Upgrade 2018 to Support CarPlay?
- Thread starter mstgkillr
- Start date
chuckdeezy
New member
what did you end up doing for your head unit? i've been doing extensive research and I cannot find much that show a good headunit that does:
-apple carplay
-maestro idatalink for pressue gauges, door, alerts
-connect to gps antenna
-connnect to steering wheel buttons
-backup camera
-apple carplay
-maestro idatalink for pressue gauges, door, alerts
-connect to gps antenna
-connnect to steering wheel buttons
-backup camera
Seamonkey
New member
One of the first things I wanted to do to my 2011 TE when I bought it in February was to replace the older non-JBL system with something newer. I dearly wished I could have kept those giant volume and tuning knobs, but they had to go in order to get CarPlay.
After a lot of research, I went with the Kenwood Excelon DMX905S. The Excelon units come very highly recommeded from my friends who know audio, and have a two year warranty, rather than one, which is nice support from Kenwood.
I had a local shop install the head unit, new speakers all around, and inner and outer sound dampening in the front doors. It wasn't cheap, but it sounds fantastic. CarPlay works great, and I only have two complaints about my choices and the install.
1. The Kenwood head unit is set up so that every time it connects to my phone, it starts playing music. That's pretty annoying, as I probably only have music on about 30-40% of the time, but I'm currently running navigation all the time, which means as soon as I start the car, and I'm getting ready to pull out and get on the road, music blasts out at whatever volume I had the navigation playing when I was last in the car. This is honestly kind of maddening, and I've been through all the layers with Crutchfield and Kenwood to try to stop it, with no luck. As much as I like the Kenwood unit, this makes me wish I'd gone with a different brand.
2. The shop that did the install didn't have the parts to make the USB connections from the back of the head unit integrated into the dash or console. They just sort of hang out below the AC controls. It's not great looking, but it gets the job done, and I can go back and clean it up later if I want to.
I went with the Scosche dash kit, as the silver matches the dash interior pretty much perfectly. I do wish I could have kept those big knobs, and it feels like a lot of wasted space on the dash, but I don't think it looks bad. Strangely, looking at the pics here after I uploaded them, it definitely looks more silver than the rest of the dash, but in person it's a great match.
Here's the link for that dash unit
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_142TA2106B/Scosche-TA2106B-Dash-Kit-Silver.html
I got the various adapters for steering wheel controls and auto integration, and everything works perfectly. The head unit could actually handle a lot of features that weren't included on the 2011.
Stephen
After a lot of research, I went with the Kenwood Excelon DMX905S. The Excelon units come very highly recommeded from my friends who know audio, and have a two year warranty, rather than one, which is nice support from Kenwood.
I had a local shop install the head unit, new speakers all around, and inner and outer sound dampening in the front doors. It wasn't cheap, but it sounds fantastic. CarPlay works great, and I only have two complaints about my choices and the install.
1. The Kenwood head unit is set up so that every time it connects to my phone, it starts playing music. That's pretty annoying, as I probably only have music on about 30-40% of the time, but I'm currently running navigation all the time, which means as soon as I start the car, and I'm getting ready to pull out and get on the road, music blasts out at whatever volume I had the navigation playing when I was last in the car. This is honestly kind of maddening, and I've been through all the layers with Crutchfield and Kenwood to try to stop it, with no luck. As much as I like the Kenwood unit, this makes me wish I'd gone with a different brand.
2. The shop that did the install didn't have the parts to make the USB connections from the back of the head unit integrated into the dash or console. They just sort of hang out below the AC controls. It's not great looking, but it gets the job done, and I can go back and clean it up later if I want to.
I went with the Scosche dash kit, as the silver matches the dash interior pretty much perfectly. I do wish I could have kept those big knobs, and it feels like a lot of wasted space on the dash, but I don't think it looks bad. Strangely, looking at the pics here after I uploaded them, it definitely looks more silver than the rest of the dash, but in person it's a great match.
Here's the link for that dash unit
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_142TA2106B/Scosche-TA2106B-Dash-Kit-Silver.html
I got the various adapters for steering wheel controls and auto integration, and everything works perfectly. The head unit could actually handle a lot of features that weren't included on the 2011.
