I JUST missed Apple Carplay...

[flyfishin]

This is what you end up with when going to an aftermarket head unit huh? No offense to your specific install, but damn that's not too pretty.

As I understand it, the choices are :
Go for LOOKS and keep stock head unit, but upgrade all speakers and add an amp to power it all so the head unit is just controlling sources, but lose out on Apple CarPlay, a possible DVD player, and advanced EQ control.
ORRRRR
Go for FEATURES and replace head unit and gain the features, but lose aesthetics and deal with all that dash plastic.

Agree in a nutshell. Here are some notes that I made.

Stock head unit/Beatsonic
Pros: XM tuner, hd radio, cd player, matches interior with no painting, dash kit etc, retains 95% of steering wheel controls, oem appearance. cost is one of the cheaper options at $ 450.00

Cons: Screen is subpar and small, audio signal quality is poor and requires a DSP for higher end systems, will Beatsonic hardware work and be supported long term? Still pricey for what you get, especially if you add the DSP. Total around $ 800 with DSP.


Alpine Halo 309

Pros: large screen, much better audio quality, solid brand with great history. can retain most of steering wheel controls, xm ready, hd radio, adds some vehicle information gauges etc.

Cons: Screen does not look OEM, partially blocks vents or climate controls, dash kit will require a paint match for some. No CD player. May be a theft concern for some. Uses external mic. Screen resolution is not up to todays standards. Most expensive option. around $ 1400 all in.

T-9

Pros: great looking. Most similar to the 2020 OEM HU. Improved Audio quality per some reviews (cannot confirm), large screen with improved resolution. Wireless carplay, can download apps, can add a sim card. Cheapest option at $ 425.00 (with no dsp)

Cons: no significant brand history, glitchy based on many reports/reviews, no XM, no HD radio, No cd, will not match dark grey interior trim without painting, external mic.

I am sure there are plenty of other pros/cons but those are my priorities. There are some double DIN units from Alpine Kenwood etc that would be cheaper and have the HALO pros. Just have a hard time with all that plastic.


Unlike some I have had a good experience with my Entune HU for the most part. Bluetooth works great, love the voice commands, appearance and interaction with the steering wheel controls. Not a fan of the navigation but carplay would take care of that. I plug my phone in most of the time so I would be ok without being wireless. I completely upgraded all speakers, added an amp, LOC, and sub. Other than lack of Carplay the signal from the stock HU is the Achilles heal of the system.:frusty:

 

[watchman1513]

I did a quick search, and didn't see this posted (but if it was, forgive me I missed it). It looks like the Alpine Halo can come with a plug-n-play model that will replace most, if not all, of the original head unit functionality. I think it is only missing the CD player, but adds things like winch controls and other stuff. If anyone has this exact model, I'd love to hear their thoughts on how it performs.

 

[jone7724]

Would you say that those pictures are worst case scenario? Based on all the dust and the bright sun it looks like it. The resolution on the the stock HU is not great but I think I could live with it if everything functions well. I see complaints about the HALO resolution as well so this still looks like a viable option to me. Sound quality is my biggest beef with the entune HU. You really need a DSP to get the most out of aftermarket speakers and amps and that is another $ 400 +/-. That is where I am now. Either get this and a DSP or just replace the HU. Would like to keep stock if this works because of the look and feel vs aftermarket.

Thanks for the review and please update us on how it performs.

Yes that is absolutely the worst case scenario- to your point, I also hadn't properly cleaned the screen in awhile. I suppose the screen quality is not a reason to not purchase, but rather something to keep in mind. Especially when you first boot it up!

I can't speak to the sound quality piece. I have the Limited trim and everything sounds stellar, but maybe I'm just not quite as discerning.

 

[jone7724]

Just to be clear about the Beatsonic unit, when in CarPlay mode you retain virtually NO controls except volume, that and I believe you can ANSWER a call. You can use siri voice control but that would require you to press the head unit screen to do so (or your phone/watch).

 

[flyfishin]

Yes that is absolutely the worst case scenario- to your point, I also hadn't properly cleaned the screen in awhile. I suppose the screen quality is not a reason to not purchase, but rather something to keep in mind. Especially when you first boot it up!

I can't speak to the sound quality piece. I have the Limited trim and everything sounds stellar, but maybe I'm just not quite as discerning.

The JBL system sounds good enough to me. We have a Tacoma with that system and have no plans to upgrade. The 4Runner Premium package system/non jbl is notably bad. I think my 99 limited sounded much better.

I would have gladly paid for the JBL upgrade if it was available on the TRD ORP.

 

[seasonda]

Absolutely no worry

Absolutely no worry, a totally re-designed 4runner might debut in the very near future. By then, all the moments will disappear in time, just like tears in the rain.

 

[craigcarmean]

Never again

I love the 4Runner but Toyota’s refusal to put Apple CarPlay in, or offer upgrades has made me not want to buy from them again.

 

[Space King]

I never use it in my other car that has it, so it doesn't bother me that my 2019 T4R doesn't have CarPlay. I plan on keeping my 4Runner for it's entire serviceable lifespan. So I highly doubt that in 2034 that the iPhone XXIV will be backward compatible with the current rev of CarPlay. I don't feel left out.

Anyway from a technology standpoint I am impressed at the rate of adoption of CarPlay. The first Toyota got it in 2017 (as a 2018 model), and yet somehow by 2020 people consider it a MUST HAVE. Incredible.

