To anyone interested a CarPlay retrofit, I spent a lot of time researching the different models, and I would highly recommend the carlinkit version. There is very little information about the differences between the models, so I wanted to share my experiences.
The carlinkit version offers wireless CarPlay and a self contained control unit. It is sold on several different platforms, but I purchased mine from
carlinkitcarplay. The seller was very responsive, responding within 24hrs to all of my questions. It’s important to know that for most models you need the full kit, not the cheaper usb dongle.
One of the the biggest things to look for when purchasing one of these units is a seller that understands the differences between the infotainment systems in each model car. While the control box is the same (you just change the dip switches) the cables vary depending on whether you have a non nav control knob, nav control joystick, or later model touch pad. If you include these specifications when you order, it avoids many of the installation problems many people have with these kits.
The carlinkit is about $260 cheaper than the beat sonic version, however, the biggest advantage of this kit over the beat sonic is that it contains all of the functions in one control unit including wireless CarPlay, rather than two boxes connected via HDMI. Instead of using analog rca inputs, the box accepts a direct usb or wireless connection, and avoids a lot of bulk and cable management issues. The kit functions like a stock CarPlay system and retains all of the built in features like the backup camera, microphone, and steering wheel controls, and even on the smaller “non-nav” screen, the resolution looks great, not pixelated or stretched.
Anyway, sorry for the long post, but hopefully this helps 4Runner owners looking for a CarPlay retrofit.
carlinkit VS sonic
Linear Mode
