Posted on Mar 04, 2026

by Charles Travers

What Are the Best Radio Upgrades for Your Toyota Tacoma?

The Toyota Tacoma is one of the most capable and customizable trucks on the road. From bumpers and suspension to bed racks and lighting, there is no shortage of ways to make your Tacoma your own. But one area that often gets overlooked is the factory infotainment system, and for a lot of owners, it is the one thing about their truck that feels the most outdated.

If you own a 3rd gen Tacoma (2016-2023), you already know what we are talking about. Pre-2020 models shipped without Apple CarPlay, the stock screen is on the smaller side, and audio customization is fairly limited. It is not unusual to have thousands of dollars in mods on your truck while still dealing with a factory radio that does not support the apps or connectivity you use every day.

The good news is that the aftermarket has caught up. There are now plug-and-play Tacoma radio upgrade kits designed specifically for your truck that bolt in without cutting a single wire. You keep your steering wheel controls, your backup camera, and your USB ports. Everything plugs right into the factory wiring harness.

Whether you are after a clean OEM-style touchscreen or a full Android tablet experience, there is a Tacoma radio upgrade that fits your priorities and your budget. Here are three of the best paths to modernizing your infotainment.

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Stinger HEIGH10 Radio Replacement Kit

The Stinger HEIGH10 is the most popular radio upgrade in the Tacoma community, and for good reason. It replaces your factory unit with a 10-inch flush-mount touchscreen that looks like it was always meant to be there. The install is completely plug-and-play, and the flush-mounted dash kit gives the whole setup an OEM-quality finish.

Under the surface, the HEIGH10 adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired connection), a 15-band equalizer for fine-tuning your sound, and support for up to four camera inputs. That last feature is a big deal for off-road use, where having front, rear, and side camera views can make navigating tight trails significantly easier. There is also built-in GPS navigation that works without cell service, which is exactly the kind of thing you want when you are off the grid.

One thing worth noting is that the CarPlay and Android Auto connection is wired, not wireless. For most owners that is not a dealbreaker, but if wireless connectivity is important to you, it is something to keep in mind. Stinger also makes a newer variant called the Horizon 10, which offers a floating screen design for a more modern aesthetic. For a detailed look at the install process, check out our full Stinger HEIGH10 review.

Stinger Horizon 10 Floating Touchscreen

The Stinger Horizon 10 takes a different approach to the same upgrade. Instead of sitting flush with the dash, the Horizon 10 features a 10.1-inch floating touchscreen that sits slightly above the dashboard for a more contemporary look. It is the same Stinger reliability and plug-and-play installation, just in a different form factor.

The core functionality is the same as the HEIGH10. You still get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, multiple camera inputs, and all the audio processing features. The real difference is the aesthetic. The HEIGH10 gives you a clean, factory-integrated look. The Horizon 10 makes more of a visual statement. If you want your radio upgrade to be something people notice when they sit in your Tacoma, the floating display delivers that. Both are excellent choices, and it really comes down to which style suits your taste.

Linkswell Gen 6 T-Style Radio

For owners who want to go all-in on technology, the Linkswell Gen 6 T-Style Radio is in a category of its own. This is a 13-inch HD touchscreen running a full Android 11 operating system, powered by a Qualcomm 8-core processor with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It is less of a radio replacement and more of a full tablet built into your dash.

What sets the Gen 6 apart is that you have access to the Google Play Store directly on the screen. Download your preferred navigation app, streaming services, or whatever else you need. It supports both wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, plus it gives you on-screen climate controls so you can adjust your A/C and heated seats right from the touchscreen. The built-in 4x50W amplifier with DSP and a 16-band EQ means you are getting serious audio processing without needing a separate amp.

The trade-off is that a 13-inch screen is a dramatic visual change. Some owners love the Tesla-style look, while others prefer the more subtle approach of the Stinger options. The Android operating system also means the occasional software update. But for tech-forward Tacoma owners who want maximum functionality from their dash, there is nothing else quite like it.

Beyond the Radio

If upgrading your head unit has you thinking about the rest of your audio setup, you are not alone. A lot of owners pair a new radio with upgraded speakers and amplifiers for a complete sound overhaul. Check out our guide to the best sound systems for your Tacoma to see what is available. And if you own a 2024+ Tacoma, take a look at our Orrella amplifier review for the latest 4th gen audio upgrade options.

Picking the Right Radio Upgrade for Your Tacoma

No matter which direction you go, upgrading your Tacoma's radio is one of the best quality-of-life improvements you can make. The HEIGH10 gives you a clean, factory-look upgrade with rock-solid reliability. The Horizon 10 offers the same in a floating, modern design. And the Gen 6 T-Style delivers maximum tech for owners who want it all. There is no wrong answer here, just different priorities.

All three options are available at TacomaBeast, and you can browse the full head unit collection to see everything we carry. If you have questions about compatibility or installation, our team is always happy to help. You can also find step-by-step installation walkthroughs on our YouTube channel.

No matter which route you take, your Tacoma's interior is about to get a serious upgrade. Just remember, it is all about the Taco!