200 Head Unit Upgrade

[LowreyLand]

I have a near perfect 2015 200.... The head unit is the weakness for full modernization...

HELP!!


2015 U.S.-spec Land Cruiser 200 — JBL head unit replacement


I’m looking for someone in the U.S. who has actually replaced the factory JBL head unit in a 2015 LC200 with a complete modern head unit and has been happy with the results.


I’m not looking for a CarPlay module behind the factory screen, and I don’t want one of the giant Tesla-style screens. I want something similar to the photos — OEM-looking, properly integrated, modern interface, wireless CarPlay, good sound quality, and all the important factory functions retained.


The biggest question is the JBL system integration. What head unit did you use? Did you retain the factory JBL amp, bypass it, or replace it with an aftermarket amp/DSP? Any issues with steering-wheel controls, factory camera, climate controls, vehicle settings, or anything else tied into the factory unit?


I understand the argument for keeping these trucks original, but this is an 11-year-old infotainment system and I’m specifically looking to modernize it.


If you’ve done this successfully, please post exactly what you used. Or, if there’s a Land Cruiser audio specialist/install shop anywhere in the U.S. that really understands the 200 Series JBL system, please send me their information.


I’m trying to find the proven setup, not experimental...

 

[Romer]

Here is what I did. Working great after a year. Android Auto has been great

Thread 'Vhedia Android Head Units'

Jul 20, 2025

I have a 2019 Android Head Unit I bought from EC Offroad and have been running it for 5.5 years. It doesn't have a lot of memory, doesn't connect well to my phone as a Hot Spot and doesn't have Android Auto

I try and download Google Maps local to the unit for navigation and they don't stay

When I download a new map for Gaia, I generally have to delete some stuff if it is large in size. It doesnt have a lot of on-board storage.

However, it has worked great for Topo maps using Gaia on the trail, playing my music collection, making calls, watching video. All my steering wheel controls...

• Romer
• Replies: 41
• Forum: 200-Series Cruisers

• 

 

[GreatBenzini]

I've tried looking into this and had hopes when Hamilton teased a LC200 headunit upgrade like they offer for the LXs. I was told they just kept running into CAN/software integration issues since the OEM headunit controls (among other things) all the entertainment, navigation & climate control features.

Think you'll see a range of AliExpress/TEMU options, as well as some offering from Australian companies, like Fitting Bay (who just uploaded this 2 months ago).

 

[Romer]

I've tried looking into this and had hopes when Hamilton teased a LC200 headunit upgrade like they offer for the LXs. I was told they just kept running into CAN/software integration issues since the OEM headunit controls (among other things) all the entertainment, navigation & climate control features.

Think you'll see a range of AliExpress/TEMU options, as well as some offering from Australian companies, like Fitting Bay (who just uploaded this 2 months ago).

It is a different solution by year. he has a 2015 which would be applicable to the same thing I did. This has been awesome in my 2014

 

[GreatBenzini]

Missed MY, but original post also mentions "I don’t want one of the giant Tesla-style screens"

 

[terdrocket]

The Hamilton units are really good.

 

[Samuel Weber]

It is a different solution by year. he has a 2015 which would be applicable to the same thing I did. This has been awesome in my 2014
View attachment 4213127View attachment 4213100View attachment 4213101View attachment 4213102View attachment 4213115

Can I DM or call you to discuss this specific set up? Is this by Phoenix automotive by chance?

 

[Romer]

Can I DM or call you to discuss this specific set up? Is this by Phoenix automotive by chance?

Vhedia Android Head Units - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/vhedia-android-head-units.1365203/

Take a look at this thread and post any questions you have after reading it there

 

[open country]

Following to see what you find, although mine's a 2016.

I'm no audiophile, but really wanted seamless Carplay, so sprung for the Hamilton premium interface. It's been fine, but I don't like the UI boot time on each start and have had issues with the screen flickering which I assume is the connection quality between the unit and the screen. Also, all audio from the unit is fed to the stock speakers through the 3.5mm aux port, which doesn't lend itself to a premium sound.

To my knowledge there are no simple, reliable, and reasonably priced ways to modernize the 200's infotainment without annoying bugs or compromises.

 

[Romer]

Following to see what you find, although mine's a 2016.

I'm no audiophile, but really wanted seamless Carplay, so sprung for the Hamilton premium interface. It's been fine, but I don't like the UI boot time on each start and have had issues with the screen flickering which I assume is the connection quality between the unit and the screen. Also, all audio from the unit is fed to the stock speakers through the 3.5mm aux port, which doesn't lend itself to a premium sound.

To my knowledge there are no simple, reliable, and reasonably priced ways to modernize the 200's infotainment without annoying bugs or compromises.

I honestly don.t see any compromises with mine. It may be a personal thing. I do have to turn on the androidauto, but once its one it behaves perfectly. I can use my phone as a hot spot and the android tablet does whatever I need. No 3.5mm connection required. Again, it does come down to personal preference though.