Best Head Unit & Why? [LC200 2019] (1 Viewer)

[Eire32]

Hi

I am looking for the best head unit replacement for the terrible one the LC200 comes with.
My Landcruiser is a 200 series US Spec, 2019 year.

For what its worth we are Apple iPhone people, I would like it to have Apple CarPlay for Apps like Waze etc to be used, and I would like to be able to watch YouTube, Netflix or even Live TV if possible.
Another thing we would like is the ability to use our OffRoad apps on the display......

Let me know what you suggest...
Pros/Cons?
Any accessories you recommend I get with it (I know some have usb's, sim inserts, bluetooth kits, HDMI cables etc)
Where to buy from?
Approximate install time?

 

[chris777]

Bump

 

[BIC JET]

I do not have an answer but I am watching to see if anyone comes up with anything.

 

[MRego]

Keep OEM unit and just install the Beatsonic module. Perfect for my needs that just wanted Carplay and none of the android app frills that come with other aftermarket units.

 

[lc200tx16]

Was hoping there's a similar option to the t10 headunit that's pretty popular for 4runners. Maybe look into the LC300 head unit upgrade?

 

[chris777]

My wife and I installed a Naviplus module behind our dash, 4 years ago, into our 2018 Land Cruiser. It took several hours to remove the center of the dashboard and install it. However, It allows us to use CarPlay. It’s pretty good, but it has some wonky idiosyncrasies that we get frustrated with sometimes. Sometimes it’s hard to make a connection. It uses WiFi and Bluetooth. It is more reliable of a connection when I plug in my iPhone via a usb connection. It s not an issue most of the time. But ever once in awhile can seem like too much sometimes. When it using CarPlay, usually on a short local trip, it’s Bluetooth will hijack all incoming calls, so you have to quickly redirect the speaker from the Naviplus to your phone. That is because you have to choose AUX with the Audio button on the factory system, in order to hear the CarPlay. And I still forget to do it, or fail to bother to do it every time. On the plus side, the back up system and all the cameras, including the 360 overhead view all work fine. Here is the link to it. Naviplus CarPlay | CarPlay Android Auto GPS | 9/35 Garden Rd, Clayton VIC, Australia - https://www.naviplus.com.au/online-store/Land-Cruiser-series-c60806341 Does the other system that is available, the Beatsonic also have these little annoyances to put up with?

 

[pvchaitanya]

I would also suggest keep ur factory unit. Most of after market unit go bad sooner than a factory unit would. Unless your are looking to replace a broken factory unit, going with beatsonic, grom or another display with carplay may be a better option.

 

[chris777]

I would also suggest keep ur factory unit. Most of after market unit go bad sooner than a factory unit would. Unless your are looking to replace a broken factory unit, going with beatsonic, grom or another display with carplay may be a better option.

With the Naviplus, you retain 100% of your factory head unit. You don’t give up anything. If the Naviplus were to stop working, I would continue to do as I did before the upgrade to CarPlay capability, with the original head unit.

 

[MRego]

My wife and I installed a Naviplus module behind our dash, 4 years ago, into our 2018 Land Cruiser. It took several hours to remove the center of the dashboard and install it. However, It allows us to use CarPlay. It’s pretty good, but it has some wonky idiosyncrasies that we get frustrated with sometimes. Sometimes it’s hard to make a connection. It uses WiFi and Bluetooth. It is more reliable of a connection when I plug in my iPhone via a usb connection. It s not an issue most of the time. But ever once in awhile can seem like too much sometimes. When it using CarPlay, usually on a short local trip, it’s Bluetooth will hijack all incoming calls, so you have to quickly redirect the speaker from the Naviplus to your phone. That is because you have to choose AUX with the Audio button on the factory system, in order to hear the CarPlay. And I still forget to do it, or fail to bother to do it every time. On the plus side, the back up system and all the cameras, including the 360 overhead view all work fine. Here is the link to it. Naviplus CarPlay | CarPlay Android Auto GPS | 9/35 Garden Rd, Clayton VIC, Australia - https://www.naviplus.com.au/online-store/Land-Cruiser-series-c60806341 Does the other system that is available, the Beatsonic also have these little annoyances to put up with?

The new Beatsonic units solves that issue routing everything through the OEM BT. Does not use the AUX jack at all. I think they call the new unit "S-Connect".

 

[momogadea]

Keep OEM unit and just install the Beatsonic module. Perfect for my needs that just wanted Carplay and none of the android app frills that come with other aftermarket units.

Hey Rego, thanks for the advice! I am looking for to enable Apple CarPlay in my LC200 2017. I assume you have used the Beatsonic solution. Is it really worth it and trouble free? I ask because for me, it is not an inexpensive solution. In fact I think it is a bit overpriced. I'd really like to know your opinion. Thanks in advance!

 

[linuxgod]

I considered the beatsonic s-connect but I don’t see an option for a 2013 LC. Seems like the 360 camera isn’t supported on a lot of models. It’s gotta be flawless integration IMO so it sounds like naviplus is out. Seems like they do have a 2019-2021 option which would work for the OP though

 

[MRego]

Hey Rego, thanks for the advice! I am looking for to enable Apple CarPlay in my LC200 2017. I assume you have used the Beatsonic solution. Is it really worth it and trouble free? I ask because for me, it is not an inexpensive solution. In fact I think it is a bit overpriced. I'd really like to know your opinion. Thanks in advance!

Hey. Totally worth in my opinion.

This is my third experience with Beatsonic. I've had it in my 2017 4Runner, in my 2018 LC before I (dumbly) sold it and when I bought my new-to-me 2020HE it was one of the first additions. I was actually one of the first ones to install their unit in my 2018 LC and it was still a wired one. I did not mind it being wired.

The new unit in my 2020 (I think they call S-Connect) is wireless with the option to add the USB for a wired connection if you want. After installing it back in July last year, I have only used the wireless option. Once in a while I get an interference with the wireless and the unit disconnects from my phone (mainly in some traffic light intersections where the lights have wireless signal to avoid traffic jams) but it comes back and connects right away automatically after a couple seconds.

I have read several threads here with options from China and Australia and Beatsonic has always been the best cost-benefit for me. They also have great customer service if you need to troubleshoot anything. The installation is a pain, and you can set at least 4 hours aside to do it, but they have YT videos with step-by-step instructions, and it is not any worse than the other competitors. Good luck.