I recently installed Apple Car play in my truck, wife really likes it and I'm looking at installing it in her 2018 Highlander.

Seemed liked there weren't very many different types of aftermarket units for my truck, bought one of ebay and install was pretty easy. Tried to google one for her car and seems like 100 different options. Anything established brands better than the other? Anything recommendations?

Car toys looks like they're selling an Alpine unit on sale with free install.

Alpine iLX-W650 7" Media Receiver with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Car Toys

I've liked the Pioneer unit I installed in my truck a couple of years ago.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_130DM2660/Pioneer-DMH-2660NEX.html

Similar model with wireless CarPlay but some other trade offs:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_130DMW2770/Pioneer-DMH-W2770NEX.html

I prefer Alpine, but Kenwood and Pioneer are good too

Question: Do you miss the volume knob?

Reason for asking: This is an upgrade I had planned for the Cummins project truck and I recently had an exchange with Silverado lover about it because he has a Sony unit (in one of his many rides) and it has a volume knob. It seems like it is nice to be able to just reach up and turn it all the way up or down quickly with the knob - something he confirmed. However, that unit is going away apparently and its successor doesn't have a knob.

I do like that your unit has rear USB. I don't want the cord hanging down right in the middle of the dash over the shift-it-yourself 6 speed. If feel like it will be in the way and want to remote the USB plug. I have heard that wireless can be l**** or troublesome connecting.

Centerpole90 said:

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Question: Do you miss the volume knob?

Reason for asking: This is an upgrade I had planned for the Cummins project truck and I recently had an exchange with Silverado lover about it because he has a Sony unit (in one of his many rides) and it has a volume knob. It seems like it is nice to be able to just reach up and turn it all the way up or down quickly with the knob - something he confirmed. However, that unit is going away apparently and its successor doesn't have a knob.

I do like that your unit has rear USB. I don't want the cord hanging down right in the middle of the dash over the shift-it-yourself 6 speed. If feel like it will be in the way and want to remote the USB plug. I have heard that wireless can be l**** or troublesome connecting.

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I have 2 "slab" style radios in my stuff with no physical volume knob. The controls stink. I hated it so much in my Bronco I installed a newer steering wheel so I'd have SWC with a physical button. You're exactly right about being able to reach up and just turn it down vs fumbling for the right touch zone to hit. Unfortunately, like you said, most manufacturers are moving away from that style.

I haven't had any issues with bluetooth connections working as expected. Most Android radios have wireless carplay/AA built in that works ok. I'd rather have an all android radio than be limited on what apps I can run through AA or carplay.

Are you going single din in the Cummins with a screen or just a feature type radio?

Daddy-O5 said:

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I recently installed Apple Car play in my truck, wife really likes it and I'm looking at installing it in her 2018 Highlander.

Seemed liked there weren't very many different types of aftermarket units for my truck, bought one of ebay and install was pretty easy. Tried to google one for her car and seems like 100 different options. Anything established brands better than the other? Anything recommendations?

Car toys looks like they're selling an Alpine unit on sale with free install.

Alpine iLX-W650 7" Media Receiver with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Car Toys

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Do you have a factory screen in the Highlander? MMI devices integrate with the factory screen and work pretty well

https://gromaudio.com/store/vline/all/toyota-highlander-2018-vline-carplay-android-auto-infotainment-system-navigation-upgrade-for-stereos-with-lcd-screens.html

Grom is a name brand, but you can buy them cheaper from china: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802383871582.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt

Biggest downside to the MMI is usually the bluetooth audio in AA or carplay. I usually use the factory bluetooth on cars with an MMi installed

Quote:

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Are you going single din in the Cummins with a screen or just a feature type radio?

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This is the unit I had in mind, but like I said, even it doesn't check both boxes (not that any will) because it doesn't have rear USB.





eta: apologies to the OP. I didn't mean to hijack. This is something I've pondered and was glad to see it come up. Wish I had more to contribute to your situation.

If you plan to do just wireless Android Auto or Carplay, I'd go this route:

https://www.amazon.com/Touchscreen-Wireless-Adjustable-Bluetooth-Navigation/dp/B0B9BLGDTZ

Big screen, rear inputs, and physical volume knob. Only downside is it doesn't list the processor type.

If you want HD radio, XM, or care about the quality of the FM tuner, going with a name brand is probably better.

I personally was looking for something without tactile buttons. They always feel cheap to me and/or wear out. I have not had any trouble working the controls and mute is accessible in two touches or via voice command. I considered the Sony unit you posted, but I was also wanting HD radio and other capabilities.

I was just scrolling past those 'standoff' screen type units because I didn't know how they'd hold up in a truck - buy you have my curiosity up now. The dash is pretty sparse and the climate controls are a good bit lower, so I don't think there's much to interfere with that screen. I will give this some thought, but right now I'm making the bell ring at all the diesel performance shops - the Chinese care stereo guys will have to wait a few days for my $.