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No Android Auto, No Carplay in RAV4 2019 Europe / Netherlands

363K views 699 replies 133 participants last post by  Eldho Paulose  
#1 ·
Hi All,

I'm new on this forum. I am currently in the process of buying a RAV4

Hybrid in the Netherlands. Personally I'm not impressed about the standard NAV system in the RAV4, however nowadays all manufacturers offer Android Auto or Apple Carplay to use google maps / waze in the car....but...not Toyota.

I just received a message from the dealer, that both Android Auto and Apple Carplay are not active in Europe.... Does anyone know more about this? Any plans. To my understanding it should be just a software update...

If I read this forum Apple Carplay is possible in the RAV4 in the states.... What I also heard is that the new Aygo will have both Android Auto and Apple Carplay activated....
 
#2 ·
Hi Stefzone,

Welcome to the RAV4World forum, where you'll find more Dutch members. ;-)

I'm a bit surpriced to read your story, that Toyota doesn't implement Carplay/Android Auto in EU Toyota's...
This Dutch newspaper even wrote that Android Auto will followup CarPlay soon in Totota automotive media.

If I should believe the Dutch Toyota website, the small AYGO model is already equiped with Apple's Carplay, even in The Nederlands... So why not the other new Toyot models then..? You could contact the Dutch Toyota main office, and ask them about the Carplay/Android Auto implementation forecast for the EU/The Netherlands. And how they expexct this to happen, by a software update, or in new headunits only.

What I've read, is that Toyota Japan tried to discard Apple and Android, as they find them to influential in the automotive market. Toyota wants to stick to their own (expensive) automotive media solutions. Maybe this is the reason why Toyota is quite late with implementing both platforms as yet, maybe under pressure of their marketing department.
After reading some news about this issue, I can only say that I expect a full roll out of Apple's CarPlay and Android's Auto in the EU around 2020. Maybe the new models will be equipped with this headunit option, and older models with appropriate (and most expensive) car media might also get this software update.

In the mean time you could find out if it's possible to mirror you phone's screen on to the RAV4 headunit. Maybe Toyota can supply or even build in a certain USB/Lighting cable which gives this possibility.
We own a RAV 4.3 and I've built in a Kenwood 2DIN radio with DAB+ and CarPlay/Android Auto software. Together with a matching dashboard frame this is the best solution for a car from the ages of Windows 2000.
 
#3 ·
Hallo landgenoot (hi there).
There is a possibility to use Mirrorlink (i saw the option in the multimedia menu while driving a test run). AA and Carplay not available as stated before. Policy- and license issue i presume...

Veel plezier op het forum / Have fun on the forum!

RvJ
 
#4 ·
Wow, thanks for the quick reply and good to see so many dutchies.
I received the information from the dealer which is basically the importer for toyota in netherlands, so i think registering this issue at klantenservice will not help. The dealer explained this issue is now discussed with Toyota Europe. But I will give it a shot.

Indeed it is strange to see all kind of news popping up around android auto and carplay for other toyota types (recently announced) but not for the rav4 which is just on the market a few weeks now.

Regarding Mirrorlink, what can we do with this functionality? Is it then possible to port certain phone apps to the toyota multi media system? Curious if someone of this forum can explain if and how this is working on the rav4 2019!

Once again thanks all and hope to hear more. I will also update you on the outcome of registering this issue at klantenservice.
 
#5 ·
Wow, thanks for the quick reply and good to see so many dutchies.

Regarding Mirrorlink, what can we do with this functionality? Is it then possible to port certain phone apps to the toyota multi media system? Curious if someone of this forum can explain if and how this is working on the rav4 2019!

Once again thanks all and hope to hear more. I will also update you on the outcome of registering this issue at klantenservice.
You’re welcome! And please keep us posted about the outcome via Toyota customer service.

About the feature Mirrorlink, this is an option to make the RAV4 radio screen your smartphone’s second screen.
Al you see on your smartphone’s screen will be displayed on the radio screen, like a “mirror”.
Do not know if this also counts for the audio part. Maybe that part needs to be done via a separate Audio In.
 
#10 ·
Rough translation is:
European engine Toyota and gables

we hope to be able to offer android auto/ apple car play the end of 2020 if you would like to have a friendly cellphone
No mention of Rav4, nothing we didn't already know, Rav4 isn't one of the vehicles Toyota has stated will have AA, but we can always hope.
 
#15 ·
So then it is different hardware as well I guess? That gives small chances to get Android Auto just by updating software. This together with high road noise might be why I'm not buy the car. I will go for another test drive and see.
 
#17 ·
The plot thickens...

I'm gonna make a guess that the head unit in the TRD packages will have the same Entune version as the rest of the Rav4's in the US, so if this is at all accurate there shouldn't be a reason Android Auto shouldn't come with the rest of the Rav4 lineup for the 2020MY. Fingers crossed!
 
#20 ·
Today my seller here in Sweden told me that Android Auto will arrive in the late 2020. Today's Touch 2 will probably not be possible to upgrade with AA.
There is a aftermarket solution though, it brings Carplay & AA to the Rav4 2019. if I buy Rav4 I will order it directly. I received the following answer from the maker in Korea today:
"Thank you very much for your inquiry on our product Apple CarPlay OEM Retrofit Kit for Toyota.
Please find attached file which fits for the New Toyota Rav4 with Touch N Go Type 2 Radio.
There are 3 different type of radio manufacturer all over the world so you must order the right model for your radio, price of the full kit is 388USD."

