3rd Gen Tacoma Head Unit Upgrade with the Dasaita G13 | Review & Features
Upgrading My 3rd Gen Tacoma with the Dasaita G13 11.6” Head Unit
My 2019 Tacoma came equipped with the standard non-JBL Toyota Entune head unit, which frankly, wasn’t great. After searching for an aftermarket head unit upgrade that delivers better performance, retains factory features, and is relatively easy to install without breaking the bank, I discovered the Dasaita G13 11.6” head unit.
Designed specifically for the 2016 - 2023 Toyota Tacoma, the Dasaita G13 packs impressive features like wireless Apple CarPlay, built-in navigation and apps, a high resolution 11.6” QLED touchscreen display, and even a gyroscope and compass. It has easily become one of the best upgrades I’ve done to my Tacoma’s interior and makes my daily commute and road trips so much better.
If you’re looking for a replacement head unit for your Toyota Tacoma, Here’s everything you need to know about upgrading to the Dasaita G13.
Why You Should Upgrade Your 3rd Gen Tacoma Head Unit
Upgrading the factory head unit in your 3rd gen Tacoma is one of the best ways to modernize your truck and driving experience. The stock system, especially the non-JBL setup, lacks features like wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a high resolution touch screen, advanced audio tuning options, and access to apps you’ll actually use.
One major thing I noticed with my Entune head unit was that the navigation system was very outdated and in order to update it, I would have had to take it to the dealership and pay a lot of money for a feature I had already paid for when I bought the truck. With an aftermarket head unit, I’m able to update my system and apps with up to date information by myself in my driveway. A quality aftermarket head unit, like the Dasaita G13 dramatically improves not only navigation, but phone connectivity, audio quality, and provides access to download apps that are actually useful and enhance your driving experience. Plus, it even gives you more access to your vehicles data which can make personalizing and understanding your vehicle so much easier.
Whether you’re driving around town, hitting the trails, or on a long road trip, having a responsive and fully integrated infotainment system makes a huge difference for you and your passengers.
Installation Experience
One of my biggest worries about upgrading the head unit on my Tacoma was that installation would be super difficult and not worth the hassle. Fortunately, I was very wrong. Dasaita makes the install process super easy with great instructions included in the packaging as well as countless YouTube videos showcasing the entire process.
The entire head unit was plug and play with my wiring harness which made the process even more simple. On top of that, all of the wires from the G13 were labeled so you knew exactly where to plug everything in.
This unit came with the entire front bezel, available in gray or black, so all I needed to do was pull off the factory plastic, unbolt the 4 bolts holding the stock head unit in, and then wire the new one in and push it back into place. I was able to complete the entire install in under 30 minutes.
Notable Specs & Features
8GB of RAM + 256GB ROM
This is what makes the head unit run so smoothly and minimizes lag you might experience when flipping through screens or using apps. Although this is a huge upgrade from the stock head unit, I recommend clearing your apps (like you do on your phone) somewhat frequently to make sure it’s always running smooth.
Available in Black and Gray trims
I personally chose the gray bezel trim to match the interior of my truck.
11.6 inch QLED 2K Screen with full lamination technology
This screen is super sharp and bright.
4G LTE, WiFi, Mirror Link, and Bluetooth 5.0 Connectivity
You’re able to connect via bluetooth, mirror link, WiFi (so that you can use apps like Chrome or Netflix), and even cellular if you install a SIM card.
HDMI Output
So that you can use rear entertainment screens.
Built in Gyroscope & Compass
Great for off-road use to see exactly how much your vehicle is tilting when on tight trails or going over obstacles.
Customizable LED button light
The button on the head unit has an LED light that you can change the color of to personalize your interior even more.
Customizable home screen icons
All of the apps on the main home screen are moveable and customizable so you can set up your screen for easy access to your favorite apps.
Full OEM support
You don’t lose any features from your OEM head unit and all steering wheel controls are fully functional.
Performance and my Personal Experience
From the first start up, the G13 ran perfectly. The user interface is super user friendly and is very responsive with no noticeable lag. The wireless CarPlay, after setting it up on my phone, worked great and connects to my phone quickly when I start up the truck. I especially love being able to use Google Maps and OnX Maps without having to look down at my phone when I’m travelling.
The sound quality is also amazing. With the ability to change all aspects of the sound like the equalizers, DTS surround sound, speaker delays and loudness, and more I was able to fully customize the audio to what I think sounds the absolute best.
One thing I do notice is that while the built in interface is super fast, the CarPlay can seem a little bit laggy. But this isn’t the fault of the head unit, it’s more on the CarPlay software and the fact that it is wireless which isn’t as fast as wired CarPlay. With that being said, I usually only use CarPlay for music and maps so it’s not really that big of a deal.
One other thing I also noticed when I first got a call on the head unit was that whoever I was talking to had a hard time hearing me. This head unit does come with an external microphone that I routed behind the steering wheel. I did notice that it was plugged in correctly, it just had a hard time picking up my voice in that location. To fix this, I simply routed it closer to the speedometer where my voice is directed and it seemed to fix the issue.
Finally, one last thing I noticed is that when viewing the rear back-up camera, it adds a new guide that is extremely accurate and makes backing into tight spots and up to trailers so much easier. The only downside is that now with a larger screen, the rear camera quality doesn’t look that great. That can easily be fixed with Dasaita’s 1080p backup camera add-on that I plan on doing in the future.
Final Thoughts: Is the Dasaita G13 Worth It?
In all honesty, the Dasaita G13 head unit is extremely worth it if you’re looking for a head unit upgrade for your Tacoma. I have had nothing but good experiences with it and it’s made my commutes and going on trails so much better.
From elevating the sound quality, adding wireless CarPlay, being able to see my vehicles tilt axis in real time, and even downloading basically any app I want, this head unit is the perfect thing to add to your Tacoma if you’re looking for a major upgrade.
