Is it possible to install a premium level audio system in a 2011 Tacoma?

Right now, I have the basic CD-only (non-touchscreen) audio system in my beloved 2011 Tacoma. My other cars have a mid-level Harman-Kardon, an Alpine and a Bose audio system, so I do like decent audio. Is it even possible to come close to those other systems with regard to BT, USB and full-range audio installed without my dash and door panels looking like a Frankenstein monster?

 

This is the place to look https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/audio-video.12/

 

Yes you totally can. I have what I would consider a really decent system in my 2014 for all less than $1,100 by doing it all myself. I kept the OEM headunit, and could’ve gone even better by swapping that out, but really see no need.

That money got me two amps, all new speakers/tweeters, subwoofer and all the associated cabling, etc.

 

Did your OEM headunit already have BT and a USB connection? Mine has neither, so I basically need a new HU. Right?

 

I dunno man. Previous owner installed a Sony single DIN HU, and I don't think it (or any) make big power.

Replaced the speakers and tweeters.

Find an old car. Look in the trunk. It has an amplifier, and subwoofer inside a plastic enclosure. Or in the rear decklid if it's a sedan. There's a reason they do.
Tacomas do not.

am looking into adding an amp and sub, and taking the door panels back off to finish putting insulation after I clean prep the surface inside

 

Yes I retained factory Bluetooth (no usb though, but unsure what I would need that for). So you would definitely need to upgrade your head unit. You COULD get like a Bluetooth dongle thing but if you’re ’doing It’, go all in and replace the head unit too.

tbh you could just replace your head unit and make a solid improvement in sound quality with that alone. I bet you could be all in for $500-800 with a new head unit and speakers. If you don’t need a subwoofer that saves you the cost of the sub, box, amp and additional cabling, etc for that.

 

Thanks, my thoughts exactly. I would like to install a 2013 OEM touchscreen headunit work as they're under $300 (used) on ebay. However, I don't want to take a $300 gamble on trying to make that work. If I simply actually had a USB port on my truck, I'd be happy. I have a USB stick with thousands of songs on it and I play that instead of tying up my phone with BT except for making phone calls.

 

I’ll say, making my OEM head unit work with aftermarket everything was not an easy task. Lots of wiring! Nothing was plug and play basically.