If you drive an older vehicle, chances are your dashboard technology feels outdated. Many cars built before 2018 lack modern smartphone integration, making navigation, music streaming, and messaging harder to use while driving.

The good news is that you don’t need to replace your car to get modern connectivity.

With an Android Auto head unit upgrade, you can install a modern infotainment system that connects directly to your Android smartphone. This gives you access to navigation, music apps, hands-free calls and messaging directly from your car’s dashboard.

If you're considering upgrading your vehicle, you can explore Android Auto upgrade systems designed for Australian vehicles available at Extnix.

If you use an Android phone instead of an iPhone, most modern infotainment systems also support Android Auto. You can read our complete guide on Apple Carplay head unit upgrades for cars in Australia to learn how Apple iPhone users can upgrade their vehicles.

What Is an Android Auto Head Unit Upgrade?

An Android Auto upgrade involves replacing your factory stereo with a modern infotainment system that supports Android Auto.

Once installed, your dashboard touchscreen can display apps from your Android phone including:

Google Maps
Waze
Spotify
YouTube Music
WhatsApp
Google Assistant

These apps are displayed in a driver-friendly interface designed to minimise distractions while driving.

Android Auto was introduced by Google in 2015 and has since become one of the most widely used smartphone integration systems in vehicles worldwide.

Many modern aftermarket head units now support both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, meaning the same system works for both Android and iPhone users.

If you use an iPhone instead, you can read our guide on Apple CarPlay upgrades for cars in Australia to learn how CarPlay systems work.

Benefits of Upgrading to Android Auto

Installing an Android Auto head unit provides several major improvements over older factory stereos.

Smart Navigation With Google Maps

One of the biggest advantages of Android Auto is the ability to use Google Maps directly on your car’s screen.

This provides:

Live traffic updates
Lane guidance
Speed camera alerts
Voice navigation
Real-time route optimisation

Compared to older built-in navigation systems, Google Maps is constantly updated and significantly more accurate.

Seamless Music Streaming

Android Auto allows you to access music and podcasts from your smartphone directly through the car’s infotainment system.

Supported apps include:

Spotify
YouTube Music
Amazon Music
Audible
Podcasts

You can control music through the touchscreen, steering wheel controls, or voice commands using Google Assistant.

Hands-Free Messaging and Calls

Android Auto makes it easy to stay connected without touching your phone.

Using voice commands you can:

Send text messages
Listen to incoming messages
Reply to WhatsApp messages
Make and receive phone calls

This makes driving safer and helps comply with Australian mobile phone driving laws.

Wired vs Wireless Android Auto

When upgrading your car’s infotainment system, you will typically have two connectivity options.

Wired Android Auto

Wired systems connect your phone using a USB cable.

Advantages include:

Stable connection
High audio quality
Automatic phone charging
Lower cost head units

The only downside is that you need to plug your phone in each time.

Wireless Android Auto

Wireless systems connect automatically using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Advantages include:

Automatic connection when starting the car
No cables required
Cleaner interior
More convenient daily use

Wireless Android Auto systems are becoming increasingly popular in modern aftermarket head units.

Popular Vehicles for Android Auto Upgrades in Australia

Most vehicles manufactured after 2000 can support an Android Auto upgrade with the correct head unit.

Some of the most commonly upgraded vehicles include:

Toyota Hilux
Toyota LandCruiser
Ford Ranger
Nissan Patrol
Mitsubishi Pajero

These vehicles often benefit from vehicle-specific infotainment systems designed to fit directly into the dashboard.

Toyota Android Auto Upgrades

Toyota vehicles are among the most popular models upgraded in Australia.

Common vehicles include:

Toyota Hilux
Toyota LandCruiser
Toyota Prado
Toyota Corolla

Many drivers upgrade their Toyota's with Android Auto upgrade systems designed specifically for factory dashboards, allowing the new screen to integrate seamlessly with the vehicle interior.

Nissan Android Auto Upgrades

Nissan vehicles with older infotainment systems can see major improvements after installing Android Auto.

Popular models include:

Nissan Patrol
Nissan Navara
Nissan X-Trail

A modern Android Auto head unit dramatically improves navigation and connectivity. Nissan owners upgrade their vehicles with Android Auto head units designed for Nissan dashboards.

Mitsubishi Android Auto Upgrades

Many Mitsubishi vehicles have basic factory stereos without smartphone integration.

Common upgrade models include:

Mitsubishi Pajero
Mitsubishi Triton
Mitsubishi Outlander

Installing a vehicle-specific Android Auto infotainment system can significantly modernise the dashboard.

Ford Android Auto Upgrades

Ford vehicles equipped with early versions of the SYNC system are also common upgrade candidates.

Popular models include:

Ford Ranger
Ford Everest
Ford Focus

Many Ford dashboards support Android Auto head units, making installation straightforward.

How Much Does an Android Auto Upgrade Cost in Australia?

Costs vary depending on the system and the vehicle.

Typical 2026 prices:

Item	Cost Range
Android Auto head unit	$400 – $1,200
Vehicle-specific upgrade systems	$700 – $1,500
Professional installation	$120 – $300

Many drivers prefer vehicle-specific Android Auto upgrade kits, which are designed to integrate perfectly with the vehicle dashboard while retaining factory controls.

Things to Check Before Installing Android Auto

Before purchasing an upgrade system, make sure it is compatible with your vehicle.

Important factors include:

Dashboard Fitment

Head units are available in:

Single DIN
Double DIN
Vehicle-specific fitment

Vehicle-specific systems usually provide the cleanest installation.

Steering Wheel Controls

Most modern systems can retain steering wheel controls using an adapter harness.

Reverse Camera Compatibility

Many aftermarket systems support factory reverse cameras with the correct adapter.

Factory Amplifier Integration

Vehicles with premium audio systems may require additional interface modules.

Is an Android Auto Upgrade Worth It?

For many drivers, installing an Android Auto head unit is one of the most cost-effective ways to modernise an older vehicle.

Instead of buying a new car, you gain:

Smart navigation
Music streaming
Hands-free communication
Voice assistant integration
A modern touchscreen dashboard

All while keeping the car you already own.

Final Thoughts

In 2026, upgrading to Android Auto remains one of the best ways to modernise an older vehicle.

With Google Maps navigation, voice control, music streaming and safer smartphone integration, Android Auto can completely transform the driving experience.

If you're ready to upgrade your dashboard, you can explore Android Auto and Apple CarPlay infotainment systems designed for popular vehicles in Australia to find the right solution for your car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add Android Auto to an older car?

Yes. Most vehicles manufactured after 2000 can be upgraded with an aftermarket Android Auto head unit.

Does Android Auto work with Apple CarPlay systems?

Many modern head units support both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, making them compatible with Android and iPhone devices.

How much does it cost to install Android Auto in Australia?

Most installations cost between $500 and $1,400, depending on the system and installation requirements.

Is wireless Android Auto better than wired?

Wireless Android Auto is more convenient because it connects automatically, while wired systems provide slightly better reliability and audio quality.