Toyota Infotainment System Difference?

[152bobby]

I'm trying to work out the difference between the Infotainment system in my Aygo X Exclusive (the 10" screen with buttons down the left hand side) and the system which is in a 2021 Toyota Yaris Cross Premiere Edition (the one with buttons down both sides and has the 360 all round cameras).

Apart from the 360 camera option, does this one have all the same functions and system as the one I have in my Aygo X ? Wireless connection for CarPlay and Android Auto, Remote access via MyT app, 2 phone pairing etc 

Or is the system in the 2021 Yaris Cross an older system which has been upgraded to the one in my Aygo X and has less functions ?

I don't really want to go backwards on the technology on what I currently have, unless it's just minor.

I do know that the Yaris Cross (again 2021 to 2022 models) also have the same screen as my Aygo X and without the 360 cameras/self park assist.  So I'm assuming these systems would be the same.

Thanks

[Roy124]

Bobby, I don't know your older system but the YC system you describe is the Touch 2 Go system with City Pack.   Apart from the City Pack this is the same as my previous Corolla and it had 2 phone pairing.   My Smart Connect system is single phone pairing.

Remote access will be available but functions can vary model to model.

You ask about wireless Car Play and Android Auto.   On my Corolla I could get wired AA but rarely used it.  On the YC I don't know about Car Play (with Smart Connect) but AA only works with wired connection*.

*I can get AA but it needs to be set each time and isn't worth the effort. 

In short,  you cannot assume they will be the same. 

[152bobby]

34 minutes ago, Roy124 said:

Bobby, I don't know your older system but the YC system you describe is the Touch 2 Go system with City Pack.   Apart from the City Pack this is the same as my previous Corolla and it had 2 phone pairing.   My Smart Connect system is single phone pairing.

Remote access will be available but functions can vary model to model.

You ask about wireless Car Play and Android Auto.   On my Corolla I could get wired AA but rarely used it.  On the YC I don't know about Car Play (with Smart Connect) but AA only works with wired connection*.

*I can get AA but it needs to be set each time and isn't worth the effort. 

In short,  you cannot assume they will be the same. 

Cheers Roy.

So simultaneous two phone pairing is a no (not a deal breaker).

No wireless connection to AA and probably the same for CP and you say you have to set yours EACH time you use AA? Do you mean set up AA if it's the first time ?  This could be a deal breaker, as I use AA all the time and on the odd occasion when my wife uses the Yaris Cross (if I get one), she uses CP.  I could live without the wireless connection, because I'd have to connect to charge the phone because the Yaris Cross doesn't have a wireless charging pad.  Are you saying when using AA on the Touch 2 Go system is unreliable ?

Maybe I should rule out any possible Yaris Cross which has the Touch 2 Go head unit and look at ones with the newer unit, which I know has wireless AA and CP and works pretty well (this is the one I use in my current Aygo X).

Cheers for the info and has possibly saved me a waisted 4 hour round trip to view a YC Premiere Edition.

Edited May 1 by 152bobby

[Roy124]

34 minutes ago, 152bobby said:

Cheers Roy.

So simultaneous two phone pairing is a no (not a deal breaker).

It's OK on Touch 2 Go

No wireless connection to AA and probably the same for CP and you say you have to set yours EACH time you use AA? Do you mean set up AA if it's the first time ? 

Yes, as if it is the first time every time.  For the new Smart Connect Yaris Cross I have read that it is Wireless Car Play and Wired AA.  Dont assume anything.

This could be a deal breaker, as I use AA all the time and on the odd occasion when my wife uses the Yaris Cross (if I get one), she uses CP.  I could live without the wireless connection, because I'd have to connect to charge the phone because the Yaris Cross doesn't have a wireless charging pad. 

With the Smart Connect registered phones are shown on the Home Screen with the last one chosen automatically available.  Unlike the Touch 2 Go you must select the phone you want to use for Calls.  I am not sure if that is true of the 'Projection' setting where AA or CP is chosen.  Unlike Touch 2 Go, the Phone selection switches off and AA/CP takes over for phone calls.  

Are you saying when using AA on the Touch 2 Go system is unreliable ?

No, simply don't know.  I didn't like the map display when I first used it on Corolla so did'nt use it, see below

Maybe I should rule out any possible Yaris Cross which has the Touch 2 Go head unit and look at ones with the newer unit, which I know has wireless AA and CP and works pretty well (this is the one I use in my current Aygo X).

See below

I have put in remarks in Text.

Just to expand on Touch to Go/Smart Connect.  The Touch 2 Go mapping was adequate with high contrast definition and reasonable 3D effect.  I found the AA display, in contrast, clunky and intrusive, but that was over 3 years ago and AA has had several iterations since then. 

