Does Toyota Tundra have Android Auto?

The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck that has been manufactured by Toyota since 1999. It is most popular in North America and competes with other trucks like the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado. The Tundra is known for having a powerful V8 engine, a spacious interior cabin, and a high towing capacity.

Android Auto is a smartphone projection software developed by Google that allows Android phones to connect to compatible car infotainment systems. Once connected, Android Auto displays a simplified interface on the vehicle’s touchscreen with access to navigation, media playback, hands-free calling, and select smartphone apps. Key features include Google Maps integration, Google Assistant voice commands, and real-time traffic alerts.

This article will explore if the Toyota Tundra is compatible with Android Auto, and provide an overview of how to use Android Auto in the Tundra. We will also look at any limitations and what owners are saying about the Android Auto experience in these full-size Toyota trucks.

What is Android Auto?

Android Auto is Google’s infotainment system that integrates with the in-car infotainment system of select vehicles. It allows drivers to access and control music, navigation, communication, and other apps from an Android phone using the vehicle’s built-in display and controls.

Android Auto was first announced by Google at Google I/O 2014 as a new project to bring the functionality of a smartphone to vehicle infotainment systems. It aims to provide a safer, more seamless way to interact with device apps while driving by delivering information contextually through the car’s head unit. This allows users to keep their attention on the road versus looking down at their phone screens.

With Android Auto enabled, compatible apps on the user’s phone are mirrored and formatted to be easily used through the car’s controls like the touchscreen display, steering wheel buttons, and knobs. Core apps for maps, media, communications and personal assistants are available from Google. The phone powers the experience but the head unit displays the interface.

According to Kelley Blue Book, key functions and benefits of Android Auto include:

Hands-free voice control
Turn-by-turn navigation

Music and podcast playback
Ability to respond to messages
Safety features like vehicle diagnostics

With Android Auto, users can access many of their smartphone apps optimized for safer in-car use, all controlled through the vehicle’s controls and organized by the system into useful information flows.

Android Auto Features

Android Auto provides useful features to make driving safer and more convenient. Some of the key Android Auto features include:

Google Maps – Android Auto displays Google Maps on your car’s display, providing turn-by-turn navigation guidance, live traffic information, lane guidance and more. This makes navigating much easier without having to look down at your phone.(Source 1)

Media playback – You can access your favorite music, podcasts, and audiobooks through Android Auto. Popular apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, Pandora, Audible and more are integrated. You can use voice controls or steering wheel buttons to easily manage playback.(Source 2)

Messaging – Android Auto can read incoming text messages aloud and you can respond by voice, keeping your hands on the wheel. It supports apps like Messages, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, and more.

Voice control – With Google Assistant built-in, you can use your voice to control many features of Android Auto. You can make calls, set reminders, listen to music, get directions, check the weather, and more hands-free.

Toyota and Android Auto

Toyota was one of the last major automakers to adopt Android Auto compatibility in their vehicles. For years, Toyota offered their own proprietary Entune infotainment system instead of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. This was likely an attempt to keep customers within their own ecosystem and services.

However, Toyota finally announced in February 2019 that they would begin supporting Android Auto starting with model year 2020 vehicles. Specifically, Android Auto would be available in the 2020 models of the Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, Tundra, and Sequoia (1).

This move was welcomed by customers who had been petitioning Toyota to add Android Auto. It brought Toyota up to speed with other automakers who had already adopted Android Auto in their vehicle infotainment systems.

Which Toyota Models Have Android Auto?

Toyota has been gradually adding Android Auto capability to more of its vehicle lineup over the past few years. As of 2022, the following Toyota models come equipped with Android Auto integration:

Toyota 4Runner (2020 models and newer)
Toyota Sequoia (2020 models and newer)

Toyota Tacoma (2020 models and newer)
Toyota Tundra (2020 models and newer)

Some key Toyota models that are still lacking Android Auto support include the Camry, Corolla, RAV4, and Highlander. Toyota has stated that more models will be gaining Android Auto compatibility in the future through software updates (source). For now, Android Auto comes standard on all trim levels of the 4Runner, Sequoia, Tacoma, and Tundra from 2020 model year and beyond.

It’s worth noting that while these models have Android Auto integration built-in, some may require the user to activate the Android Auto app on their phone and go through a setup process on the vehicle’s infotainment system to enable it. So having an Android Auto compatible Toyota doesn’t necessarily mean the feature is automatically ready to use out of the box.

Does the Tundra Have Android Auto?