 

[Phyzman]

I never use it in my other car that has it, so it doesn't bother me that my 2019 T4R doesn't have CarPlay. I plan on keeping my 4Runner for it's entire serviceable lifespan. So I highly doubt that in 2034 that the iPhone XXIV will be backward compatible with the current rev of CarPlay. I don't feel left out.



Anyway from a technology standpoint I am impressed at the rate of adoption of CarPlay. The first Toyota got it in 2017 (as a 2018 model), and yet somehow by 2020 people consider it a MUST HAVE. Incredible.

That’s because all other manufacturers had it standard across their entire line in 2013.

Toyota held off for fear that adding CarPlay would induce uncontrollable blinker fluid leaks in all their models. The Model T apologists chimed in, “one more thing to go wrong!”

So yeah, 2020 is late for CarPlay adoption. #NotRocketScience



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RusPro17]

Comparing my 17 Pro with the entune and now having my 2020 Pro I will take the Apple CarPlay and bigger screen plus the JBL system over my 17 Pro. My 2019 Z06 Vette has it also plus the big screen. Just depends what you prefer.

 

[Ryan at Eibach]

Absolutely no worry, a totally re-designed 4runner might debut in the very near future. By then, all the moments will disappear in time, just like tears in the rain.

All we are is dust in the wind....dood.

 

[KDubb]

I feel your pain a little ...

Just picked up a 2019 4Runner a couple months ago and I'm absolutely loving it! A little lite on the features but this is fine, I get a quality car that will last for hundreds of thousands of miles and performs like a champ.

My only gripe? Bluetooth is clunky with the iPhone... which I could deal with since there was no other option. Then I go and read an article that the 2020 4Runners will have Apple Carplay!? Someone please tell me that it's as simple as a dealer software update or reflash to get this on the '19s... :redbrick:

... then I remember I went from a 2004 Trailblazer to a 2019 SR5 and I smile.

 

[jone7724]

I never use it in my other car that has it, so it doesn't bother me that my 2019 T4R doesn't have CarPlay. I plan on keeping my 4Runner for it's entire serviceable lifespan. So I highly doubt that in 2034 that the iPhone XXIV will be backward compatible with the current rev of CarPlay. I don't feel left out.

Anyway from a technology standpoint I am impressed at the rate of adoption of CarPlay. The first Toyota got it in 2017 (as a 2018 model), and yet somehow by 2020 people consider it a MUST HAVE. Incredible.

People want to use their phones in their car. It shouldn't be that surprising. Outdated Entune maps got me lost on forest roads twice in the first month I had my 4R.

 

[Space King]

People want to use their phones in their car.

Yes, yes they do. Having had my previous car totaled by another driver who was too busy playing with his phone... well, we'll just say I'm not a fan of the practice.

 

[eatsleepsendrepeat]

Couldn't agree more!

... then I remember I went from a 2004 Trailblazer to a 2019 SR5 and I smile.

Amen to that! I left behind a 2004 Honda Element (admittedly, I still love those cars).

Surprised this thread has gotten so much traction! Just wanted to update everyone on my status now that I have a year behind the wheel: Still have stock head unit. Car still works great.

To whoever told me how to use steering wheel controls to access siri... thanks! Works like a charm (90% of the time).

As long as I can get 15 more years out of this thing, I've got nothing to complain about!

eace:

 

[KDubb]

I turned on Hey Siri...now she activates on her own sometimes.

Amen to that! I left behind a 2004 Honda Element (admittedly, I still love those cars).

Surprised this thread has gotten so much traction! Just wanted to update everyone on my status now that I have a year behind the wheel: Still have stock head unit. Car still works great.

To whoever told me how to use steering wheel controls to access siri... thanks! Works like a charm (90% of the time).

As long as I can get 15 more years out of this thing, I've got nothing to complain about!

eace:

Hey siri fetch me a beer!

 

[KDubb]

I turned on Hey Siri...now she activates on her own sometimes.

Amen to that! I left behind a 2004 Honda Element (admittedly, I still love those cars).

Surprised this thread has gotten so much traction! Just wanted to update everyone on my status now that I have a year behind the wheel: Still have stock head unit. Car still works great.

To whoever told me how to use steering wheel controls to access siri... thanks! Works like a charm (90% of the time).

As long as I can get 15 more years out of this thing, I've got nothing to complain about!

eace:

Hey siri fetch me a beer!:flamethrwoer2::flamethrwoer2:

 

[jone7724]

Yes, yes they do. Having had my previous car totaled by another driver who was too busy playing with his phone... well, we'll just say I'm not a fan of the practice.

I hear what you're saying. I don't mean to say people should be "on their phones" while driving. I really mean the head unit should utilize the phone's apps and functionality, which is what you get from carplay and android auto and is the core appeal.

 

[flyfishin]

Quick update. I bit the bullet and installed a Kenwood DDX 9906XR head unit with the I-data link maestro for steering wheel controls and obd access for gauges etc.

I love it. Awesome sound, flawless carplay/Siri, tuning capability galore, and no need to ever touch the phone.

I thought I would really miss those big knobs for volume and tuning but am quickly getting used to not having them.

 

[NB17Limited]

Quick update. I bit the bullet and installed a Kenwood DDX 9906XR head unit with the I-data link maestro for steering wheel controls and obd access for gauges etc.

I love it. Awesome sound, flawless carplay/Siri, tuning capability galore, and no need to ever touch the phone.

I thought I would really miss those big knobs for volume and tuning but am quickly getting used to not having them.

I've got a Kenwood in mine with the Maestro RR2 as well. You should be able to change the boot screen too so it looks more stock if that's something you're into. Took about 10 minutes to do.


How To Change Kenwood Load Screen | Customise Start Screen