2016-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Upgrade Kit | CarPlay Overview
If you own a 2016-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser and want modern smartphone connectivity, an AUVETO upgrade kit can provide a way to add Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to a compatible factory infotainment system.
Instead of replacing the original screen with a completely new aftermarket head unit, a vehicle-specific CarPlay retrofit can integrate with the factory system while helping preserve the Land Cruiser’s original interior design and key OEM functions.
What Does the Toyota Land Cruiser Upgrade Kit Add?
A compatible AUVETO CarPlay upgrade kit is designed to add smartphone connectivity to the original factory infotainment system.
Depending on the specific vehicle and kit, the upgrade can provide:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wireless Android Auto
- Google Maps
- Apple Maps
- Waze
- Spotify and other music apps
- Hands-free phone calls
- Siri
- Google Assistant
- Smartphone voice commands
This allows drivers to use familiar smartphone applications through the Land Cruiser’s existing infotainment system.
Keep the Factory Land Cruiser Screen
One of the main reasons to choose a retrofit upgrade is that you may not need to replace the original factory display.
A compatible interface works with the existing infotainment system, helping maintain the original dashboard appearance.
Depending on the vehicle configuration, the upgrade can preserve:
- Factory display
- Original dashboard design
- Steering wheel controls
- Factory audio system
- Backup camera
- Other OEM functions
This makes a factory-screen CarPlay retrofit different from replacing the entire infotainment system with an aftermarket touchscreen.
Wireless Apple CarPlay
With a compatible AUVETO kit, an iPhone can connect to the Land Cruiser through Wireless Apple CarPlay.
After pairing, supported applications can be displayed on the factory screen, including:
- Apple Maps
- Google Maps
- Waze
- Spotify
- Apple Music
- Phone
- Messages
- Siri
Wireless connectivity also means you do not need to plug your iPhone into a USB cable every time you start driving.
Wireless Android Auto
The upgrade can also support Wireless Android Auto on compatible systems.
Android users can access supported applications such as:
- Google Maps
- Waze
- Spotify
- YouTube Music
- Google Assistant
- Phone
- Supported messaging apps
This makes the upgrade suitable for both iPhone and Android smartphone users.
Can I Keep the Factory Steering Wheel Controls?
On compatible Toyota Land Cruiser systems, the original steering wheel controls can continue to work with the CarPlay interface.
Depending on the factory configuration, this may include:
- Volume controls
- Track selection
- Phone buttons
- Voice-control buttons
- Audio controls
The exact functions depend on the original head unit and the AUVETO interface.
Can I Keep the Factory Backup Camera?
A compatible retrofit can allow the original Land Cruiser backup camera to remain in use.
When reverse is selected, the factory rear-view camera can continue to display through the original screen when supported by the interface.
If your Land Cruiser has a factory 360-degree camera or other parking-camera system, make sure the specific configuration is supported before purchasing the upgrade kit.
Does the Upgrade Replace the Factory Radio?
The purpose of a retrofit interface is to integrate with the existing infotainment system rather than automatically replacing the entire head unit.
This means compatible factory functions can remain available while CarPlay or Android Auto provides a modern smartphone interface.
The exact behavior depends on the Land Cruiser’s original infotainment configuration.
2016-2021 Land Cruiser CarPlay Upgrade vs. Screen Replacement
| Feature | AUVETO CarPlay Retrofit | Aftermarket Head Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Factory screen | Retained on compatible systems | Replaced |
| Original dashboard appearance | Mostly retained | May change |
| Wireless CarPlay | Supported on compatible kits | Usually available |
| Wireless Android Auto | Supported on compatible kits | Usually available |
| Steering wheel controls | May be retained | Depends on installation |
| Factory backup camera | May be retained | Requires compatibility |
| Factory audio | May be retained | Depends on system |
| Installation approach | Factory-system integration | Complete head-unit replacement |
For owners who want to modernize their Land Cruiser without significantly changing the original interior, a retrofit can be an alternative to a full screen replacement.
Is the 2016-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Compatible?
The model year is an important starting point, but it is not always enough to determine compatibility.
Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles can have different factory infotainment systems depending on market, trim, production configuration, factory navigation, audio equipment, and other specifications.
Before ordering a CarPlay upgrade kit, check:
- Model year
- Land Cruiser generation
- Factory screen
- Factory navigation system
- Factory audio system
- Steering wheel controls
- Backup camera configuration
- 360-degree camera, if equipped
- Regional/JDM or other market specification
- Factory connector configuration
Always confirm the exact factory system against the AUVETO kit’s compatibility information before purchase.
Why Choose an AUVETO Land Cruiser Upgrade Kit?
The main purpose of a vehicle-specific upgrade is to add modern smartphone functionality without unnecessarily changing the original vehicle interior.
For compatible Land Cruiser systems, an AUVETO kit can provide:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wireless Android Auto
- Factory-screen integration
- OEM control integration
- Factory camera support
- Factory audio integration
- A cleaner OEM-style installation
The available functions vary by vehicle and kit.
How Does the Installation Work?
The exact installation procedure depends on the Land Cruiser factory system, but the general process is straightforward:
1. Identify Your Factory System
Check the Land Cruiser’s model year, factory screen, navigation system, audio system, and other relevant equipment.
2. Confirm the Correct AUVETO Kit
Choose the kit specifically designed for your factory infotainment configuration.
3. Connect the Interface
The retrofit module is integrated with the original infotainment system using the supplied vehicle-specific connections.
4. Connect Your Smartphone
Pair your iPhone for Wireless CarPlay or your Android phone for Wireless Android Auto.
5. Use the Upgraded System
Once connected, you can access supported navigation, music, phone, messaging, and voice-assistant functions through the vehicle interface.
Installation may require access behind the factory screen or head unit. If you are not experienced with automotive electronics or interior trim removal, professional installation may be preferable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2016-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser have CarPlay?
Factory CarPlay availability depends on the specific model year, market, trim, and infotainment system. If your Land Cruiser does not have factory CarPlay, a compatible retrofit kit can provide an upgrade path.
Can I add Wireless CarPlay without replacing the screen?
Yes, a compatible AUVETO retrofit kit is designed to add Wireless CarPlay while retaining the original factory screen.
Does the upgrade support Android Auto?
Compatible AUVETO kits can support Wireless Android Auto as well as Wireless Apple CarPlay.
Will I lose my factory backup camera?
A compatible retrofit can retain the original backup camera. Exact camera compatibility should be verified for your vehicle configuration.
Will the steering wheel buttons still work?
On compatible systems, many original steering wheel controls can continue to operate after the retrofit.
Do I need a new touchscreen?
Not necessarily. The purpose of a factory-screen retrofit is to add modern smartphone connectivity without automatically replacing the original display.
Final Takeaway
The 2016-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Upgrade Kit provides a practical way to modernize a compatible factory infotainment system with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
An AUVETO retrofit can add modern navigation, music, calling, and voice-assistant features while helping retain the original factory screen and, depending on the configuration, the steering wheel controls, factory audio, and backup camera.
Before purchasing, make sure your exact 2016-2021 Land Cruiser factory screen and infotainment system match the compatibility requirements of the AUVETO kit.
If the original factory appearance is important to you, a vehicle-specific CarPlay retrofit can provide smartphone connectivity without requiring a complete aftermarket screen replacement.
