200 Series Land Cruiser CarPlay & Android Auto with Grom VLine (Lexus info too)
Here I’ve compiled a list of VLines and their compatibility. It was 2019 when they became available for Toyota, though we’ve been selling them for Lexus a little longer. We used to get mixed results and to be honest they were a little clunky back then. Some Lexus head units were made by different manufacturers for US from Aus too which caused problems. We have not seen this with Sahara/VX and confident with all compatibilities. All info is relevant for Gen 5 Lexus on (mostly) and Prado’s etc are a work in progress. With over 500 VLines sold as of Nov 23 I am a world leader! The 200 series and Lexus owners are my biggest customers. The Prado guys are catching on too!
Chances are you are already looking for Groms VLine if you are here so we’re concentrating more on which one is right for yours. The 5 and 6 are easily the fastest movers and make up the bulk of the shipment. There’s now 32 variants mainly differing in the included harnesses and firmware. The hardware’s the same.
So here are 5 of interest. But 1st a quick demo of CarPlay
Sahara makes up most VLine sales!
When deciding on which variant is right it’s the radio’s display we look at (not the maps), as well as the year. VLine does not come with a screen so yours has to work, and the examples given here may be from Lexus (hence the LEX part numbers) so ignore the colours, it’s the layout. This determines what firmware is loaded and the right harnesses are assured. Now we know you want to see pics with VLine on but what we have to show you is radio mode.
1st, and the biggest seller is LEX5vl2 which does from 2007 up until sometime in 2009 when they got the factory USB port. This is also the last model where Grom’s cheaper, audio only kits are compatible
Next is the LEX6vl2 which as mentioned has the USB port. Note the tabs This VLine is confirmed in Prado’s too with Nav & USB Input. Installing a LEX6, like others is a simple plug and play affair I do it here on my bench Unbox & Plug in
You’ll notice the difference in the display where the different inputs are ‘tabbed’. 7th Gen stereos finally get Bluetooth for music. Thats when we shift to LEX7Tvl2. They get even easier to install from here on as they now use your factory mic!
LEX78T Does from late 2012 (when they got BT for music) to late 2018
We got this review from Peter with LEX9T in his 2021 VX
hi i purchased the vline for my 2021 vx landcruiser. i installed myself with help from skot via emails.pretty straight forward.since then i have done updates and i have had no issues.skot is always willing to help and occasionally calls to check on system.i recommend that you get one of the vlines from skot and you will have no regrets.thanks
peter
Check my latest videos https://www.youtube.com/@cushieaudio https://www.facebook.com/cushieaudio/
Phil
Hi Scott I have a 2014 200 series Sahara and would like to have the vline option does it operate the rear screen for playing Netflix ext?
Skot Biner
Hi Phil,
Don’t buy one of these if it’s your main reason, as you can’t. It will still work, as all your other factory functions will.
On Tuesday a major update is happening that we have waited for since pre Covid. It’s Android 12 where you will be able to to just that through the HDMI out, while still having your maps or what ever on the front screen.
But if you can’t wait if there are any teething probs it may not be for you. Or you could dive in and enjoy all the other features that hundreds of others are. Here is a link to the one for your 2014 but just a heads up, they are having their 1st price increase since Jan 2022 on July 1st.
https://cushieaudio.com.au/product/grom-vline-v2/?attribute_option=LEX78TVL2
Be sure to read the reviews too as Sahara is my biggest customer base!
Have a Cushie Day!!
Warran
What is the price for a 200 series 2011 model
Skot Biner
Hi Warran, I have one for $909 and another for $1189. My number is on the website if you want to have a chat about them and the differences
Jason Pittroff
Morning. I’m after a add on for 2018 sahara that does Android auto and Apple car play and cost please ? If u do have a unit will it run Netflix etc on rear screens cheers
Skot Biner
Hi Jason, I have a unit that will do most of what you ask. But dont buy it if running “netflix etc” to your rear screen is a priority. It can be done but you would have to have it on the main screen too. Cost $1189 If you dont need any of the etc I have one for $889 Have a Cushie Day!!
Stuart Paul
Grom vline 2 wireless Android sounds great, also firmware updating everything on the vline when you tell it, no more problems like I’ve been having. I would have to read up more to properly uderstand how it works.