2nd Gen (2009) Stereo Upgrade Recommendation?

I’m the original owner of a 2009 Tacoma Double Cab TRD Off Road 4x4 with JBL Audio and Bluetooth, XM radio, steering wheel controls, etc. Everything works well (except the CD player which I can live without) but I really would like to get Apple Car Play as well GPS Navigation (not phone based but with built in maps like a Garmin device or similar).

On board GPS NAV is important because the Tacoma spends most of its time in the Sierras where cellular service is spotty.

I’d like to reuse my factory microphone and XM antenna if possible and would insist on keeping steering wheel controls. Plus I don’t want a system that limits the ability to change navigation points while driving (as some new cars do - my wife often looks for things like restaurants on the NAV while I’m driving). I have the ability to do the installation myself but am not averse to letting a competent local shop do the job.

I’d like a nice clean looking installation that looks as “factory” as possible. Knobs for volume and tuning are nice but not mandatory. My dash is the silver version.

I’ve spent days reading pages and pages of write ups on various head units. I don’t want a “no name” product hassle to save a few dollars. I’m guessing name brands like Alpine, Pioneer, Kenwood, etc. are what I’m after. I’d keep the stock speakers and amp as all seem to work very well.

I’ve gone to Crutchfield (have used them many times over the years) and the Alpine unit here https://www.crutchfield.com/p_500INEW970/Alpine-INE-W970HD.html?tp=20212 looks pretty good and I think it will meet my needs.

Recommendations? Comments? I’m not interested in watching videos on a unit like this, but am sold on the benefits of large touch screens in modern vehicles.

???

Jim

 

To retain the factory controls (ie. SWC, mic, etc.) an interface module WILL be needed. The PAC RP.4 is what Crutchfield recommends. Programming is straightforward on the module, as is connecting the Nav unit to it. Alpine is a good manufacturer, and the maps are upgradable via SD card. You’re on the right track for sure. Don’t think it’ll be entirely plug-and-play. You will need to iron out some things because of the JBL system. It’s known to cause issues because of how integrated things are. Doable, but not a 1-hour head swap.

 

Jim, do you have factory installed XM module in your ride? I too am rehabing my 09 access cab and looking to upgrade radio that has factory Xm module installed by me, and want to keep everything you listed. Let me know how it's going finding you radio might be for me too. Did I mention XM is lifetime subscription.

 

Yes, I have the factory XM radio which works well. I expect it will come out with the factory head unit and that I will have to transfer my XM subscription to the new radio.

 

Crutchfield is the answer. US based support and great prices. I've installed two Kenwood DMX units with carplay in a 2014 Tacoma and 2012 RAV4. They work great. I spent the extra $24 to have Crutchfield connect the harness. Then, plug and play.

 

I’m getting ready to buy this one for my son’s 2010. I’m lucky to be local to Crutchfield…they make these installs super easy.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_130DMW2770/Pioneer-DMH-W2770NEX.html?tp=5684

We have the stock silver dash, but are opting to change it to the black. Crutchfield has 2-3 different options for their Tacoma kits.

 

You do know that it is a separate module behind your back seats and plug and play. You might be able to keep it and just add a head unit, I will be looking into this in the next month. I just had back surgery yesterday so no extra activities fo me for a bit.
Just look behind your seats.

 

Had purchased a Pioneer Apple Car-play stereo for my old SuperDuty and ended up putting it in my son's 09 Tacoma. Went through Crutchfield for everything.

Such an improvement. Ended up adding a far superior backup camera.

We had a '17 Tacoma with the factory setup and never did like its setup.

Call Crutchfield, tell them what you have and what you want and they'll send you a cart ready to go. Superb support.