Can You Swap Out The Stereo Head Unit With An Aftermarket On 3rd Gens?

The problem with so many cars today is the stock factory stereo isn't a traditional DIN or double-DIN sized head unit, so you can't swap it out with something better like a Kenwood, Alpine, etc. And then there's the issue of the backup camera, steering wheel controls, and car settings.

So what about 3rd generation Tacomas? Especially the 2020? How feasible / possible is it to upgrade the head unit to an aftermarket brand? Do you lose the backup camera and steering wheel controls?

 

Yes you can. No you don’t.

 

Thanks. So how do you get an aftermarket unit to work with the backup camera and steering wheel controls? And any car settings from the original stock unit. Depending on what aftermarket unit you get, is there a way to know if it's compatible and how to hook up the wires?

I've always been under the impression that the stock head units and backup camera/steering wheel controls/settings were proprietary protocols and specific the the car model.

 

Check out rr maestro on YouTube.

 

So if I understand right, you need a gadget called a "Maestro RR" and head unit that is compatible with the "Maestro RR"? Then you plug the truck wires into the "Maestro RR" which then you wire into the aftermarket head unit?

 

You don’t need it but it will give you much of what you’re looking for. You can also program it independent of the radio if your new aftermarket head unit isn’t compatible. YouTube has a bunch of info on it.

 

You can run aftermarket speakers a sub and amp off the OEM head unit. That's what I'm doing. Sounds great.

 

There are several threads that cover this at length. Some companies make kits that make their stereo plug and play for Toyota and some need a little help. Anywhere from $300 to $2,500 depending on what your looking for.

Just do a search.

 

What speakers and amp are you currently using? That is probably what I will do when I buy my 2020 tech package tacoma.

Is the sound difference noticeable?

 

I got the kicker key amp amd kicker hideaway amp. I got Infiniti component speakers (primus front, reference back). The sound is amazing. So loud, so clear. Crutchfield hooked me on a cart, great prices and tons of tech support as i had no experience. Best of all, it looks 100% stock from the outside.

 

If you do go with the "Maestro RR" thing to retain all the factory controls/features (I guess?), will the screens on your aftermarket head unit look the same as the stock factory radio? So If I go in and look at the gas mileage, will it look identical?