I used to have the factory nav "enhanced" system in my 2017 Camry. They merged the functionality of the Entune app into the Toyota app. You'll need to install Scout app on your phone to make navigation "work" (yeah it's functional). Note that you won't have "moving" maps while driving. There are no updates to the firmware for the radio that will provide any substantial upgrade or enhanced functionality. They took a few of the apps away in the updates was all that I observed in the couple years that I used the head unit.

Android Auto is not natively supported on the head unit but BeatSonic sells a kit for $649 to bring Android Auto to the factory head unit.

Beat-Sonic Apple Carplay and Android Auto for 2014-2019 Toyota models with Entune 2.0 and Entune 2.5 (beatsonicusa.com)

Alternatively you could go with an aftermarket Android head unit. I have had this head unit in my 2017 Camry LE for over a year now with no issues. Plug and play installation - everything is included in the box. No need for fiddly adapters to retain steering wheel keys, etc. I have posted a review and have answered questions on Amazon about it. Would be happy to share/answer any questions you may have about this unit:

Amazon.com: SYGAV Car Stereo for 2015 2016 2017 Toyota Camry Radio Wireless Carplay 10.2 Inch Touch Screen GPS Navigation Android Head Unit : Electronics

It supports wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple Carplay. No loss of vehicle specific features such as lighting, door lock settings, etc.

 

Alternatively you could go with an aftermarket Android head unit. I have had this head unit in my 2017 Camry LE for over a year now with no issues. Plug and play installation - everything is included in the box. No need for fiddly adapters to retain steering wheel keys, etc. I have posted a review and have answered questions on Amazon about it. Would be happy to share/answer any questions you may have about this unit:

Amazon.com: SYGAV Car Stereo for 2015 2016 2017 Toyota Camry Radio Wireless Carplay 10.2 Inch Touch Screen GPS Navigation Android Head Unit : Electronics

It supports wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple Carplay. No loss of vehicle specific features such as lighting, door lock settings, etc.

Thanks much for the response. I'll probably have to live with the original system for now, but maybe can get the SYGAV for Christmas. Some questions for now:

The description for the SYGAV says it is "Pure Android 10 Operating System". And has 4G RAM and 64G ROM, and an expansion SD card slot. Is this an Android Tablet for the car dashboard? Do you need Android Auto at all? Could you connect it to your cell phone's hot spot and run the apps installed directly on the SYGAV itself? If so, is there an advantage to running in Android Auto mode? Is the SD card slot accessible after the unit is installed?

Thanks again,


Joe

 

You can connect to any WiFi hotspot and install apps from Google Play directly on the head unit. The micro SD slot is not easily accessible once the head unit is installed however the unit has 3 USB ports so it's easy enough to hook up a USB micro SD adapter to the unit.

Android Auto is actually on your phone and is projected on the head unit either wirelessly or wired via USB. If your phone has Android 10 or later Android auto is intrinsic to your phone's Android OS (no install).

I love Android auto because it provides the two most needed features when I'm driving. Navigation using Google maps and most music apps like Spotify and Pandora. Yes you get moving maps. You can use Google assistant voice recognition to answer texts, play music, and pull up directions. I have the voice button on my steering wheel setup to bring up Google assistant.

The 10 inch screen is really nice too especially providing larger image from backup camera.

There are several good YouTube videos showing installation of the unit. Surprisingly easy to install - plug and play.

 

I love Android auto because it provides the two most needed features when I'm driving. Navigation using Google maps and most music apps like Spotify and Pandora. Yes you get moving maps. You can use Google assistant voice recognition to answer texts, play music, and pull up directions. I have the voice button on my steering wheel setup to bring up Google assistant.

Is it better to use Google maps and Pandora over Android Auto /your phone rather than natively from the app installed on the head unit? I've never been able to use Android Auto except once on a rental car... I'm upgrading from a 2008 Solara.

Joe

 

In my opinion yes. I like it because when you use wireless Android auto there's no fiddling with plugging in or having to even touch the head unit screen to get it going when you go for a drive.

I recommend using the head unit with native apps for a while and then try Android auto to see which user experience you like better.

One thing in particular I really like is that I don't have to start phone hotspot when using Android auto. No fiddling with phone or head unit. Hope this helps.

 

In my opinion yes. I like it because when you use wireless Android auto there's no fiddling with plugging in or having to even touch the head unit screen to get it going when you go for a drive.

I recommend using the head unit with native apps for a while and then try Android auto to see which user experience you like better.

One thing in particular I really like is that I don't have to start phone hotspot when using Android auto. No fiddling with phone or head unit. Hope this helps.

I see. This all does help a lot. I guess it auto-connects over Bluetooth?

Now I just have to figure out how to convince my wife to get SYGAV for me for Christmas. I wanted to get a 2018 V6 for the newer tech, but we found a loaded 2017 V6 with less than 25,000 miles and loaded (the only missing upgrade was remote start), and it was significantly under budget. Not a chance that I'll convince her to get it for me now, though.

Thanks again,

Joe

 

Yes the moment the phone connects via Bluetooth the zlink app on the head unit kicks in and establishes the connection to Android Auto on your phone.

Is your Camry the 4 cylinder or is it 6? The 2AR-FE (2.5L 4 cyl) engine in the 2011-2017 is possibly the best engine ever made by Toyota. Unfortunately they changed engines and transmissions in 2018. So you may have scored much better than getting a 2018.

 

Is your Camry the 4 cylinder or is it 6? The 2AR-FE (2.5L 4 cyl) engine in the 2011-2017 is possibly the best engine ever made by Toyota. Unfortunately they changed engines and transmissions in 2018. So you may have scored much better than getting a 2018.

I don't know the engine model number... It is the 6 cylinder, 3.5L engine, plus dual exhaust, alloy wheels, LED headlights, -- all the upgrades except remote start. From the service records, it was leased by someone in Massachusetts who seems to have parked it every winter.

https://www.carmax.com/car/21517626

Joe

 

Oh I see your Camry is 6 cyl. Lol that's the downside of reading posts from my phone vs desktop computer.

I lucked up and found my 2017 Camry LE on Carvana back in 2019 with only 7500 miles. I got great deal on it since it was pre pandemic pricing.

 

Nice Camry and congrats. Still yours will have the 6 speed transmission which also is quite good.

Remote start was my first upgrade after getting my Camry. Was super easy to add on. Research Fortin Evo One remote start.

Good luck convincing the Mrs to get the SYGAV.