Aftermarket stereo for 2018 4Runner

I just traded in my 2016 Sequoia SR5 4wd and purchased a 2018 4Runner TRD off road premium. I was considering replacement of the stereo/nav unit with an upgraded unit for better sound. Any red flags with that idea?

 

I usually change the speakers too if I'm doing a new HU

 

I’m in the process of trying to map out a new system. I have the ‘18 TRD ORP as well. I “think” I’m getting the JL Audio Fix 86 and going from there. I like the stick head unit actually, just not the sound. Get a JL 5-channel amp and do new speakers in the front and rear doors and add a sub. We have speakers in the rear hatch but I might just forget those altogether.

 

I have had a couple of systems done over the years. I’m not touching my Pro yet. But I have alway replaced the headunit. But this time around if I have my installer do my system im going to stay with factory headunit and do 5 channel amp and new speakers and sub. And go with a processor to make the sound better. I’m big fan of Rockford Fosgate which im leaning towards.

 

you might wanna check out oem audio plus. i just got a 2018 4 runner trd off road premium as well and im considering this option for the clean install

 

I’m not knocking that system because I never heard it. But on the other Toyota 4Runner site I believe I read on one person having the system but not to impressed by it.

 

For anyone with the non-JBL system with the 8 speakers, is there an amp somewhere or do all the speakers run off the head unit?

 

I just found out about it tbh. seems like a cool concept but i havent heard it in person. waiting on toyota fest around me to actually hear it in person

 

Has anyone had the head unit out and messed with the speakers in an '18 yet? I had a headunit and subs in my 06 tacoma and I feel like even with the stock speakers, the taco was still way louder than the new 4runner.

I pulled my amp and 2 10's out of the taco before I traded it in, and I was planning on putting all of that in the runner as well, but I want a better/louder speaker set up before I put those in.

 

So, I’ve been in and out of my local shop trying to figure out what to do. They suggested what you are proposing but to do that you have to lose the 2 rear speakers in the hatch. While I think that makes sense from a driving position, I actually was working on my boat with the hatch open playing some tunes and definitely appreciated having those hatch speakers. I only wanted to install 1 amp inconspicuously along with the JL Audio Fix processor.....now I’m leaning towards just doing a new head unit. I still can’t figure out the speaker wiring mapping and how to keep 8 speakers and add a sub.

 

Not sure why they would tell you you would lose the hatch speakers. Without talking to my audio guy I believe he would know what to do to make it work. If there thinking that the five channel amp won’t work then you run 2 amps. I know if I do my system down the road I’m keeping all the speakers working. Hope this helps.

 

Thank you.

Their reasoning is that 2 channels will run the front mids/tweets, 2 channels will run the rear door mids and the 5th channel will run the sub. The JL Audio Fix 86 gives you 4 stereo outputs and the sub outputs.

I guess the only thing would be to keep the rear hatch speakers running off the stock head unit somehow.

So it would work "acoustically" for when you're in the driver seat because you wouldn't really hear the hatch speakers in that position anyway. And then you get the bonus of still having them if you actually wanted too.

There just doesn't seem to be enough good info out there. I want to see the mapping of that OEM Audio Plus system....it's a multichannel amp/processor that keeps all the stock speaker locations in play. That's basically what I want to do but is it better to do it with my own components or buy that complete system?? It's only $1,700 but is it worth it and is that the best bang for the buck. I'm not looking at installing a $5,000 plus system.

I just wanted to add a sub right now.....ha ha....and upgrade speakers a bit at a time. I use my rear cargo area, I hunt, have dogs, etc. I just wanted to throw that Fix 86 and 1 amp under each front seat but it doesn't look like I'll be able to do that. I don't want a big amp rack on the back of my seats......I'm not 18 anymore that's all.

 

I understand what you mean. I’m not 18 either. lol. I know there is not enough info out in the OEM Audio plus system. I read over in the other 4runner forum the one person said he was not happy with that system. But everyone is different. I agree you don’t want to take up space in the back with audio components. Good luck. Post something when you decide and let us know. Thanks.

 

You can check out tacotunes, they have a video explaining the wiring of the rear speakers. Basically, the rear hatch speakers are wired in series with the rear door speakers stock. You should be able to keep it that way. But taco tunes does have some good stuff for 4runners, and turnkey systems.