The Toyota Hilux N70 ran from 2005 to 2015 and is still one of the most common vehicles on Australian roads. The factory head unit — regardless of trim level — has the same problem in 2026: no wireless CarPlay, no Android Auto, and a screen that's small and slow by any modern standard.
The good news is that every N70 Hilux has a plug-and-play upgrade available. No cutting factory wiring, no losing your steering wheel controls. Here's exactly what fits your N70 and what to watch out for.
First — which N70 variant do you have?
This is the most important question for the N70. Unlike most vehicles where you just need the year, the N70 came in three different dash configurations that each require a different fascia frame. Getting this right is what makes it a clean, OEM-style install.
| Variant | Years | How to identify |
|---|---|---|
| Large knob manual aircon | 2005–early 2012 | Two large round aircon knobs either side of the head unit |
| Small knob manual aircon | 2012–2015 SR/Workmate | Smaller round knobs, slightly different dash surround |
| Digital Climate Control (DCC) | 2012–2015 SR5 | Digital temperature display panel below the head unit |
⚠️ Always advise your exact year and trim when ordering. The fascia frame is different for each variant — ordering the wrong one means it won't fit cleanly. If you're unsure, check your climate control panel or contact us before ordering and we'll confirm for you.
The upgrade — what changes and what stays
Every N70 head unit upgrade from Extnix is plug-and-play — the wiring harness plugs directly into your factory loom. Here's exactly what is retained and what changes:
| Feature | What happens |
|---|---|
| Factory steering wheel controls | ✅ Fully retained via CANBUS integration — volume, track, phone all work |
| Factory reverse camera | ✅ Retained on late 2014–2015 models (silver factory unit) via plug-and-play. ⚠️ 2012–2014 models (black factory unit) require manual connection. 📷 Early N70s (pre-2012) mostly didn't have a factory camera — a new reverse camera is included in the kit. |
| Factory aircon controls | ✅ Retained — the fascia frame is designed to keep your existing knobs or DCC panel in place |
| Factory USB / AUX | ⚠️ Not retained — replaced by the new head unit's USB port |
What you get with the upgrade
- Wireless Apple CarPlay — connects automatically when you start the car, no cable needed
- Wireless Android Auto — same seamless experience for Android users
- 9" IPS touchscreen — significantly larger and sharper than the factory screen
- GPS & 4G Antenna, WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0
- DSP amplifier — improved audio output through your existing speakers
- Reverse camera included — 720P AHD camera included in the kit
- External Microphone Included - External Mic is included for clear voice communication
- 3-year Australian warranty with local support from Melbourne
👉 Shop the Hilux N70 Head Unit — 2005 to 2015 — from $599 AUD. Includes fascia frame, plug-and-play wiring and reverse camera. Free shipping, Melbourne warehouse.
Installation
The wiring is plug-and-play — the harness plugs directly into your factory connector with no cutting or splicing. However, we strongly recommend professional installation for the N70 due to the fascia fitting and CANBUS configuration. A professional install ensures the fascia sits flush, the aircon switches relocate cleanly, and all factory features work correctly from day one.
We have a full step-by-step photo installation guide specifically for the N70:
📖 View the Hilux N70 CarPlay installation guide →
Based in Melbourne? We offer professional Hilux N70 installation from our workshop in Melbourne's North West, opening June 2026.
👉 Enquire about professional installation in Melbourne
🚗 Have a Hilux N80 (2015–2023)? The N80 uses a completely different dash configuration and upgrade kit. View the N80 head unit upgrade guide →
Still not sure which variant you have?
Look at your climate control panel — large knobs, smaller knobs, or a digital display. Your compliance plate inside the driver's door jamb shows your exact build month and year. If you're still unsure, send us a message with your year, build month and trim and we'll confirm compatibility before you order. We'd rather take two minutes to confirm than have you receive the wrong fascia.