Replacement radio opinion thread

[octanejunkie]

So it's time for me that I consider upgrading to a new radio in the 4Runner, enough time has elapsed and I'm tired of the functionality/limits of my current 10+ year old pioneer.

Not looking for the full "audiophile experience" with separate amps and subwoofers, I just need a radio that can replace the factory setup and fit nicely in the dash.

My requirements are pretty basic:
-easy, intuitive controls
-AM and FM tuner
-Bluetooth connections for multiple phones (memory)
-Android & iOS compatibility
-CD / DVD is optional
-AUX input is optional but handy
-Integration with a backup camera is optional (preferred if double din)
-Steering wheel mounted controls are interesting
-The ability to control the radio from a mobile app is interesting (camping)
-A separate remote is unnecessary

Truthfully, installing an additional amp and replacing my speakers if necessary is an option but it's not my goal. This is not an audiophile's vehicle nor am I an audiophile.

Open to all opinions input, and obviously images. Let's see what the community thinks!

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[Brian.]

Your ask is small, pretty much any modern head unit can do what you're wanting. The less complex, the longer it'll last/be useful (probably)... at least that's my hope and why I opted for a Pioneer MVH-S600BS (looks like it's been superseded by this Amazon.com: Pioneer MVH-S622BS Digital Media Receiver : Electronics )

My biggest complaint is simply that the radio is placed poorly in the 4runner, hate having to lean forward to reach the dang thing... I really want to do the Sienna steering wheel swap (has radio controls built in).

 

[JMat]

Just replaced my 20 year old single din Alpine with the Alpine CDE-175bt(single din) and it's great

 

[octanejunkie]

Your ask is small, pretty much any modern head unit can do what you're wanting. The less complex, the longer it'll last/be useful (probably)... at least that's my hope and why I opted for a Pioneer MVH-S600BS (looks like it's been superseded by this Amazon.com: Pioneer MVH-S622BS Digital Media Receiver : Electronics )

My biggest complaint is simply that the radio is placed poorly in the 4runner, hate having to lean forward to reach the dang thing... I really want to do the Sienna steering wheel swap (has radio controls built in).

Interesting, appreciate the reply [MENTION=10950]Brian[/MENTION], your build thread is pretty cool

Here is what that radio would like in a 5-speed center console

My gorilla arms are long enough to rest on the shifter to get to the console, etc, but steering wheel controls would be bomb

 

[Auce]

Octane, I haven't installed it it yet but I think this one is perfect for your needs.

Sony XAV-AX150 Digital multimedia receiver (does not play CDs) at Crutchfield

My requirements are pretty basic:
-easy, intuitive controls -Yes - touchscreen and button controlled volume.
-AM and FM tuner - Yes
-Bluetooth connections for multiple phones (memory) - Yes
-Android & iOS compatibility - Carplay and Android
-CD / DVD is optional - NO
-AUX input is optional but handy - No, but the phone needs to be plugged in, so in theory yes, but not wireless.
-Integration with a backup camera is optional (preferred if double din) - Double din and backup cam ready.
-Steering wheel mounted controls are interesting - Comes with the head unit.
-The ability to control the radio from a mobile app is interesting (camping) - App no, but it does have a remote.
-A separate remote is unnecessary - Comes with one.

 

[Auce]

From what I've read, there's only a few head units with true wireless Carplay. They are not going to be cheap though.

 

[Majkmichael]

So it's time for me that I consider upgrading to a new radio in the 4Runner, enough time has elapsed and I'm tired of the functionality/limits of my current 10+ year old pioneer.

Not looking for the full "audiophile experience" with separate amps and subwoofers, I just need a radio that can replace the factory setup and fit nicely in the dash.

My requirements are pretty basic:
-easy, intuitive controls
-AM and FM tuner
-Bluetooth connections for multiple phones (memory)
-Android & iOS compatibility
-CD / DVD is optional
-AUX input is optional but handy
-Integration with a backup camera is optional (preferred if double din)
-Steering wheel mounted controls are interesting
-The ability to control the radio from a mobile app is interesting (camping)
-A separate remote is unnecessary

Truthfully, installing an additional amp and replacing my speakers if necessary is an option but it's not my goal. This is not an audiophile's vehicle nor am I an audiophile.

Open to all opinions input, and obviously images. Let's see what the community thinks!

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

Sony has the most sleek and fitting radios for these trucks in my opinion. They work flawlessly and look good doing it. I also had a pioneer that started overheating after 5 years which was a pita

 

[19963.4lsr5]

I put a 2013 Corolla NAV radio in my 97. It required some trimming but now that it’s in any newer OEM radio fits.

It doesn’t sound as good as the scion T1819 300w but I wanted NAV and didn’t want a bling bling unit in my rig to get broken into.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rexassian]

All good advice here, your requirements are very minimal. A couple of suggestions,

Crutchfield.com has really good research and reviews, go there and spend some time checking out what units work for you. The deals are usually pretty good but sometime Amazon has better prices. However, the free advise/service/help is really good from crutchfield. Also, adapters/brackets/etc are usually free with your order to make everything fit your car.

They also have a harness service where you can have them add a metra or scosche adapter and they connect it to the radio harness for you. This saves hours of finding and splicing wires. But you still have to check the quality of the splices. I had one that was bad but called them up and they 2-day rushed a new one to me.

some pioneer head units have a tilt up feature that makes seeing what you want to do on the unit a little easier

spring for the steering wheel control adapter, it's worth it to make the basic controls easier. Of course, prices have gone up on it so may not be as worth it : Axxess RFASWC Universal Steering Wheel Controls Package Add steering wheel audio controls to your vehicle — works with an aftermarket car stereo's steering wheel control input at Crutchfield

 

[Auce]

Not to hijack Octanes thread, my new Sony unit, which I have not installed yet has a double din display but a single din backing. Will I need extra hardware to install this minus the new wiring harness?

 

[octanejunkie]

Not to hijack Octanes thread, my new Sony unit, which I have not installed yet has a double din display but a single din backing. Will I need extra hardware to install this minus the new wiring harness?

The factory brackets should work