Headunit Replacement

If you want new technology, I have a Pioneer MVH-300EX installed that I really like.  I have attached a picture showing it installed.

EDIT:  I used the Metra 95-8202 double DIN mount and Metra 70-1761 wiring adapter to make it plug and play.

https://www.amazon.com/Metra-70-1761-Wiring-Harness-Speaker/dp/B0002BEQJ8

https://www.amazon.com/Metra-95-8202-Toyota-DDIN-Multi/dp/B000K52CY2/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Metra+95-8202&qid=1569247170&s=electronics&sr=1-1

At this point I would get one of those car play headunits that integrate to your phone rather then having a separate GPS and audio functions so you have less clutter. 

Something like this. 

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_500ILXW650/Alpine-ILX-W650.html

There are other brands that offer their version so you can pick and choose what features are more important to you.   

@neomr2

I was told that with the top down on a sunny day, because of the glare, the display might be hard to see. Have you experienced that?

Posted by: @mrsponz

@neomr2

I was told that with the top down on a sunny day, because of the glare, the display might be hard to see. Have you experienced that?

I always have the top down and have never had an issue...

😎

You absolutely should get a head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. AMAZING systems. I am a fan of Pioneer generaly.

Posted by: @haloruler64

You absolutely should get a head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. AMAZING systems. I am a fan of Pioneer generaly.

I definitely agree with this.  I am using a Pioneer unit in my FR-S with android Auto.  it's fantastic.  Whenever I get something else to replace the FR-S as my daily, this HU will go into the MR-S.  I have the AVH-W4400NEX

I wish they could  make a CarPlay dead head headunit that has  three way functionality   and can play 24bit Flac files though LDAC bluetooth protocol. Probably not in my life time.   

These guys have it right.  You want a headunit that has Android Auto or Apple Car Play.  It's processing speed and GPS will be based off of your phone rather than your headunit.  The only thing your headunit will affect is the amp sound quality.

The big brands (Sony, Pioneer, Kenwood etc.) have better SQ and usually a better interface.  

If you buy a cheaper Chinese unit (I use the Atoto A6 Pro A6Y2721PR) just be aware that even though it is a "Android" headunit, it doesn't mean that it comes Android Auto ready without needing separate hardware/software.

My Atoto A6 had a lot extra things I had to install (a separate GPS and Microphone), but it also has things like a SD card slot for offline maps navigation and offline music as well.  I use Android Auto for everything 90% of the time.

Posted by: @scotched

These guys have it right.  You want a headunit that has Android Auto or Apple Car Play.  It's processing speed and GPS will be based off of your phone rather than your headunit.  The only thing your headunit will affect is the amp sound quality.

The big brands (Sony, Pioneer, Kenwood etc.) have better SQ and usually a better interface.  

If you buy a cheaper Chinese unit (I use the Atoto A6 Pro A6Y2721PR) just be aware that even though it is a "Android" headunit, it doesn't mean that it comes Android Auto ready without needing separate hardware/software.

My Atoto A6 had a lot extra things I had to install (a separate GPS and Microphone), but it also has things like a SD card slot for offline maps navigation and offline music as well.  I use Android Auto for everything 90% of the time.

Yep.  I've used units by JOYING that are essentially an android tablet with some car-radio type apps in stalled.  You can get a ton of customization, but the sound quality is nowhere near as good as the Pioneer's that I've used before and am currently using.  Also, the JOYING that I was using only lasted about a year and a half before dying.  The company offers decent support, but in the end I just wanted a radio HU that I didn't have to work on.

I will say, if someone has a FR-S or BRZ and is looking for a dash kit that fits a Chinese HU perfectly, I designed and produce ones that I sell on my site.  😉  /SHAMELESS_PLUG

Yeah, Android Auto and Car Play are amazing systems, but I'm +1 on OP's request.

The head unit location in our cars doesn't make it a great option for Nav use :'(
I do have a Pioneer with Android Auto and Car Play that I've been debating about putting in or not.

Another downside is that the OEM radios are actually a bit wider than double DIN, so IMHO an OEM unit would actually look a bit better.

Does anybody have a list of compatible head units to switch over?  All I really need is Bluetooth and a better EQ.
Subwoofer output, Backup camera, and HD Radio would be great pluses as well.

Every head unit is compatible. Factory brackets take a double DIN just fine. OEM brackets are to ISO specs. You just have to get a dash kit which is just two pieces of plastic to fill in the edges. 

Double DIN Pioneer with dash kit:

Single DIN Alpine Halo9 with floating 9" display. 

Both mounted with OEM radio brackets.

Sorry, should have been more precise. I'm trying to avoid the to pieces of plastic to fill the edges. 

That floating unit looks wicked 🙂

Scion HU's will fit.  Those tend to get replaced often and many have BT support.  You can check some Subaru 2-din units as well.  basically, most factory units will work with very little additional wiring.  Some may require you to add some stuff to your antenna connection for it to work.

I put my Scion HU from my FR-S into the MR-S for now.  it looks decent there, but whenever I and up getting a different Daily Driver, the Pioneer unit in my FR-S will go into the MR-S since the new car will have a much better integrated unit that already has android auto.