Looking for an upgraded stereo/head-unit for a 2005 4runner with apple car play. Thinking of going with either the dmh-2660nex or XAV-AX5000 and adding maestro in order to retain function of the steering wheel controls and to pull up current vehicle status. Any feedback is appreciated as I am still figuring out what to do. Thanks!

I have the Pioneer MVH-1400NEX (has Apple CarPlay). I love fit and finish. It has the options for reading vehicle status (TPMS, temps, gages, etc) but I didn't end up getting the Maestro. If you paired it with the Maestro, it would be excellent. I have a wireless backup camera that works with it and I also have the JBL Synthesis system and it's working great with the factory amp.

Let me know if you have any specific questions about my setup. Hope this helps.

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If I were to do it tomorrow, this is the head unit I'd go with:

DMX957XR | eXcelon | Car Entertainment | KENWOOD USA

That plus a iDatalink..

If I had plenty of cash, I'd get the floating 10" model:

DMX1057XR | eXcelon | Car Entertainment | KENWOOD USA

I've been interested in doing this for the last couple weeks or so and it sucks to want a Pioneer (looking specifically at the 2600nex) head unit right now. I didn't know at first but apparently there's a shortage due to the pandemic. Because of that, prices are nearly doubled.

I would look into the Alpine iLX-650 or possibly the Kenwood DMX4707s. Seems like good models within a reasonable price range (if you are even considering forgoing the iDatalink)

I’ve got the Sony AX5500. Great headunit. Just make sure you get something with a capacitive touchscreen


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A new head unit is on my list too. I'll be going with a Pioneer, probably the 2660. You can't go wrong with Pioneer, but frankly, any of the legacy brands folks have mentioned are good.

I was told the reason so many stereos are in shortage is because the factory that makes one particular size touch screen went out of business due to the pandemic. I think it's the 7 in screen that's in total shortage. No problems getting a 6.2 inch though.

Good to know! I also found out the 2660 is the 2600 version that is sold at big box stores. Someone correct me if I'm wrong please but they are essentially the same thing.

I have a couple car audio stores near me that are selling those but at a premium price.

If you browse Ebay you can find the 2660, and the equivalent in the other brands, for around 300. Less if you don't mind used or refurbished. There are even some sellers throwing in a back-up camera for free. Even for new in box electronic items, I've always found Ebay to be about 10-15% off retail price. You may also want to check into a little device that hacks the safety feature of the stereo and lets you use the phone/stereo interface while driving. Because some folks are dumb enough to, say, try and watch a movie on the stereo while driving, manufacturers design them to disable most of the phone features once you're in gear. A really low-tech work-around that the stereo shop owner told me is that you can apply your parking brake just enough so the vehicle registers it and all the features will work. Obviously, this wouldn't be a good idea on a new vehicle, but for the average 4th gen 4runner, chances are the e-brake is sloppy enough for it to work fine.

(Corrected model #) I recently installed the Pioneer DMH-W4660NEX [crutchfield.com]
- It has wireless CarPlay and wireless Android Auto.
- It allowed me to keep my steering wheels controls and add phone controls to steering wheel.
- Also bought the kit to connect the unit to be able to read tire pressure and battery voltage.







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Did you upgrade your steering wheel?

If I would have done it again I’d get something like above that does tire pressure / obdii

Yes sir. I wanted to maintain an OEM feel and this wheel seemed like a good match (link to wheel and original post with parts used below).

I've always wanted tire pressure display for each tire. Unit even lets you add a short cut to the steering controls to get to it. If i hold onto the talk button on phone controls side, it takes me directly to tire pressure and battery.

What did you do with your 4runner today?

2006-2009 Toyota 4Runner Steering Wheel Black Dimpled Leather New 451000W210B0 | eBay

I actually tried the 9" floating model from Pioneer (DMH-WC6600NEX) first, but it felt out of place in the cabin. It also hid other items in the dash, which annoyed the crap out of me. Ended up exchanging it for a smaller Pioneer unit (DMH-W4660NEX)

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Love this setup. Would you recommend that model Pioneer? There are many different ones out there and it is not clear the pros and cons.

Very interested in how you added the pickup/hangup and speech button on the left side of the steering wheel and how you acquired the parts.

I love your setup! That steering wheel though... 👀. Would that wheel fit an '03? Ebay doesn't show that year as an option.

Here’s a $400 Chinese head unit running android software. Joying 10.1” universal double din. Besides the fact it took 42 days to be delivered I love it.


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