Toyota offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto retrofit

TOYOTA Australia has continued to rollout Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support to more of its models, this month introducing a retrofit option for owners of recent examples of the Corolla small hatch, RAV4 mid-size SUV, Camry mid-size sedan, HiAce van and Commuter bus, and Prius small hatch.

Costing just $199 for Corolla, Camry and Prius owners – or about $300 less than what Mazda Australia charges – the retrofit option can be completed via Toyota Australia’s dealer network from November 1, with an upgrade of the Japanese brand’s latest-generation infotainment system required.

As reported in May, RAV4 owners get the retrofit for free, as do owners of the HiAce.

Eligibility for the retrofit is limited to the latest-generation Corolla (from August 15, 2018), RAV4 (from May 8, 2019), Camry (from November 21, 2017), HiAce (from May 28, 2019) and Prius (from March 12, 2019), meaning owners of their previous-generation models miss out.

All examples of the RAV4 and HiAce sold from November 1 have smartphone mirroring already fitted, with the same true of examples of the Camry sold from October 21.

Examples of the Corolla sold from October 14 already have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, while examples of the Prius sold from October 1 also have it.

Despite the point-of-sale inclusion of smartphone mirroring in these models, no adjustments have been made to their recommended retail pricing.

The Granvia people-mover was armed with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support from its launch on October 14, while the same will be true of the new-generation Corolla sedan and facelifted C-HR small SUV, both of which will go on sale before the end of the year.

According to Toyota Australia vice-president of sales and marketing Sean Hanley, the widespread introduction of smartphone mirroring allows owners to access the applications on their devices “in a safe and convenient way”.

“By offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility in our vehicles, we are continuing to refine our market offerings and provide our customers with the products and services that enhance their lives,” he said.

“The technology will allow our customers to stay informed, entertained and in touch with the wider world from behind the wheel, directly through the vehicles’ upgraded multimedia systems.”

Toyota Australia says it will introduce smartphone mirroring into more of its models as they are updated, with the HiLux ute and LandCruiser and Kluger SUVs, and Yaris light car among the key products awaiting its arrival.