Apple CarPlay is an application or technically called “API” stands for Application Programming Interface. So, it can be running under Android or any other operating systems.

 

Thank you! Would you be inclined to share your advice on the install any configuration tricks and where to hide the box? Thanks again!

 

I have used another brand similar to Grom, as few of members here did, it is by Lsailt. The installation is fairly straightforward, the kit comes with all the cables and harnesses for plug and play installation. I have the unit installed right under the gear shifter since there is lots of space there. I know others have it installed in glovebox as well. Lsailt unit supports both wired and wireless CarPlay, as well as Android Auto. From my experiences since installation, with newest firmware, it has been running well so far. I had the write up on this forum: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...uccessful.html

 

Thanks for the link to your earlier install...very revealing, and concerning that there were many bugs that you and the others had to overcome. I realize that the install was in 2020, so there may have well been refinements of these units. Is there any one unit/company that has all of the gremlins fixed? Thanks again!

 

basically, all those aftermarket brands and units use the same processor and base architecture, so the essential components and software are the same. It is really coming down to individual preference and comfort level in dealing with the suppliers and supports. Grom and Phoenix are brands that listed with local US support and some local contracted installers, although I have no experiences with either of them. Lsailt is based in China with direct online support from the manufacturer. One thing to keep in mind, no matter which vender you select, the products are all made in China. I picked Lsailt based on they are a manufacturer primary make the add-on units for Toyota/Lexus, and with my language background, it is easier to communicate with manufacturer directly for any supporting issues. So far, based on all the discussions on this board with varies brands, I feel that I have experienced relatively trouble free with the Lsailt unit with my installation on both 2014GX and 2016 LX so far.

 

I think I must be the only person that tried CarPlay once and never used it again. I only wanted the better screen and controls of the 2022 model rather than Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

I just use the built-in maps and a thumb drive with media. The benefit to the thumb drive is that the native media player in the GX will play movies while Apple CarPlay won't.

I also inherently distrust wireless connections after being in IT for a long, long time now it not being wireless doesn't bother me since I'll most likely want to charge my phone while using it if I ever do use it.

My wife will use it now that she got an iPhone in her RAV4 since it doesn't have built-in maps and the 2019 MY didn't have Android Auto.

 

Personally speaking, I don’t use Apple CarPlay a lot myself. But the benefit with my add-on is to utilize the native Waze and other apps on my head unit, since I carry a personal hotspot device most of time. Waze offers you much more safety features than just navigation. For those don’t have personal hot spot all the time, CarPlay and android auto by utilizing the phone data connection is certainly beneficial. BTW, all those aftermarket add-on units has the media play function via usb connectivities.

 

Could not agree with this more. I had a 17 Q7 Prestige with every option including map display on the gauge cluster, apple carplay/android auto (wired), and myriad options for adjustments and customizations, including fancy shmancy LED interior lighting that changes colors etc. Most of it was a huge distraction over the past years of owning that car. Plus, there was the ever looming feeling that something was going to break eventually and would have some "dependency" on another system and that the whole module or system would require replacement just to regain lost functionality. I used the android auto a handful of times and it was quite frankly more annoying as every time I did decide to use it (requires plugging in and would NOT fast-charge, instead would slow-charge and heat up my phone significantly) it would always seem to require some updates and signing off on new disclaimers every single time. It was too cumbersome to use, and when it actually DID work, it was only a few of the handful times I used it overall. Bottom line is there are way too many crazy drivers out there to be worried about hitting you to have to wrestle with answering multiple questions on multiple screens etc just to get everything to hopefully work each drive that I gave up on it all and decided to go simple with the GX interior (I have a 21) and I saw the videos on the 22 interior system which seem to be similar functionality just different layout and not worth the extra wait to get.

 

Thanks for posting the cross bar pic. What do they cost, if you don't mind sharing?

More importantly, do you feel like that's the way to go vs buying an aftermarket setup (e.g. Yakima)? I won't use it a lot right now but next year probably put Kayaks up there. Is there anything special/unique about these cross bars?

Thanks!

 

No issues at all. $237.80+shipping. I bought them here: https://www.lexuspartsoutlet.com/oem...IFJlc3VsdHM%3D

IMO these were reasonably priced and very beefy. Here is a better pic with them installed.

 

Thanks bowhun2r. That seems like a good price for these. You'd pay twice that just to get the crossbar basics in Yakima. They look right with the vehicle too, of course.

 

Bought an IS 500 a couple months back and I really loved it but realized it just wasn’t working as a dad car. Decided to grab a GX. Hopefully this is it for a while lol.

 

We just picked up my wife's new 2022 GX460 Luxury this week, and so far, we love it. Still getting used to the infotainment system and location of all the controls, but very glad we have the 2022 infotainment system over the previous gen system. In addition to CarPlay, it completely transforms and updates the look and feel of the interior in my opinion.

Also, one of our must-have items was the panoramic view monitor (360 cameras). Based on my experience with the older GX/4Runner/Tacoma 360 camera systems (and multiple YouTube videos), we were not expecting much of an improvement in the 2022 GX, if any.

However, we were both pleasantly surprised to discover the cameras (and infotainment screen) resolution are significantly better than expected. A couple YouTubers mentioned the cameras were very low resolution like the 4runner cameras, but that is definitely not the case. I'm guessing many of them were provided demo/pre-production "press vehicles" that had the older GX/4Runner cameras?

 

We picked up a ‘22 3 weeks ago yesterday, still under a 1000 miles. Towed a 20’ bay boat with it last Sunday and it has enough power and good brakes to pull it adequately. Short wheelbase does have a slightly choppy ride but still acceptable.
The updated info system is miles better than the previous year’s version but still lacking. Can’t understand why they don’t have a decent lane departure system vs just a warning, even my ‘18 accord has a decent LKA that works well. And having to use the touchpad to get to some functions is inconvenient.
But the wife loves it and if she’s happy, that’s fine with me!
PS The other vehicle we considered was the MDX, but was at the max tow rating for the boat and their info system was worse. And this is the 3rd Lexus and have had zero issues out of the first 2 in 19 years

 

You can’t put Lane Keeping Assist on a hydraulic power steering system which is what the GX has. Your Accord has a electric power steering system.