Smart Connect mapping in the default display has less contrast with pastel colour though more detail.  Things like railway lines, that I use as visual cues, are barely visible, there is a 3D effect but you need to look really had to spot the difference. You can log in as Guest or as a named person.  It should recognise me by my phone but frequently reverts to Guest.  Routes save to YOU and not available to GUEST and vica versa.  It has soft buttons for Coffee, Parking, Petrol, Shopping which can be useful.  I prefer the Voice Command option which is available with AA/CP.

In preference, even for short journeys, I connect my phone and use AA satellite imagery.  It also, as you say, charges the phone.

[152bobby]

19 minutes ago, Roy124 said:

I have put in remarks in Text.

Just to expand on Touch to Go/Smart Connect.  The Touch 2 Go mapping was adequate with high contrast definition and reasonable 3D effect.  I found the AA display, in contrast, clunky and intrusive, but that was over 3 years ago and AA has had several iterations since then. 

Smart Connect mapping in the default display has less contrast with pastel colour though more detail.  Things like railway lines, that I use as visual cues, are barely visible, there is a 3D effect but you need to look really had to spot the difference. You can log in as Guest or as a named person.  It should recognise me by my phone but frequently reverts to Guest.  Routes save to YOU and not available to GUEST and vica versa.  It has soft buttons for Coffee, Parking, Petrol, Shopping which can be useful.  I prefer the Voice Command option which is available with AA/CP.

In preference, even for short journeys, I connect my phone and use AA satellite imagery.  It also, as you say, charges the phone.

Resolution on most head units are never the best !!

So when you use AA or CP via the cable, it was a reliable connection and was totally useable?

[Roy124]

6 minutes ago, 152bobby said:

Resolution on most head units are never the best !!

So when you use AA or CP via the cable, it was a reliable connection and was totally useable?

Ah!

That is very much dependent on the cable.  Now I am talking MY22 Yaris Cross.  The wired connection is the USB socket on the switch bank and not using the 12v socket below.  I wanted a LEFT Angle USB plug to the cable hangs straight down.  Left angles are like the proverbial but I managed to get a 250mm long one with USB C at the other end.  This works well but is too short.  The phone sits awkwardly in the cubby hole.

After 2 unsuccessful attempts to get a longer Left Angle cable on Amazon when the image was Left Angle but the cable was Right Angle I managed to get a superb Left Angle through Temu.  The cable is strong, braided, and the USB C end has a blue LED lamp.  Brilliant.

Except the connection will keep dropping out, reverting to the Home screen, automatically restarting  or not as it feels.  Selecting the Toyota Navigation is fine until AA tells you it is available.  I have now ditched that cable and use the 250mm one.

[RickyC]

I've a MY20 ( february 2021 ) Yaris HB with Touch2 ( I've no the NAV option ) and I use AA ( my car supports only wired connection ) very often.  I use Waze for navigation and Musicolet for playing music and I've no stability problems.

I never used CP but in the configuration screen I've found an option to select which phone connection system to use ( AA, CP or NONE by default ).  So if your wife uses CP, I'm not sure you can connect your Android phone and use AA without switching the setting on the menu. 

[152bobby]

2 minutes ago, RickyC said:

I've a MY20 ( february 2021 ) Yaris HB with Touch2 ( I've no the NAV option ) and I use AA ( my car supports only wired connection ) very often.  I use Waze for navigation and Musicolet for playing music and I've no stability problems.

I never used CP but in the configuration screen I've found an option to select which phone connection system to use ( AA, CP or NONE by default ).  So if your wife uses CP, I'm not sure you can connect your Android phone and use AA without switching the setting on the menu. 

Even on the newer units, you have to go into a different screen to swap from phone to phone, even though they are BOTH connected at the same time, which I do like.

[MikeSh]

1 hour ago, Roy124 said:

Left angles are like the proverbial but I managed to get a 250mm long one with USB C at the other end.  This works well but is too short.

You can get angled adapters, ie. plug and socket unit with 90° in various directions.

I used one to fit a cell-wifi data hotspot in a previous car.

[152bobby]

What can be done remotely using the MyT app on this unit ?

Remote Open/Lock?

Flash Hazard Lights

Remote Start ?

Fund My Car ?

Fuel Level ?

Can see if the Doors are Locked/Unlocked ?

[Roy124]

3 minutes ago, MikeSh said:

You can get angled adapters, ie. plug and socket unit with 90° in various directions.

I used one to fit a cell-wifi data hotspot in a previous car.

True,  but integral has a slightly slimmer profile.  The one from Temu is absolutely superb- if only it worked!

[trashman1965]

30 minutes ago, 152bobby said:

What can be done remotely using the MyT app on this unit ?

Remote Open/Lock?

