Toyota Entune 3.0 - Review 2022

Toyota'due south Entune was one of the first smartphone-based infotainment systems offered by car makers, and 1 of our perennial favorites. Its combination of physical and touch-screen controls brand it easy to operate, while connectivity via your smartphone is straightforward—and free. Entune iii.0 adds onboard connectivity for cloud-based features that let y'all access and monitor your vehicle remotely. These additions improve the already stellar system, though a lack of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay keep it from earning tiptop marks.

Overview and Interface

The Entune three.0 organization is standard on all three trim levels of the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid and volition somewhen roll out to the entire Toyota vehicle lineup. Nosotros had a chance to test it in a 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE.

The system consists of an 8-inch impact screen with four buttons on each side: Dwelling house, Menu, Audio, and Info on the left; Seek, Track, Phone, and Apps on the correct. On the far left is a tune/scroll knob and a larger volume/power knob. The Dwelling push brings upward a iii- or 4-panel home screen, which is configurable in the number and content of each panel. The icons on the main menu tin can likewise exist rearranged co-ordinate to your preference.

The Info button brings up fuel and free energy consumption info, while the Audio push allows you lot to control or modify the current sound source. The buttons on the right side are used to seek radio stations, skip tracks, and access telephone functions and various apps.

In that location are some redundant features. The Apps button and Apps Itemize menu detail are identical in function just dissimilar in layout, for example, simply this doesn't backbite from usability.

Connectivity and Features

Entune three.0 still has smartphone-based connectivity for cloud-connected streaming music and local search apps, including iHeartRadio, NPR One, Pandora, Slacker, and Yelp. It also adds continued turn-by-turn navigation via the Scout GPS Link, which was previously offered only as an extra-cost option on some Toyotas.

The new version of Watch GPS Link includes moving maps as well as local search. Local search is as well available via the Yelp app, but plough-by-plow directions for a Yelp destination are handled by Lookout man, which requires a subscription after a free three-year trial.

Scout gets over-the-air map updates through the embedded modem, which also provides in-cabin Wi-Fi. It comes with up to 2GB of information for free for the first half dozen months of ownership.

Onboard connectivity allows for other new cloud-based features. Service Connect keeps tabs on vehicle maintenance and allows you to schedule service. An app for Android and iOS devices allows y'all to remotely lock or unlock motorcar doors, start or stop the engine, discover your vehicle on a map, bank check fuel levels, and more. The app as well lets you set alerts if the car is driven at certain times, past a called speed, outside of a certain area, and other parameters. A Toyota Owners department offers a digital possessor's transmission, service scheduling and discounts, roadside assistance, and more.

In addition to popular streaming apps and Yelp local search, the Entune 3.0 organisation likewise has generic apps for atmospheric condition, traffic, sports, stock info and tin can detect fuel stations in the vicinity. Merely ane affair (really two) it doesn't have is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Dissimilar most major automakers, Toyota has decided not to implement the 2 pop smartphone integration platforms.

It should also be noted that nosotros had problem getting Pandora to piece of work properly with Entune, whereas we've never had that issue with CarPlay. And we've found that nosotros prefer CarPlay for messaging over well-nigh born solutions, which proved to be the example here.

Conclusions

With its intuitive interface, new and larger 8-inch affect screen, and (mostly) complimentary connectivity, Entune three.0 remains one of the all-time automaker infotainment systems available. The only matter that keeps information technology from being an Editors' Choice, similar the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE in which nosotros tested it, is the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Otherwise, it's still improve than most other infotainment systems—and a pleasure to utilize on your next drive.