One of my biggest gripes about my 3rd Gen Tacoma was the factory radio’s lack of Apple CarPlay and, honestly, a lackluster stereo system. The CarTrimHome C12 head unit solves both issues while completely modernizing my interior. It features a 14.6″ touchscreen display, OEM+ fitment, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and all the apps you’re accustomed to, all while being entirely plug-and-play.
The vents and overall design mimic the infotainment system on the 3rd Gen Tundra. And If you’ve been envious of the 4th Gen Tacoma’s massive screen, this is how you can bring a bit of that modern tech to your aging 3rd Gen Tacoma.
Table Of Contents
Overview
Specifications
- 14.6″ Touch Screen
- 1920 x 1080 Resolution
- 32 Band equalizer
- Wireless & wired Carplay/Android Auto enabled (additional dongle needed for wired)
- 4G & Wifi Compatibility
- Plug and Play installation
- 1-Year Warranty
The C12 was very well packaged, with plenty of padding to prevent damage during shipping. Although no installation instructions were included in the box, Tacoma Network’s installation video made the process a breeze.
Note: I drive a 2019 non-JBL and used the larger of the two main wiring harnesses included in the box.
I was happy to see that once the C12 was installed, even with its large 14.6″ display, it did not extend far from the dash and looked as if it came from the factory. Pairing my iPhone for wireless CarPlay took a few tries initially, having to forget the device in the Bluetooth settings on my phone once before it fully connected. However, I have not experienced any issues since the initial pairing.
Pros
- Ease of installation
- Sound quality
- Adjustability
- OEM+ fit
- Picture quality
- WIFI/Hot spot compatible
Cons
- No installation instructions Included
- Loses some functionality of maintenance reminds (can no longer set intervals)
- Factory microphone does not integrate
Sound Quality
I’m no audio expert by any means, but I was always left wanting more from the factory sound system. Immediately after installing the C12 head unit, the stock speakers sounded significantly better than before. This was emphasized even more after making some adjustments to the EQ. You can dial in your preferred sound preference with the 32-band equalizer, and there are separate adjustments for surround sound and subwoofers.
App Compatibility
Thanks to the CarPlay functionality, you can access your favorite apps at your fingertips. Track your adventures on onX Offroad, Gaia, or whatever your choice of app may be. You can also utilize the built-in Wi-Fi capability and keep your passengers entertained with access to your favorite streaming platforms or apps on the Play Store.
Impressions
I’ve been extremely impressed with this head unit so far. The installation process was pretty straightforward, as was setting up the initial Bluetooth connection with my phone. Recurring connections to CarPlay take about 10-15 seconds, so while not as fast as some vehicles equipped with this functionality from the factory, it’s fast enough to connect before you leave the driveway.
Visually, the C12 transforms the look of the interior of my truck while maintaining a factory fit and finish. Navigating the unit is fairly user-friendly, but there are multiple paths to the same settings or menus. This isn’t an issue for me, but it’s still worth noting.
The factory home screen has an animated Tacoma (shown above to the left side of the screen) that shows when doors are open, the vehicle is in motion, or when the lights are on. You can even customize the color and the license plate text.
While the pros of this unit outweigh my cons, it does have a few. The biggest downfall I’ve encountered so far is that the factory microphone in the Tacoma does not tie into the C12, relying on an internal mic located on the bottom left side of the unit below the air vent. There is a prewired connection that allows you to easily incorporate an external mic, which I plan to do in the future. The ability to input service intervals like you can with the factory head unit is also something that you lose. The main display one on the instrument cluster continues to work fine.
Although I’ve only been using this unit for a relatively short amount of time, I’ve been extremely pleased with its quality and performance.
Final Thoughts
If you are in the market for an upgraded head unit in your Tacoma, the C12 is a solid contender. With a few different specs and two color options, it compliments the interior well without screaming aftermarket. It’s priced at the higher end of the scale in terms of head units, but I believe you’d be hard-pressed to find another option boasting the screen size and functionality it offers.