Flash Hazard Lights

Remote Start ?

Fund My Car ?

Fuel Level ?

Can see if the Doors are Locked/Unlocked ?

Last 3 have been pretty standard across the models since 20/21 but first 3 mostly 2023 I believe. 

If it's critical, best to check with a dealer on a specific car. You could buy a 2023 registered car but actually be buying a previous model year. 

If a dealer can't actually show you, getting the VIN may be possible for some on here to check. 

Just don't take the dealers word for it! 

[152bobby]

2 minutes ago, trashman1965 said:

Last 3 have been pretty standard across the models since 20/21 but first 3 mostly 2023 I believe. 

If it's critical, best to check with a dealer on a specific car. You could buy a 2023 registered car but actually be buying a previous model year. 

If a dealer can't actually show you, getting the VIN may be possible for some on here to check. 

Just don't take the dealers word for it! 

Thanks, it's just a bloody nightmare with all the different variations and like you said, asking the dealer, especially a non Toyota dealer is a bit of a hit and miss !!

[Roy124]

Remote start in the MY21 YC Excel is a function of remote conditioning where the engine is run to bring the car temp up to the previous setting.

[152bobby]

3 minutes ago, Roy124 said:

Remote start in the MY21 YC Excel is a function of remote conditioning where the engine is run to bring the car temp up to the previous setting.

And do you have this infotainment system ? (Possibly not the JBL though !!>

Edited May 1 by 152bobby
I'm just trying to get to the bottom of what one of these does before I drive on a 4 hour return journey. Pointless asking the sales guy, it's a non Toyota dealer.

[Roy124]

Bobby, that is very similar to the standard Touch 2 Go.

You are asking all the right questions but the answers are not clear cut.  As I said at the outset, you can't assume. 

I travelled 2 hours or more to see and buy a Mercedes.  I had the advantage of a friendly Merc Specialist who quizzed the salesman and a salesman who knew his stuff, though even he didn't know where the handbook was stowed. 

I suggest you list your questions,  compare our answers - essentially possible options and then visit yourself. 

Edit:

My Corolla had that system and the MY21 Yaris Cross with City Pack too.  My YC has Smart Connect. 

[trashman1965]

Yes, that's the JBL that was part of tech pack on regular Yaris. Same as my partner had on her 2020 MK4 and it did not have built in map or connected services and none of the enhancements of later models. Just fuel and door status. It may have had find my car but not 100% sure. 

[152bobby]

5 minutes ago, Roy124 said:

Bobby, that is very similar to the standard Touch 2 Go.

This is my current system in my Aygo X Exclusive which has all the functions I listed earlier.  I'm just trying to work out what function(s) I may not have if I change cars that have all the buttons down both sides.

[Roy124]

5 minutes ago, 152bobby said:

This is my current system in my Aygo X Exclusive which has all the functions I listed earlier.  I'm just trying to work out what function(s) I may not have if I change cars that have all the buttons down both sides.

Fascinating,  that screen and layout is identical to the Smart Connect screen.

The crux is what lies behind each button 🙄 

[152bobby]

4 minutes ago, Roy124 said:

Fascinating,  that screen and layout is identical to the Smart Connect screen.

The crux is what lies behind each button 🙄 

Roy, I see you have a Yaris Cross, what head unit do you have ?

[Roy124]

Smart Connect  but my Corolla was Touch 2 Go.

[Graham47]

15 minutes ago, 152bobby said:

This is my current system in my Aygo X Exclusive which has all the functions I listed earlier. 

That to me looks identical to the 9” smart connect unit I have in my HB Excel which upgraded with Tech Pack (HUD + JBL sound).  I use CarPlay (wireless) but I only have one (I)phone connected.

I have all the App functionality you refer to, regularly use it.  Can see fuel, hybrid coaching etc.  Also I can (and have) run remote conditioning (esp. useful during the winter).

[Graham47]

1 hour ago, 152bobby said:

What can be done remotely using the MyT app on this unit ?

Remote Open/Lock?

Flash Hazard Lights

Remote Start ?

Fund My Car ?

Fuel Level ?

Can see if the Doors are Locked/Unlocked ?

I can do all of these on my headunit.

[152bobby]

I've just found the Spec sheet for the 2021 Toyota Yaris Cross Premiere Edition and as standard, it states

"Tech Pack: 9" HD Toyota Smart Connect Multimedia System with Wireless Smartphone Integration including Apple CarPlay & Android Auto & Connected Cloud Navigation"

So if this is correct, it should have what I want/need.

To be honest, I could continue annoying all of you, I guess I NEED to just make the journey and see for myself !!

Edited May 1 by 152bobby

[Roy124]

Bobby, agree, I think you should separate out absolutely essential from nice to have.