Toyota once again combines ease and comfort in automotive connectivity
For today’s motorist, smartphone integration has become a crucial part of daily travel. Having our mobile phones synched to our automobiles has become a requirement that many of us just can’t live without, whether it’s for taking driving instructions from your GPS app, relaxing through traffic with the help of music, or answering phone calls handsfree. Toyota not only acknowledges this, but also strives to provide the greatest technologies that take full advantage of your smartphone’s most recent features.
CarPlay is an Apple standard that turns your built-in display into a controller for your iOS smartphone for iPhone owners. The main outcome is that your apps are in front of you and at your fingertips, ready for use. Additionally, you can use Siri to do essential iOS tasks with just a single voice command. You are able to multitask while driving, attending to missed calls, communicating your ETA to a contact on your contact list, and managing your calendar’s daily schedule (and your drive as safe as possible). CarPlay can also function as a kind of digital auto key, letting you start, lock, unlock, and drive the vehicle with some limitations.
The Google-created Android Auto software, on the other hand, mirrors your Android smartphone with the compatible in-dash infotainment system in your car. There is no denying that Android users can accomplish a ton of tasks while fully engaged behind the wheel. You can reply to your messages by simply speaking, or you can use Waze’s hands-free real-time traffic alerts and route information to choose less congested routes.
Now, this is where Toyota’s unwavering dedication to innovation and relevance comes into play.
Toyota presently offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the Wigo, Corolla Cross, Hilux, Fortuner, and Prado vehicles.
The best-selling entry-level hatchback in the nation, the Toyota Wigo TRD S, sports a top-of-the-line infotainment system that supports CarPlay and Android Auto. You are more than capable of having a secure, connect-and-go travel as long as the operating system on your smartphone is current. The iPhone 5 and later devices up to the most recent iPhone 11 Pro that run iOS 12 or later are the ones that Apple consumers will find most suitable for this function. On the other hand, the Google-based counterpart requires the Android 6.0 operating system.
All six Fortuner models are compatible with Carplay and Android Auto. This smartphone feature is simple for the driver or passenger to use. Every time you drive, you can count on a trip that is easy, relaxing, and as shrewd as they come.
While Apple CarPlay has been available in a number of models since the beginning of 2018 across all markets, Android Auto is catching up in more ways than one. In fact, Toyota’s distinctive product offerings are increasingly found to have this dual compatibility of Apple and Android.
How then do you make Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functional? Here is a simple how-to:
Relating to Apple CarPlay Integration
- Ensure that your car is parked. The LCD monitor on your dashboard should now be turned on.
In This Article...
Can the Toyota Hilux be equipped with Apple CarPlay?
We have a lot of experience upgrading the Hilux for CarPlay and Android Auto across all versions. The factory options, such a reverse camera and steering wheel controls, can be kept. Additionally, wired (through USB) or wireless CarPlay & Android Auto enhance Bluetooth, GPS, and phone connectivity.
Isuzu D-Max
Isuzu’s dual-cab model was at the bottom of the pack without any mirroring options, regardless of specification, until the release of the brand-new 2020 D-Max. As part of the considerable model evolution and enhancement, the new version now supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for all variations.
Toyota Hilux
Toyota’s always well-liked dual-cab has imitated the D-approach. Max’s The Toyota didn’t enable smartphone mirroring in the previous iteration, but in response to a spike in user demand, the new model now fully supports Android and Apple devices. The Toyota comes equipped with the technology as standard, even at the lowest Workmate level. What a 180 degree turn!
The 2018 Hilux is Apple CarPlay compatible.
Later this year, the technology won’t be installed in vehicles now under production.
If consumers choose to take advantage of the opportunity, they must return the first batch of new-generation RAV4s delivered in Australia between now and the fourth quarter of 2019 for a free upgrade.
According to Toyota, smartphone mirroring technology from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto may also be “retrofitted to several vehicles, including the Camry sedan and the new generation Corolla hatch, although at an additional cost.
Toyota Australia has not yet specified the price of the “Retrofitting Apple Car Play and Android Auto will cost money for qualified vehicles.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are typically included as standard features in most new models from other well-known automakers. Nissan and specific models from the Honda and Mazda lineups are the only exceptions in the Top 10.
Toyota refused to specify which model would be the next in line, but it did say that it would start rolling out smartphone mirroring integration with each new model.
The infotainment system in the current generation Toyota HiLux is regrettably incompatible with Toyota’s newest Apple Car Play and Android Auto integration.
