2106 TRD Sport JBL System Upgrade

New member here. I have read many posts regarding this topic, and I know it has been covered countless times, so, my apologies for bringing it up yet again.

I recently bought my 4th Tacoma. A 2016 TRD Sport that has the JBL Audio package. In my previous Tacomas, I have never updated any audio equipment, aside from swapping out the head unit. Until getting into this truck, I never even knew the JBL system even existed. At first, I was kind of impressed with how this system sounded compared to my previous Tacomas, but not having CarPlay, as I have been so used to for the last 4 years, made me begin my deep dive into swapping out the head unit for one that has the option. I also noticed that the sound is actully pretty decent when listening to Sirius/XM, but got DRASTICALLY worse when listening to music from phone via Bluetooth. So, I then determined that I would like to have a unit that supported wired CarPlay vs. wireless, as wireless CarPlay is just a bluetooth connection, thus not really helping the sound when listening to music from my phone. That is when I began to learn about this JBL system and the headache it has caused so many people when upgrading their systems.

I stumbled upon Trail Grid Pro, and going back and forth with many other online retailers, I believe they have made it the easiest and most affordable for an intermediate like myself, to easily swap out the head unit, and possibly speakers.

The head unit that attracts me the most is the Sony XAV-AX7000. I do not like the look of the "floating" head units that protrude out of the dash and, to be quite honest, don't really look that great. I would prefer a new head unit to have as much as a "factory" look as possible.

While doing some price comparison/cross referencing, Crutchfield says this unit will not work with my Tacoma because of the JBL system.

From Crutchfield's website:
Installation notes:

• This radio's built-in amp is too powerful for the harness that retains your vehicle's factory amplifier.

Trail Grid Pro's website shows the installation of this product with their bundle, that comes pre-wired for my specific vehicle in a JBL equipped vehicle, and states that it will work in any 16-23 Tacoma whether or not it has the factory amp installed, and no aftermarket speakers are required to install this head unit.

I figured since their "plug and play" options look like this might be my easiest head unit install ever, I would buy one of their speaker packages as well, and make the most out of this new powerful head unit.

This is where my dilemma occurs.

What happens to the factory amp and sub if I install this head unit with new dash tweeters, front door 6x9s, and two rear door 6.5' speakers? Will the sub still "work"? Will I even notice it if it does? Can I swap out the sub for a compatible one that will fit in the enclosure?

To purchase the head unit and Kicker speaker package from Trail Grid Pro, would cost me roughly $1,100. (Quite a bit less than I have been able to find anywhere else, and also comes almost entirely pre-wired and ready to drop in.)

Sorry for such a lengthy initial thread, but, I wanted to be as detailed and specific as possible, because this topic has been covered so many times before.

Thanks!!!

 

subbed because I was wondering same thing.

 

I just bought my youngest daughter a 2016 TRD and we were wondering about an  Car Play Unit. I usually go with Crutchfield. Their stuff is easy to install. I was hoping to keep the current radio and just do an upgrade.

 

Hey 16Sporttaco,

I would suggest contacting Trail Grid Pro and allow them to suggest options. One kit they currently offer is a multi-channel amplifier the actually by-passes the JBL system (see link below).

https://trailgridpro.com/products/kicker-jbl-bypass-plug-play-5-channel-amplifier-kit-16-23-tacoma

This, in tandem with your new head-unit could continue to use the factory JBL speakers, it would just replace the JBL amp, or I believe you could then go with a set of replacement front and rears, and even replace the 8 inch sub too, and retain the factory enclosure. That's what I'm looking to do on my '18 Limited. I plan to run this all by TGP first though, just to make sure there aren't other wiring changes necessary.

Hope this helps.

 

I put a Trail Grid Pro Sony AX6000 in my Tacoma a few years back because I also wanted a smaller screen. My preference was wireless CarPlay. My Tacoma came with JBL from factory. This company has a few options and brands to look at. No issues with the equipment and ready-to-go installation. One of best mods I’ve added.

 

I have a 2023 limited with the jbl package.
I used the rockford dsr1 from Crutchfield to use external amplification.
It completely removes the jbl amp. And as long as you get the cable kit for your vehicle its plug and play.
I have been using it with some stupid cheap class d 4 channel Amazon amps (ocean audio, will do 90x4 at 2 ohm) for about 3 months now.
It however isnt exactly cheap.