Our North Vancouver client liked his 2021 Tacoma, but wanted a better screen for maps, messages and music. It needed to be big enough to read easily and keep his factory reversing camera working on the same display.
Why the head unit is the whole job
The factory receiver handles the camera feed, steering-wheel controls, chimes and vehicle settings as well as music. We had to keep all of those working with the replacement.
That's what guided our recommendation. We fitted the Kenwood DMX1057XR — a 10.1″ receiver that runs Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both wired and wireless, with a camera input for the Tacoma's existing reversing camera and a USB port up front that will fast-charge a phone while it does it.
Wireless is the part people actually notice
Wireless CarPlay makes a difference every time you get in. Your phone stays in your pocket while maps and the podcast come up on screen. You don't have to plug it in first.
The larger screen is easier to read and shows the reversing camera across all 10.1 inches. There's also Bluetooth for other devices and HD Radio for stations that broadcast it.
The Tacoma went home with a much more useful screen and an almost factory look. If you want the same upgrade, tell us your truck's year and trim. We'll check the dash kit and interface and explain how it'll fit before you commit.