What features do I want in a new head unit?

I am a bit overwhelmed with all the options, hopefully you guys can help.

I am swapping out my non jbl hu in my 2011 dc. Here is what I know so far, I want:

Double din
6-7” touch screen
Not gps
Bt phone and audio
Name brand (not cheapie)
Fm/iPod/mp3/vid/usb... etc.
Need amp with at least 22w rms
Quick boot time
Under $400.00

The less the better obviously, more money for sub and maybe speakers. However this is what I am not sure on:

Cd/dvd... do I even need this anymore? Haven’t used cds in a while but does it make sense not to have disc capability?

Apple car play... how valuable is this? Does it work well, what about the message app? I travel for work and get lots of texts on the road, is this good for that?

What about the other iPhone connections? I know kenwood uses weblink app. Are these any good?

Again there are lots of choices and not a ton of comparisons.

Appreciate the info!

 

Maybe I should be more specific.

Is hd radio a feature I should prioritize? I do listen to radio semi regularly. Does this make a difference?

 

Currently looking at the Sony XAV-AX5000, but the thought of not having a volume knob is making me second think it. Sony also unveiled yesterday at CES the XAV-AX7000 which looks very similar but better sound features, won’t be available until the spring though

 

If you are going amp, ignore the watts on the radio and focus on rca outputs. 6 of them at 4 volts is ideal

 

No amp, just deck amp. Thinking maybe...

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-jC1kgOK7T4X/p_113DDX6704/Kenwood-DDX6704S.html

Or

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_1301440NEX/Pioneer-AVH-1440NEX.html?tp=20217

 

Kenwood DMX7705S if you plan on getting one without a CD/DVD drive.

 

I rarely use cds, but i don’t see much advantage with going with a multimedia player (no cd). The unit is the same size as a cd drive and it is not really cheaper.

Might as well have it and not need it. If not me, maybe for the truck’s next owner.

 

I'd also look for one that is camera ready for at least one camera. If you don't have one it's pretty easy to add a cheap camera at the same time as the stereo install. I assume that you're not going the satellite radio road as you don't mention it. Other than camera capability and the things you listed CD/non-CD and volume knob options are personal things that only you can answer for yourself.

I have a Pioneer AVH-3800BHS that has a similar setup to the radios you linked. I don't have steering wheel controls so having control buttons on the left side of the radio is convenient for me as they are easy to reach. I have a Mazda3 with an AVH-5800 that has buttons along the bottom edge and I don't think it would be as easy to use in the Tacoma.

 

Steering wheel controls are a must for me. My Tacoma already has the camera in the rear view. The real question is apple car play. I use iOS, but what is the value? It’s a fairly expensive option.