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When you think of the Toyota brand, a few very descriptive words probably come to mind: toughness, reliability, dependability and safety. However, you might not immediately think of multimedia superiority. Smaller touch screens. Less availability of popular audio applications. With the release of many 2020 models coming in the next few months, look for Toyota to make strong improvements to audio quality and multimedia convenience.
Android Auto is coming to 2020 Toyota Tacoma and more
In my line of work, I receive hundreds of comments from my YouTube channel viewers and Torque News readers every day. One of the most common critiques and suggestions from car shoppers and owners swirls around the popular Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And it makes sense. Why wouldn’t car shoppers want in-car multimedia systems that make phone calls, music and messaging more convenient to use and less distracting?
Toyota listened to your suggestions and began adding Apple CarPlay to its most popular vehicles, including 2019 Avalon, Corolla Hatchback, Camry and RAV4. They even developed a software update to retrofit 2018 Camry and Sienna models with CarPlay. By the way, thank you Toyota. My 2018 Camry XLE and I LOVE using CarPlay every day.
Now, look for the 2020 Tacoma, along with the 2020 Tundra and 2020 4Runner to integrate Android Auto into their incoming vehicles. Although not confirmed, I would expect other popular Toyota mainstays to incorporate both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay into their 2020 cars, trucks and SUV’s by the end of the year.
SiriusXM will become standard on all 2020 Tundra, other models
In a move to better serve its customers and position itself as a superior multimedia player, Toyota will begin phasing in SiriusXM for all trims of all models. With hundreds of channels offering hundreds of genres for just about everyone, SiriusXM makes music and talk radio both easy, enjoyable and convenient for millions of people each day.
This will really be a huge benefit for car shoppers looking for models like the 2020 Camry and 2020 RAV4, with the L and LE and XLE grades that traditionally would not have standard SiriusXM.
Yacht Rock Radio, here we come.
Larger Display Screens for 2020 4Runner and others
Another all-too-common suggestion from truck enthusiasts is the call for larger multimedia display touch screens. With larger interiors of vehicles like the Tacoma, Tundra, 4Runner and Sequoia, a 6.1-inch multimedia screen just looked a little small in comparison to the rest of the cabin.
Great news – the entire Toyota truck and SUV lineup will offer either 7-inch or 8-inch touch screens to see their valuable vehicle, audio and navigation information. This should make driving easier, more convenient and less distracting for drivers.
JBL Premium Sound will Rock the 2020 Tacoma and others
Continuing their strong relationship into 2020, Toyota and JBL will incorporate premium sound into the higher trim levels of vehicles like Toyota 4Runner and Tundra and Tacoma. JBL takes pride in delivering what they refer to as “concert-like performance” in your vehicles while you commute to work or go on that cross-country road trip.
Let’s hear from you
What multimedia updates and improvements are you most looking forward to for your 2020 Toyota purchase? Will you be in the market for a new truck or SUV in the next year, and what factors will be important to you when making your decision?
Watch Refreshed 2020 Toyota Tacoma Updates by Grade Level and Subscribe to Torque News Youtube Channel for Daily News on Toyota Tacoma and Automotive Industry.
Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story.
Jeff Teague is a Toyota news reporter at Torque News. You can reach Jeff on Facebook and Instagram. Twitter @toyotajeff1 and tweet him tips for new stories. Jeff also shares Toyota news videos on his Youtube Channel at ToyotaJeff1.
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Comments
Anxiously awaiting the next
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Anxiously awaiting the next gen 4Runner to arrive... currently an FJ owner, which I love and intend to keep. Next vehicle has to be the 4Runner though... so, on my wish list: Standard 6-speed short shift option (as on my FJ, factory option), rear window opens or rolls open, front and rear lockers, upgraded v6 4.0L - NO 3.5L wuss engine! and/or v8 and diesel option, transfer case levers, as in my FJ - screw the electronics, sun roof, physical key entry and ignition - no proximity starters or entry, high power stereo option, BOF or unibody - as long as either is proven durable, full time awd with transfer case lockers, as in my FJ. Thank you!
These upgrades are too little
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These upgrades are too little, too late. Should have been done years ago, and are hoping to distract potential purchasers from an out of date platform in need of a serious upgrade in terms of powertrain, and fuel economy. The lack of serious competition in the 4Runner niche has kept this thing afloat for longer than it should have.
I have a 2018 Camry and I
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I have a 2018 Camry and I just did the Apple CarPlay update myself a few days ago. It's fine but I prefer Android and I SO wish it had Android Auto! I don't have any hope that Toyota will do ANOTHER retrofit but maybe some clever hacker type will figure out how to port it.
Good news.But what about
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Good news.But what about driver assistance features. Until they catch up I won't buy another. It's about safety.
I like it but why does it
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I like it but why does it look like a bulldog I have a 1990 4Runner and it's my favorite body style and I'm working on using that body style with 20/20 maybe 2021 technology
Will the Rear View Camera be
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Will the Rear View Camera be incorporated into the 4 Runner?
Will rhe 4 Runner hatchback ever have the center section come down into a step ladder?
Will the Tacoma ever have the flat bed of the truck ever have the center section come down into a step ladder?
Oh God is this what it comes
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Is this what it comes to? I'm supposed to get excited for a multimedia upgrade?
I have a 2015 4-runner, love.
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I have a 2015 4-runner, love. Don't care much about the multimedia stuff, like to see more features like automatic side mirrors and side steps, hands free back lift gate so many SUV''s already have this, for what is charged for these vehicles they need a complete new addition of features to compete with other SUV's. Better selection of interior colors, not just the seats, I would like my door panels and carpet to match my seats.
I would love to see automatic
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In reply to I have a 2015 4-runner, love. by JOHNNIE M HARPER (not verified)
I would love to see automatic back hatch in the new 4 runners,also back air control. I have a 2016 4 runner I was looking at trading in on the new 2020 4 runner hope to see these changes in them!
Looking to change from a
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Looking to change from a Highlander SE to a 4 Runner.Limited. My wife and I wanted a vehicle that has 4WD and higher seating position than the Highlander. Our driving experience with the 4Runner was favorable. The lack of the safety features standard on most all of Toyota cars was very disappointing. No blind sight or cross traffic monitoring was a big negative to us. Also the lack of a hands free back lift or simply a power lift and closure of any type has all but eliminated the 4Runner from our new vehicle choices. If a vehicle is represent their top or premium product line, it should include more than minimal safety and creature friendly features.
The 2020 upgrades are about
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The 2020 upgrades are about right. Yes, this is an old platform by car standards, but truck platforms often go 20 years between major updates. Think of the old Jeep Wagoneer or the XJ Cherokee. Or the 4Runner...the 2001 was running on a chassis that dated back to the 1979 pickup.
I had a 1999. I’m trying to make the family budget fit a 2020...