It means that until the next major redesign, which is scheduled for around 18 months from now at the halfway point in the current model cycle, Australia’s best-selling vehicle is unlikely to receive Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
The arrival of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, according to Toyota Australia’s head of sales and marketing Sean Hanley “The existing advanced multimedia system needs further comfort and utility.
“We are aware that today’s customers want to have access to their smartphone apps wherever they are, whenever they want, and these technologies provide a secure and practical way to achieve so through the cutting-edge in-car entertainment system, according to Mr. Hanley.
“We are providing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the RAV4 at no additional charge, he said.
Toyota’s release further said: “From the fourth quarter of 2019, the feature will be pre-installed in every RAV4 that is delivered. Before that time, customers taking delivery of their new-generation RAV4 will need to make a brief trip to the neighborhood dealership to have it installed at no extra cost.
The 2017 Hilux is Apple CarPlay compatible.
Many people phone us to ask if we can add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the latest Toyota Hilux models. As a result, you can now purchase the Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Upgrade for Toyota Hilux 2016, 2017, and 2018.
Plug and play on your own.
These kits came with a Kenwood multimedia unit of your choice (three models are offered) and all the hardware needed to install the new, improved audio.
The 2015 Hilux is Apple CarPlay compatible.
1) For SR5 and other models with factory-installed reverse cameras, you might need to buy an extra Factory Camera Retention kit or alter the wiring of the existing device.
2) Neither DAB+ nor CarPlay/Android Auto are integrated into this device.
3) Despite the fact that these units are plug-and-play (wiring), we strongly advise hiring a professional car audio installation to install them in order to prevent harm to your vehicle or the devices themselves.
How can CarPlay be installed on a Toyota Hilux?
Use a Lightning connector to connect your iPhone to the Toyota USB port. On the Toyota EntuneTM 3.0 touchscreen, select “Apple CarPlay.” To access Apple CarPlay, select Menu > General. Apple CarPlay ought to be connected as soon as your phone is plugged in with a USB cord.
The 2020 Toyota Hilux is Apple CarPlay compatible.
The entire Hilux line includes an eight-inch display screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the multimedia front.
Digital speed readout is eventually added to the instrument binnacle’s 4.2-inch display along with other new features.
In 2019, the HiLux received a number of active safety features, including day and night pedestrian recognition, cycling protection (during the day only), lane departure alert with steering assistance, high-speed active cruise control, and road-sign assistance.
The new Hilux lineup still offers five equipment levels, two pickup and cab-chassis types, and three body designs (single, extra, and double cab) (Workmate, SR, SR5, Rogue and Rugged-X).
My Toyota Hilux has CarPlay, how do I set it up?
How to Connect Your Phone to Your Toyota Information Display
- On the menu of your touch screen display, select “Setup.”
- Set your phone’s Bluetooth to “on.”
- Select “Add New Device” from the “Bluetooth” section of the Setup menu on your touch screen.
- From the list displayed on your touch screen, select the name of your device.
Can I add CarPlay to my Toyota?
Toyota is happy to inform owners of Corolla and RAV4 models produced after 2019* that they now have the option to upgrade their Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system to include mobile integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Can Apple CarPlay be installed in a Toyota?
Your Toyota dealer will install new software on your Audio Multimedia system to enable CarPlay compatibility and Toyota+Alexa support for eligible vehicles (2018 Camry and 2018 Sienna). To arrange an appointment or inquire about the improvement at your upcoming scheduled service, just call your Preferred Servicing Dealer.
How can I tell if my vehicle has CarPlay?
Most vehicles made in 2014 or after feature Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. You can check the user manual or conduct a Google search using the year, make, and model of your car to find out if it has Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. If your car doesn’t have a wireless dock, you can alternatively use the primary USB connector to connect your phone and view the menu. If your vehicle is equipped with it, an app will appear on the screen and request your permission from your phone. Although these apps are incredibly user-friendly, if you need help, Google (and YouTube!) are always available.
When you connect in your phone, some automobile systems (like Hyundai’s) instantly open Apple CarPlay or Android Auto; however, other systems require you to activate them through the infotainment system (BMW, for example). The technologies are there in your car if CarPlay or Android Auto are listed on the Monroney window sticker, although you might need to look for them.
The Pioneer AVH-3300NEX ($529.97 on Amazon) is a nice system to look into if you’re upgrading your current car but only have one installation slot.