Lexus ES300h Android Auto Infotainment Upgrade Review

Transform Your Lexus ES300h with an Android Infotainment System

Many Lexus ES300h owners face a common challenge: the factory navigation system, while functional, lacks the intuitive touch control we've come to expect from smartphones. This can make tasks like adjusting maps or selecting apps cumbersome. To address this, many owners turn to aftermarket solutions that integrate modern Android capabilities. This review details a specific installation of an Android all-in-one system, enhancing the infotainment experience for a Lexus ES300h.

Seamless Integration: The Quroix Android System

The core of this upgrade involves adding a capacitive touch panel over the existing Lexus ES300h monitor. This is achieved by installing a custom-fit touch overlay and a dedicated video interface, which then connects to the Quroix Android set-top box. A crucial aspect of this installation is the use of 'plug-and-play' wiring harnesses. This method ensures that no original wiring is cut or modified, preserving the vehicle's factory state and allowing for easy reversal if needed – a significant concern for luxury car owners.

Installation Process:

1. The original monitor is carefully accessed without damage.
2. A custom-fit capacitive touch panel is precisely applied over the factory screen.
3. A vehicle-specific video interface is connected using plug-and-play harnesses.
4. The Quroix Android set-top box is connected to the video interface.
5. System configuration and testing are performed.

Enhanced Functionality: Navigation, Entertainment, and More

Once installed, accessing the Android system is as simple as pressing and holding the 'MAP' button on the original dashboard for two seconds. After connecting to a Wi-Fi network, you can download and use a wide array of Android applications directly on your car's display. This includes popular navigation apps like TMAP and Kakao Map, as well as streaming services such as YouTube and Netflix. The Quroix system runs on Android 10 with a Hexa-core CPU, optimized for the ES300h's native 1280x480 resolution, ensuring clear visuals without degradation. Navigation apps benefit from frequent updates, providing the latest road information for optimal routing. A standout feature is the split-screen capability, allowing simultaneous use of two apps – for instance, displaying navigation directions on one side while playing a video on the other. This is ideal for keeping both the driver focused and passengers entertained during journeys.

The most significant improvement is the vastly improved user experience. Navigating maps, searching for destinations, and controlling applications are now as intuitive as using a smartphone. The ability to pinch-to-zoom and drag maps with your finger offers a fluid interaction that the original system lacked. While the system requires a Wi-Fi connection (via smartphone tethering or a separate hotspot), this is a minor consideration given the substantial upgrade in usability and functionality. The integration is so complete that it feels like a factory-installed feature, significantly enhancing the daily driving experience.

In addition to the Android system, this installation also included a 2D Super View Around View system. This feature provides a bird's-eye perspective of the vehicle and its surroundings, eliminating blind spots and greatly assisting with parking maneuvers. The installation is designed to replace the original mount seamlessly, maintaining the vehicle's aesthetic integrity.