Really nice upgrade for the 4runner! Miles ahead from the OEM unit and Entune. If you are on the fence about getting this unit here are some of my initial thoughts:
Pros:
1) Versatility. Think of it as a full blown Android Tablet that just so happens to also work with your 4runners Radio, Door Settings, Unlock options, and Steering wheel controls, and gives you some onboard telemetryas well. It comes with The Google App Store preinstalled and you can install pretty much any app you want as long as you are sharing internet connection phone your phone.
2) Quality. I am not an expert in electronics but from what I can tell the construction of the device looks solid. The trim around the unit blends perfectly with the OEM colors and trim inside the cabin, and nothing is misaligned. There is a review online about this same unit for the Corolla where they do a lot of technical tests and they concluded that the unit was good.
3) Expandable Memory slot to store offline map data, music, videos etc.
4) Stand Alone Navigation. Even if you do not have internet reception during long trips or if you go off the main trail, the unit comes with a GPS receiver and a preloaded Navigation App. It is not the prettiest thing in the world, but if you need to know where the medical helicopter needs to come pick you up it will work just fine.
5) Android Auto. It works great, and what a joy it is to use it on a 4runner! A small item to keep in mind is that Android Auto works with the wired connection via USB; however, none of the 3 USBs are able to fast charge a phone. Best thing is to connect it wirelessly via Bluetooth by enabling Bluetooth tethering on your phone.
Cons: Only one big one.
1)Instructions. The installation instructions leave a lot to be desired. If you are doing this by yourself, its going to be a little bit of a challenge especially if you have never done a head unit swap. You get one small piece of paper, where step 10 reads: "Transfer the AC vent and button", and step 11 reads: "plug our unit harness" and Step 12 reads : "Test all functions". That is it, no instructions on what cable goes where or how to properly remove the AC vents from the old frame and install them onto the new one. You do get a QR code for a video on how to install it, but even the video skips over detailed steps on how to do it right. You can still do it, but be aware that you will likely need to do some additional research on your own to make sure you don't break the clips and to properly transfer the vents. I really hope the company steps up and provides more detailed installation instruction, because what should have taken about 2 hours, ended up taking 7. I recommend you look up T9 installation videos online and it will give you a pretty good idea of what needs to be done and how some of the cables are connected.
Some helpful installation Notes that should apply to 2014-2019:
-Put a towel or something to provide padding when working on the transfer of clips, vents, and hazard lights button to prevent screen cracks or scratches.
-The AC vents are held in place by 2 screws on the outer sides of each and 7 clips. There are 2 clips on each side, 2 at the bottom, and 1 at the top. I found it easier to remove them from the inside out, starting with the two at the center, then 2 at the bottom, then 1 on top.
- The yellow clips come off easy, just pull them apart from each side BUT BE CAREFUL NOT TO BREAK THEM.
-If your 4runner comes with XM Radio chances are you are going to see two boxes in the OEM unit. the bottom (smaller) box is the XM Radio stuff and you DO NOT NEED to transfer it.
-There are two yellow cables that could be used for the reverse camera. The one that is attached to the bigger white clip is the one that worked for me. It needs to be connected to the yellow cable coming out of the unit labeled CAM IN in the dongle with two yellows, one red, and one white.
-The Antenna Clip has a blue and a black cable. the black cable has an Audio Jack (like the ones used for electric guitars, or amps) that has to be plugged into the unit otherwise the Radio wont work.
- I did not need to install the external mic that came with the unit. There is a Mic already built into the front face and the call quality was very good using that one alone.
-There are 3 USB cables coming out of the unit. One is connected to a 4pin clip and the other two are connected to a 6 pin clip. It seems like the 4 pin one is the one that should be connected to the OEM USB via the adaptor (USB to Square long clip). I do not own an Iphone, but it sounds like that is the one reserved to work with Apple Car Play (wired). The other two can be routed down one of the trim pieces your first removed during install. Android Auto will work out of any of the three.
-There is a thin black grounding cable. Don't forget to ground it else you will get static noise. I used one of the 4 OEM bolts that hold the unit to the dashboard.
Hope this helps. I will update the review in the future.
Cheers!
| Item Weight | 7.28 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 17 x 12 x 8 inches |
| Item model number | HA2179S |
| Display Size | 10.25 Inches |
| Display resolution | 1280*480 |
| Warranty | 1-Year Warranty |
| Voice command | Touchscreen |