Stephen
Attachments
CavPro
Member
This sounds promising.
Toyota Will Retrofit Apple CarPlay to 2018 Camry and Sienna for a 'Small Service Charge'
Toyota Will Retrofit Apple CarPlay to 2018 Camry and Sienna for a 'Small Service Charge'
daytonaviolet
New member
I really hope the rumored OEM deck for 2020 that includes carplay and android play is a direct retrofit and not too expensive.
sure it's probably plug and play. but at what cost? if you compare the 2019 HU it's ~ $3k
Receiver - Toyota (86140-35291) | Toyota Parts
dan.schweizer
New member
It would be if 4runners used Entune V3.0. Only Camry, Sienna, and Avalon got that privilege. I have not seen anything yet about V2 head units getting V3.0 upgrade, nor do I expect to. I’m looking at buying my wife a 2019 Highlander and can’t believe it’s using V2 still. [emoji26]
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Paragon1
Member
bring_it_on
New member
The 2020 T4R's will have CarPlay and Android Auto so it may be wise to wait a while to see if that is available for backfit..
SendInTheCavalry
New member
Not looking good. Id say they are Entune 3.0 based systems.
Apple CarPlay | Lexus+Alexa - Multimedia Enhancement
Am I eligible to add Apple CarPlay® and Lexus+Alexa support to my Lexus vehicle?
The following 2018-2019 Lexus vehicles are eligible for a Lexus Multimedia System enhancement that adds Apple CarPlay compatibility and support for Lexus+Alexa.
Eligible Lexus Vehicles:
• 2018 LS
• 2018 LC
• 2018 RC and RC F
• 2018 NX
• 2019 NX (produced before October 2018*)
• 2019 RC F (produced before October 2018*)
• 2019 ES**, without factory navigation (purchased before October 2018)
* Some 2019 NX and RC F with VIN plates listing an October 2018 or November 2018 production month are eligible for the enhancement. You can determine if these vehicles already have CarPlay support, and thus do not need the enhancement by:
1. Looking at your vehicle's Monroney label for 'Apple CarPlay compatibility' under Standard Features, or
2. Looking on your vehicle's multimedia screen for an icon listed as "Projection" or "Apple CarPlay" (press Menu on the Remote Touch, then look for the icon).
Apple CarPlay Icon
** The 2019 ES is already compatible with Lexus+Alexa, and this enhancement will add CarPlay compatibility for those vehicles without factory navigation produced before October 2018.
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How long do I have to obtain the CarPlay/Lexus+Alexa enhancement from my dealer?
There is no expiration. Contact your preferred Lexus dealer at your convenience to schedule an appointment.
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How much will the Multimedia enhancement cost?
Lexus is pleased to offer the enhancement at a $199 MSRP. Please contact your preferred Lexus dealer for more information.
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SendInTheCavalry
New member
I refuse to believe that a swap is out of the question. Certainly the dash isn't a total redesign?? Maybe you have to get a $3k radio and a $700 HVAC button panel... Still a better looking and possibly performing option then a $2000 (radio+dash piece+wiring/accessories) aftermarket offering...
With the amount of 4Runner owners with high dollar bumpers, winches, roof racks, suspension... you use your radio every time your in your truck... CarPlay is huge IMO...
If the swap were possible, this forum would be lousy with how-to videos and “I’ve done it!” threads by now.
Their absence seems indicative.
We can add this to the pile of evidence that Toyota really isn’t that into 4Runners. It’s a considerable pile already.
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SendInTheCavalry
New member
Very true.. We also haven't seen any... "I tried to swap, but connectors are all totally different..." either... Its bound to happen at some point...
Id say cost and maybe parts availability is the restrictor right now... We just need two Yota techs with one of each and see if they can do it... lol
Ive emailed some popular 4Runner YouTubers and told them it would be YouTube gold if they could do it and it was infact plug and play!
calebjared
New member
Definitely check out the Alpine Halo9 specific to the 5th Gen. It’s plug and play. I got to see it at an Alpine event and was blown away at the screen quality and input options- you can hook up different cameras and even HDMI! My plan was a front wide angle camera, rear camera and side view cameras.
I bought one before even getting a T4R....now with COVID I may not get this truck of my dreams... PM me if you are in California and are interested.
