotainment System

Does anyone know if it is possible to buy a 2020 tacoma infotainment system that has maps and CarPlay on it to install it in a tacoma that has the normal infotainment with just Bluetooth? Will the maps and everything work or are there different wires in the newer ones?

 

This is my follow post

 

Wiring harnesses are different. At the parts counter that head unit is $4K. It would be way cheaper/easier to go aftermarket. Crutchfield.com can get you what you need.

 

2nd Crutchfield. Originally had a 2006 Taco... put a

$850 Pioneer MVH-1400NEX Digital Multimedia 6.2" Display with Apple CarPlay (Does Not Play CDs)

Pioneer MVH-1400NEX Digital multimedia receiver with all the Crutchfield recommended modules (steering wheel controls, etc) and Bezel kit. Apple Carplay/android auto eliminates the need for factory navigation... Have factory nav in my 2022 (bought it used, already equiped), but I never use it (carplay instead). Just need to make sure you are handy enough to install and connect the modules (or pay someone). Crutchfield provides amazing and free tech service over the phone. Once spent an hour and a half on the phone with them troubleshooting a freak issue. By the end of the call, the tech and I were nearly best friends.... problem resolved.

 

This guy is selling a new HU for $850

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ion-with-apple-car-play.787674/#post-28193349

 

Here is a post of that swap... there is another link in there of another swap... it is possible.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/radio-swap-questions.786623/#post-28161742

 

This link was posted by another member in a different thread. It got me thinking if it’s worth the $800+ for a plug and play head unit upgrade with CarPlay.

 

It will be less expensive, and you'll get a better H.U. if you contact Crutchfield about a unit that will handle Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. They will also provide you with the harness(es) needed for P+P installation.
The unknown will be what functions you may lose, or integration with the display between the speedometer and tach. My thinking is this has already been taken care of with appropriate CANBUS interoperability.

 

Can anyone recommend a good aftermarket headunit with Apple Car Play/Android Auto?

 

Just like stftaco indicated. Go to Crutchfield.com, select "car audio", select "what fits your car", put in your Truck info and select the type of unit you are looking for, ie. receiver only, multimedia player, cd player, DVD, etc... in modern times, I think most folks are going for receiver, multimedia type units (who has CDs anymore)... that should bring up the wide range of brands, units, screen sizes and prices. Personally would go with a well-known brand like Sony, JVC, etc. once you click on a head unit, look for a link that says "Save on Required Installation Gear"... that will display packages with wiring harnesses, steering wheel control units, dash bezels, etc; and list a reduced cost on the whole kit. Arguably you could record all the part numbers and try to piecemeal it together on Amazon, but I've always found Crutchfield to be pretty competitive and their free tech support via phone is fantastic should you have any install problems. Good Luck.

 

I follow Chloe Kuo on YouTube. She did a review for head unit in her Tacoma OR. This might be something that interests you.

https://youtu.be/A8fqEGNFRxw

 

Very happy with my after-market head unit - nice upgrade in sound/power as well. The only thing I lost, that I was not able to figure out, is seeing what speed my cruise control is set at. For some reason, I can still see my current speed on my center screen, but not the cruise control setting.

 

I would go aftermarket with the Maestro unit installed. No point in upgrading from one crappy Toyota radio to another expensive crappy Toyota radio. I installed an aftermarket head unit about a year ago and I have never looked back. The only thing I lost was the navigation/compass on the dash screen. That doesn't break my heart.

 

I personally would do as others have noted and visit Crutchfield and buy an aftermarket deck. You can either get an OEM Toyota Unit (of which I cannot say the harnesses will match) for $4000 or you could get a top of the line aftermarket Sony, Alpine, etc. deck with the same features and more for $2000 or less.