Adding Apple Carplay to 2017 Tacoma TRD Sport

Hello everyone,

Pulled the trigger on a 2017 Tacoma access cab w/ 6 speed manual.
Was looking at 2nd gen but for the price, the one I found w/ rebuild title was right up my alley.

After driving this back from Oklahoma to Wisconsin, I absolutely love this truck - drives awesome.

I would like to make some upgrades, apple carplay is one on my list
I researched the forum / internet and it looks like I can buy a 'beat-sonic' device to add to my existing display or I can an

$280 Alpine iLX-W650 7" Double DIN Touchscreen Digital Multimedia Receiver with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Alpine iLX-W650 new display w/ Carplay built in.

Seems the Alpine is lower cost and likely a better display than OEM.

I have no issues with plugging in for connection - I do not need wireless.

Is the Alpine the way to go or is there a better solution.

Thanks and looking forward to enjoying this tacoma!

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/oem-car-play-solution-for-2016-and-2017-models.792198/

This is your best budget option if you want CarPlay in your truck if you do not wish to change your head unit. At $200 it’s a no-brainer if you don’t like the stock Entune.

There are quirks and personally I’m still dialing in audio quality but for the price it’s great.

If you want to go aftermarket there are a host of options at different price points. That Alpine would work fine or you could jump up to a larger screen (halo 9 or NEX-6600) if you want to fill the dash more like the Entune Premium.

This is very much a budget question as well as how far down the audio upgrades hole you want to go. If you’re keeping the system otherwise stock, the Carabc module might be best. If you want to go amps, subs, etc, then a new HU may work better. I have upgraded components with the stock HU and there are limitations, but it worked for me, especially after adding the CarPlay module.

 

It's all about budget....The Pioneer NEX-6600 has a 9" display and fits the premium bezel damn near perfect without any mounting kits and looks OEM. I have it installed and love it but it's not cheap.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-pioneer-dmh-wc6600nex-flush-mount-install.668580/