Toyota Hilux CarPlay: Does Yours Have It and How to Add It
Some newer Hilux grades have Apple CarPlay on the factory screen, but many older Hiluxes and work-grade utes do not. Most Hiluxes in NZ were sold new here with a standard double DIN opening, so a wireless CarPlay and Android Auto head unit fits neatly with a Toyota fascia kit, keeping the steering wheel controls and the reversing camera.
How to check yours
With your iPhone plugged into the USB port, look for a CarPlay icon on the screen, or a CarPlay or smartphone option in the settings. If there is none, or the unit is a basic radio, the Hilux does not have it.
Adding CarPlay to a Hilux
A double DIN CarPlay and Android Auto head unit fits with a Toyota fascia kit. Choose wireless CarPlay if you are in and out of the ute all day, so the phone connects without a cable. See wireless vs wired CarPlay.
Keeping what the ute has
- Steering wheel controls: kept with a steering control interface. See steering wheel control interfaces.
- Reversing camera: kept or added. A camera is worth having on a ute with a deck or tow bar.
- Already have wired CarPlay? An adapter makes it wireless: see CarPlay adapter vs a new head unit.
Getting it done
Our Toyota Hilux page has the fitting details, and our ute stereo upgrade guide covers the Ranger and Navara too. We fit Hilux head units on site, at the yard or at home: see Apple CarPlay installation.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Toyota Hilux have Apple CarPlay?
Some newer grades do on the factory screen. Many older and work-grade Hiluxes do not, and get it from a new head unit.
Can you put wireless CarPlay in a Hilux?
Yes. A wireless CarPlay head unit fits the double DIN opening, or an adapter makes existing wired CarPlay wireless.
Will I keep my Hilux reversing camera?
Yes, with the right camera adapter for the new head unit.