CarPlay head unit for the Toyota Yaris 3 (2011-2020): model-specific unit, brand name or screen

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Which CarPlay head unit for a Toyota Yaris 3?

The best choice for Toyota Yaris III is a dedicated head unit with a fascia matching the dashboard, a brand-name 2 DIN radio with an additional fitting kit, or an external portable screen. The factory system in this model usually lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the manufacturer has not released an official software update. The choice of a specific solution depends mainly on your budget and whether you want to take apart the car's dashboard.

Keep in mind that this guide applies exclusively to the third-generation Yaris produced between 2011 and 2020, including the hybrid version. This information does not apply to the older Yaris II from 2005-2011, as that car features a completely different dashboard layout with centrally mounted gauges. If you drive a third-generation model, you have several proven ways to get modern smartphone navigation.

How to identify your car's system and check for factory CarPlay

The third-generation Toyota Yaris, with the XP130 chassis code, rolled off the line at the French plant in Onnaing from June 2011 to June 2020. During this period, the car underwent two facelifts, introduced in 2014 and 2017. In most units, you will find the factory Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system with a 7-inch touchscreen, which according to Auto Express is dated and sluggish.

The vast majority of Yaris III models do not support CarPlay or Android Auto. Only a handful of late models manufactured in 2019-2020 in select markets received these systems straight from the factory. The easiest way to check this yourself is to connect your phone via cable to the car's USB port and see if the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto icon appears on the screen.

If the system does not respond, a visit to an authorized dealership is unlikely to provide a solution. Toyota UK released an official Touch 2 software retrofit adding CarPlay exclusively for the 2019 Corolla and 2019-2020 RAV4. Yaris owners were not included in this program, and the manufacturer directs them directly to dealerships in official statements.

Fun fact: The first-generation Toyota Yaris won the prestigious European Car of the Year 2000 title, and the first two generations of this model reached combined sales of over 3.5 million units by 2010.

We have selected devices that will solve the lack of modern connectivity in your car, from complete head units to quick adapters.

Recommended head units and screens for the Toyota Yaris 3

Vehicle-specific Yaris head unit or a brand-name 2 DIN player

If you decide to install a new radio in the dashboard, you have two main options. The first is a model-specific head unit, such as the 7SIMO with a 9-inch screen, which features a housing shaped perfectly to match the factory mounting points of the 2012-2020 Yaris. The advantages of this type of unit include a factory-fitted dashboard appearance, wireless CarPlay support, and straightforward compatibility with steering wheel controls.

The second option is a universal brand-name radio in 2 DIN format from manufacturers such as Pioneer or JVC. The 2 DIN standard, defined in the ISO 7736 specification, sets the mounting dimensions of the head unit at 180 x 100 mm, as opposed to the classic 1 DIN format measuring 180 x 50 mm. To install such a player in a Yaris, you need to purchase an aftermarket fascia adapter trim panel and a wiring harness adapter matched to Toyota.

Brand-name units, such as the Pioneer DMH-W3050NEX or JVC KW-M595BT with a 6.8-inch display, guarantee a stable connection with your phone and the option to connect a reversing camera. On devices like the JVC, the connection to CarPlay and Android Auto is wired via a USB cable, which ensures constant charging of your smartphone battery. Pioneer is also featured on Apple's official list of CarPlay-supported equipment manufacturers.

Portable display for Yaris III and a solution for Yaris IV

If you prefer not to remove the factory Toyota Touch 2 radio or tamper with the electrical installation, the cheapest and easiest choice will be an external display, such as the Carpuride C3 7". The device mounts with a suction cup on the windshield or sits on the dashboard, drawing power directly from the cigarette lighter socket. The screen connects wirelessly to your phone and transmits audio to the car speakers via an AUX cable, FM transmitter, or Bluetooth.

The situation is completely different if you already own the newer fourth-generation Toyota Yaris, manufactured from 2020 onwards. According to Auto Express, the newer model comes with a Toyota Touch 2 system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto right out of the box. In this car, you connect the phone to the multimedia system using a factory USB cable.

Therefore, in the Yaris IV, you do not need to replace the radio or add an extra screen on the dashboard. If you find plugging the cable into your phone every time you enter the car inconvenient, you simply need to buy a wireless adapter, such as the AAWireless Two+. You plug the small device into the USB port in the car, pair your smartphone, and from then on, the CarPlay or Android Auto connection establishes automatically while your phone remains in your pocket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2016 Toyota Yaris have CarPlay?

No, the 2016 Yaris comes with the factory Toyota Touch 2 system, which does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Support for these standards only appeared on select units near the end of production in 2019-2020. To use maps on the display in a 2016 car, you must replace the radio or buy an external screen.

Will Toyota update Touch 2 in the Yaris to support CarPlay?

No, the official Touch 2 update for CarPlay support released by Toyota only covered 2019 Corolla and 2019-2020 RAV4 models. The third-generation Yaris was not included in this service program. In official responses, the manufacturer directs drivers to contact their local service centers directly.

Does a 2 DIN radio fit the Yaris III?

Yes, a universal 2 DIN radio fits into the Yaris III dashboard, but it requires mounting accessories. Due to the unusual shape of the factory dashboard, you need to purchase a dedicated fascia trim panel designed for this model and a Toyota wiring harness adapter. This ensures a clean look and preserves the steering wheel control functionality.

Can the radio be replaced in a Yaris Hybrid?

Yes, in a Yaris III Hybrid, you can easily replace the radio with a CarPlay-enabled unit, exactly the same as in the petrol version. You can choose between a dedicated unit with a fascia matched to the dashboard or a brand-name 2 DIN player with an adapter. Alternatively, you can place a portable display on the dashboard powered by the cigarette lighter socket.

Which model year of the Yaris has Android Auto?

Factory-standard support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay was introduced in the fourth-generation Yaris, manufactured from 2020 onwards. In the third generation, only a few units from 2019-2020 in select markets received this feature. In older model years, the only way to get Android Auto is by installing a new radio or an external display.

See also

• How to add CarPlay and Android Auto to an older car: head unit, screen or adapter

Sources

• Toyota UK Magazine: Toyota Apple CarPlay and Android Auto upgrade - manufacturer page (mag.toyota.co.uk)
• Auto Express: Used Toyota Yaris (Mk3, 2011-2020) review - industry article (autoexpress.co.uk)
• Auto Express: Used Toyota Yaris (Mk4, 2020-date) review - industry article (autoexpress.co.uk)
• Wikipedia: Toyota Yaris (XP130) - industry article (en.wikipedia.org)
• Wikipedia: Automotive head unit (DIN sizes) - industry article (en.wikipedia.org)