5th gen interest: Opinion on after market navigation

[Dext77]

Hi, long time 4th gen owner, and it was recently totaled thanks to another driver. I am looking at a 5th gen 2010 4runner limited, but it doesn't have navigation and I'm thinking it could be a deal breaker. However, I have them at a great price.

I know someone is just going to tell me to look up posts about navigation systems, however it's flooded with so many different opinions and a lot of confusing info. I just want a straight Yes/No answer: Can I install a navigation that works with ALL the factory systems, such as the steering wheel controls.

If so, which one?

What would you recommend?

I really appreciate the advice!

 

[1engineer]

Pretty sure all LE models came with Nav. If not, stock head units with Nav come up over here every so often so that way you can be sure all controls will work.

 

[Jhalko]

Pretty sure all LE models came with Nav. If not, stock head units with Nav come up over here every so often so that way you can be sure all controls will work.

Pretty sure I test drove a LE that did not have Nav when I bought, don't know about the 2010.

For the OP I hate my actual navigation but I love the factory integration of everything so it was worth it for me to get built in factory Nav. Hopefully someone with aftermarket chimes in for you.

 

[Dext77]

Yeah, you would think the premium trim would come with Nav... but there are a lot that don't have it. That's an even better answer if you can indeed install the real OEM unit into one without it. I thought it wouldn't be possible because nav setups used to have the GPS disc installed elsewhere in the car. Perhaps this isn't true anymore and I'm stuck in 2004?
[MENTION=91899]Jhalko[/MENTION] Yes, I am the same... I rarely actually use the navigation part, I just want all the features with bluetooth, sound, etc

 

[Jhalko]

I find if I put an actual address it works but my iPhone is better and the voice activated Nav is the biggest joke. Seriously I use it every now and then when I want a laugh, it's like I am speaking a different language than the computer.

I would think it'd be more about the wires in the back as any trim could easily be replaced. The Nav disc is inside the unit.

 

[bimrunner]

I know there is a harness so everything works with the pioneer HUs. I don't know where the harness is from off the top of my head but I was thinking of going that way to get a better screen for my camera system. Was told there is a wire harness to use factory steering wheel controls and phone microphone.

 

[JustinFro]

Factory NAV is junk and is the data needs frequent updates. Use your smartphone and a decent mount and call it good.

 

[NMJack]

Why not just buy a top-of-the-line Garmin for about $200 and mount it on the dash where you don't have to take your eyes off the road? Safety trumps style in my world.

 

[IAmTodd]

I had a base radio in mine. I reused a JVC unit from my old truck with bluetooth, a RAM mount for my phone and have a basically free nav system.

There are adapters to reuse your steering wheel controls with aftermarket systems that have a remote port on the back of the unit.

 

[sandcrawler]

if it doesn't already have the factory Nav unit i'd just go with an aftermarket HU like a Pioneer NEX or, probably better, one of the newly released Apple CarPlay or Android Auto units, depending on whether you're a Mac or Google kinda guy or gal. new ones include the Alpine iLX-007 and Pioneer AppRadio. these seem to be the most progressive, future-"proof", kinds of systems available at this time.

 

[philsey]

I can only offer what I have read here since 2010. Consistantly, I have read that Toyota builds every vehicle exactly to oem specs, not a single thing more. This tells me that if you want factory navi in a vehicle that was oem without it, you're going to have to IDENTIFY every single item that differentiated them, then FIND/BUY them, then INSTALL them.

I wouldn't touch that task with your pole - nosiree.

I've also read FAR more negative commentary about the factory navi, than positive, FWIW. But if you must have it, IMO you'd best find it already oem'd.

Nuvi with lifetime updates ftw.

 

[Bay33saw]

I can only offer what I have read here since 2010. Consistantly, I have read that Toyota builds every vehicle exactly to oem specs, not a single thing more. This tells me that if you want factory navi in a vehicle that was oem without it, you're going to have to IDENTIFY every single item that differentiated them, then FIND/BUY them, then INSTALL them.

I wouldn't touch that task with your pole - nosiree.

I've also read FAR more negative commentary about the factory navi, than positive, FWIW. But if you must have it, IMO you'd best find it already oem'd.

Nuvi with lifetime updates ftw.

I have a 12 LE and although I think the OEM NAV is OK. I live in Las Vegas and this town grows like a Priest's man part in a kinder garden school ray2: The OEM NAV has started to miss out on all the new roads, so like Philsey said I'd go for a good NUVI with lifetime updates.

 

[itsdchz]

I just came from a 2011 FJ (picked up a 2015 T4R last night). I upgraded the base radio of the FJ to the Pioneer AVIC 8000-NEX. AWESOME radio, all steering wheel controls and worked VERY well. Thats my suggestion. A little pricey but worth it. Carplay was pretty awesome as well.

 

[philsey]

...... Carplay was pretty awesome as well.

If you install Carplay in a 4Runner, does it become 4Play?

 

[NoDak]

personally I prefer the quality of life features in the garmin units better than any oem nav.

I bought my LE for the main features, FT 4wd, heated/vent seats.

I also promptly went out and bought a 7" garmin unit, in hindsight, I should have gotten the 6" cause the 7" bobbles on the bean mount too much compared too my old 5".

 

[itsdchz]

If you install Carplay in a 4Runner, does it become 4Play?

Thanks for the laugh... But, I think you are actually right!

 

[Newbrunny]

Another vote for Pioneer NEX units. Put in a NEX 6000 about a month ago and am pretty impressed with it. Great to have built in maps and CarPlay has a lot of promise for iPhone integration. Still some bugs and a bit rough in areas but definitely will be improving. Downside steering wheel controls are just ok and miss the big radio dial.

There are no Android aftermarket radios available yet. Likely one will be launched at CES in about a month. So if you use an Android, you may want to hold off. That being said, it will be a Gen 1 and there will be some growing pains just like with CarPlay and the NEX units.