Screenshot is from the attached file.

http://www.nvconnect.co.kr/
Image
 
#27 ·
Today my seller here in Sweden told me that Android Auto will arrive in the late 2020. Today's Touch 2 will probably not be possible to upgrade with AA.
There is a aftermarket solution though, it brings Carplay & AA to the Rav4 2019. if I buy Rav4 I will order it directly. I received the following answer from the maker in Korea today:
"Thank you very much for your inquiry on our product Apple CarPlay OEM Retrofit Kit for Toyota.
Please find attached file which fits for the New Toyota Rav4 with Touch N Go Type 2 Radio.
There are 3 different type of radio manufacturer all over the world so you must order the right model for your radio, price of the full kit is 388USD."

Screenshot is from the attached file.

NV CONNECT
Image
Hi Vispen74,

This is a nice option to get Apple's Carplay and/or Android Auto as yet, but it's a bit drastical, don't you think?
You will have to replace the complete head unit for a Korean Android model head unit.

I'm not complete in to the RAV4.5 but I would guess that you will loose more than you will get back...
Looking at most of the less preforming Asian head units, you will take a reasonable risk in:
1. Less quality design.
2. Maybe loss of car-info on the screen.
3. Less quality in radio reception.
4. Less quality in audio quality.

Personaly I would go for the Mirror Link option if Carplay or AA is that important. That will cost you almost nohting...
Maybe save some money each month until 2020 when you can replace the head unit for an original Toyota AA model.
 
#22 ·
i am in the market this year to replace my 2005 rav4 and the old horse is still running good. i was at the dealer yesterday and tested drive the new rav4. impressed with all the changes like the handling, fuel economy, extra hp etc....one thing that hold me back is the lack of android auto...either i will wait til next year or choose a compact suv like crv( fuel dilution problem), sportage or the tucson
 
#23 ·
Just wondering... Why would something trivial like AA be a showstopper to buy or not buy a car you like? Android is 100% Google, so if they choose to change anything or even stop the support you'll end up empty handed again.
I'm perhaps a bit old fashioned or less demanding, but for me a car is ment to move me around safe and comfy. Connecting a phone is nice but not necessary, as long as i can call and be called handsfree, and use the data connection for traffic info etc.
It would never be a decision maker for me. But that's personal, no offence...
 
#24 ·
It's a big deal for some people because it's either the second or third most used system in a modern vehicle now. The first are the actual driving controls (steering wheels, pedals, shifter), but those are essentially the same between cars. After that, it's the climate control and infotainment system.

In my case, I use the auto setting for my climate system and adjust it a few degrees up or down every so often plus the recirculate button if I'm stuck behind someone pouring smoke or dumping fuel into the air. And much like the driving controls, climate controls aren't very different between cars. On the other hand, infotainment systems can be wildly different between manufacturers, even between models from one company, depending on when the last redesign/refresh was. I've seen the reviews of Entune 3.0 and less I have to interact with the thing, the better. I own an Android phone and have no interest in switching to an iPhone. The RAV4 isn't head and shoulders above (and it might not even be a hair above the others, judging from reviews) other entries in this market and it's the only major entry without Android Auto now that the CX-5 finally has AA and CP.

Of course, Toyota doesn't care that much. They've sold hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of their vehicles without Android Auto while their competitors have it.

It's just an annoying omission and a reminder that buying a car is always about compromises.
 
#25 ·
I can now report with 100% certainty that my Irish Rav4 does not have carplay. :mad:

I hadn't found any trace of it in the menus. However, I waited till I got hold of an iPhone and connected it (I'm an android owner, so had to borrow an iPhone). Unfortunately nothing happened. No hidden menus that I could activate. Just nothing.

So by the looks of it, you were right. No Carplay for Europe :(
:wall
 
#29 ·
Hi,

Now I'm also owner of European 2019 Rav4.

The only solution I see now is to use Miracast.

Pros:
-Full phone screen mirroring (you can use any app.. Waze, youtube, Facebook etc) (Compared to AA/Carplay you can use only some certified apps..)
-It is Wireless! You can use wireless charger and stream wirelessly picture to Head Unit! (In AA/Carplay you always have to connect cable)

Cons:
-Does not work when car is in motion (BUT there is a workaround: disconnect handbrake and speed cables from Head Unit)
-Cannot listen stock radio at the same time
-Screen touch does not work. All actions should be done through phone screen.

I have not tired this Video-in motion yet.. At some point I will do.
Here is the manual how to disassembly head unit
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoCvW_pSWc4
 
#32 ·
CarPlay again

This looks like a great solution but it seems that the audio is a bit tricky - are you going to install this? It would be great to see how you went about this as it looks like the radio/Audio unit is buried deep in the dashboard?

Cheers
 
#37 ·
You'll need to set the Mirrorlink connection to USB&WIFI in the configuration. On the phone install the Miracast app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.phongphan.miracast) and run it. Go tot the necessary steps to connect the phone via WIFI. Works perfect!
I'm only afraid your system won't have it in the source list (we don't have Entune, Toyota Touch II runs on a Panasonic system).