The availability of Android Auto in Toyota Tundra vehicles depends on the model year:

2020 and newer Tundra models come equipped with Android Auto compatibility from the factory.

For model years 2018-2019, Android Auto was not offered as a standard feature. However, aftermarket upgrades are available to add Android Auto capability.
2017 and earlier Tundras do not support Android Auto at all without significant aftermarket modifications.

So in summary, Android Auto is only natively available on 2020+ Tundra trucks. For older models from 2018-2019, Android Auto can be added via aftermarket head units and harness adapters. And for 2017 and earlier Tundras, adding Android Auto requires custom fabrication and is generally not recommended.

When shopping for a used Tundra, check the model year and ensure Android Auto compatibility meets your needs. Newer Tundras will have Android Auto built-in, while older models may require upgrades if Android Auto integration is a priority.

How to Use Android Auto in Tundra

Using Android Auto in a Toyota Tundra is straightforward once you have it set up. Here are the basic steps:

Connect your compatible Android phone to the Tundra’s USB port using a USB cable. Make sure the phone’s screen is unlocked.

The Android Auto app should open automatically on the Tundra’s touchscreen display. If not, launch the Android Auto app on your phone.
Follow the on-screen prompts to allow Android Auto to access your phone’s data and features. Accept any permissions or enable options as requested.
On the Tundra’s display, you will see the Android Auto home screen with Google Maps, Google Assistant, phone functions, music apps, and more.

Use voice commands or touch controls to access Android Auto’s features. Say “Ok Google” or tap the microphone icon to give voice commands.
To go back to the Tundra’s standard interface, simply disconnect your phone from the USB cable. The next time you connect, Android Auto will launch automatically.

Key Android Auto features in the Tundra include Google Maps for navigation, Google Play Music and Spotify for streaming, phone calls and messages, voice assistants, and compatible third-party apps. Control most functions with your voice so you can keep focus on the road.

Limitations of Android Auto in Tundra

While Android Auto offers many useful features in the Tundra, there are some limitations to be aware of compared to the built-in Toyota Entune infotainment system:

One major missing feature is navigation. While you can use Google Maps for navigation through Android Auto, you don’t get full turn-by-turn directions on the instrument cluster display like you do with Entune’s native navigation. You have to look at the center touchscreen for Android Auto navigation ¹.

Another limitation is lack of native Toyota app integration. Things like the Toyota App Suite and vehicle service history are only available through Entune, not Android Auto. So some vehicle-specific features are not accessible in Android Auto mode ².

Finally, some users report occasional lag, bugs, and disconnects with Android Auto that are not present with the built-in Entune system. The integration is not as seamless as the proprietary infotainment from Toyota. However, many find Android Auto worth the minor issues for the expanded features it offers.

User Reviews of Android Auto in Tundra

Many Tundra owners who have installed aftermarket stereos to enable Android Auto have shared their experiences online. Overall, most users seem pleased with Android Auto’s functionality in the Tundra.

On the Toyota Tundra subreddit, a user installed an aftermarket stereo in their 2nd generation Tundra. They reported a smooth installation process taking around 3 hours. After setup, Android Auto functioned well for navigation, calls, and music streaming.

Other Tundra owners on forums like Tundras.com state Android Auto provides a much better infotainment experience than the stock Entune system. The voice recognition and ability to navigate maps through Android Auto is a major plus. Some note the graphics are not quite as sharp as classic mode, but still are pleased with the overall functionality.

Based on reviews, Tundra owners upgrading to enable Android Auto are satisfied with the improved media, calling, and navigation features. Most report smooth integration and significantly better infotainment capabilities compared to the factory Entune system.

Conclusion

In summary, Android Auto is not available directly from Toyota in the Tundra model. While some users have found workarounds to enable Android Auto in the Tundra, it requires additional hardware and modifications that may impact the warranty or functionality of the vehicle. For most Tundra owners, Android Auto’s features for navigation, music, calls, and messaging will remain unavailable.

However, the Tundra does come equipped with other smart technology like Bluetooth and some connectivity features. While not as robust as Android Auto, these can provide useful functionality for daily driving and integrating your smartphone. For Toyota truck owners who desire a deeper integration with their Android phone, upgrading to a model like the Tacoma or waiting for future Tundra model years with Android Auto support are the best options.

In the meantime, Tundra owners should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of any unofficial modifications to enable Android Auto against relying on the native infotainment system. Test driving other Toyota models with integrated Android Auto can also help make an informed decision for your next vehicle purchase if smartphone connectivity is a priority.