CarPlay stereo for the 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma: plug-and-play units, JBL and adapters

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Which CarPlay stereo for a 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma?

The 2005-2015 Tacoma has no factory CarPlay or Android Auto, so you need a model-specific radio that installs with plug-and-play connectors. You replace the factory radio with a new one with a screen and have CarPlay permanently built into the dash.

If you have a newer Tacoma, from the 2020 model year, it's simpler. CarPlay comes as standard there, so all you need is a wireless adapter and nothing has to be replaced.

For the second-generation Tacoma (2005-2015 model years), there are no tricks. The first model years of the third generation don't have CarPlay either, as Toyota only added it in the 2020 model.

Fun fact: Toyota states that the Tacoma was the best-selling midsize pickup in America for 14 years in a row (as of February 2019). That's why you'll find radios for this model in several versions and from different manufacturers.

Check your sound system before you order anything

Some 2005-2015 Tacomas have a factory JBL sound system, while the rest have a standard one. Which radio you choose depends on this.

Manufacturers of model-specific radios state separately whether a given radio supports JBL. If you buy a version for the standard sound system for a car with JBL, you may have problems with the sound.

How can you check? Look at the factory radio and the area around it, because the JBL logo is often visible on the panel or on the speaker covers. It can also help to match the equipment by VIN at a dealer or in the car's documents.

If you're still in doubt, write to the radio seller before buying. Give the model year, the trim, and what you see in the car.

We've chosen the products below to cover both sound system variants, and we've added an adapter for newer model years.

Recommended head units for the 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma

What to look for in a model-specific head unit

The first thing is plug-and-play installation. A model-specific head unit should connect to the existing connectors without modifying the wiring, and a trim frame matched to the dash gives a clean finish.

The second is steering wheel controls. It's convenient to keep volume and track skipping under your thumb, so check the description to see whether the unit supports them. For example, the PUTMADE 9" keeps the steering wheel controls, and the AINAVIGO 9" supports them as well.

The third is a backup camera. Several kits already include one, which saves you from buying it separately. Keep in mind that visibility to the rear in a pickup can be limited, so it's a practical extra.

The fourth is physical knobs. If you drive off-road, it's hard to hit the screen with your finger over bumps. The ApexNav 9" has real knobs, which are easier to use in such conditions than a touchscreen alone.

The fifth is storage for offline maps. Out of network range, maps saved on the unit save the day. ApexNav lists 64 GB for offline maps, and the PUTMADE 9" has 64 GB of storage.

Finally, the sound system. If you have JBL, Junsun states that it supports it. ApexNav claims compatibility with both JBL and a standard sound system.

Tacoma 2020 and newer: an adapter is all you need

From the 2020 model year, the Tacoma comes with CarPlay as standard in all trims. The touchscreen is 7 inches in the SR trim and 8 inches in higher ones.

Factory CarPlay works over a cable. If you don't want to plug in your phone every time, buy a wireless adapter such as the AAWireless Two+.

You plug the adapter into the USB port, and from then on your phone connects on its own, without a cable. It works with both iPhone and Android, so there's no need to replace the head unit.

Frequently asked questions about a Tacoma head unit

Does the 2014 Toyota Tacoma have CarPlay?

No. The 2014 Tacoma belongs to the second generation (2005-2015) and has no factory CarPlay or Android Auto. You need a model-specific head unit with plug-and-play installation.

Does a Tacoma head unit work with a JBL sound system?

It depends on the unit. Manufacturers state separately whether they support JBL, so check this before buying. Junsun claims support for factory JBL, and ApexNav lists compatibility with both JBL and a standard sound system.

Since which model year does the Tacoma have Android Auto?

Since the 2020 model year. Toyota added CarPlay and Android Auto as standard in all trims at that time. Earlier model years don't have them.

Do the steering wheel controls work after replacing the head unit in a Tacoma?

It depends on the kit. Check the description to see whether the unit keeps them. The PUTMADE 9" and AINAVIGO 9" list steering wheel control support.

Can a Tacoma head unit be installed without cutting wires?

Model-specific head units are designed for plug-and-play installation, so there should be no need to cut the factory wiring. Before buying, make sure the kit you choose matches your model year.

See also

• How to add CarPlay and Android Auto to an older car: head unit, screen or adapter
• CarPlay stereo for the 2009-2014 Ford F-150: plug-and-play 9-inch units and adapters
• CarPlay stereo for the Jeep Wrangler JK (2007-2018): model-specific unit, brand name or screen

Sources

• Toyota Pressroom: 2020 Toyota Tacoma positioned to continue segment leadership - manufacturer page (pressroom.toyota.com)
• Wikipedia: Toyota Tacoma - industry article (en.wikipedia.org)
• The Drive: 2020 Toyota Tacoma, Tundra, 4Runner, Sequoia finally get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto - industry article (thedrive.com)
• MacRumors: CarPlay coming to 2020 Toyota Tacoma, Tundra, Sequoia and 4Runner - industry article (macrumors.com)
• Wikipedia: Automotive head unit (DIN sizes) - industry article (en.wikipedia.org)