Still waiting to get everything installed but I have all the functional pieces purchased. Will update this post accordingly as I progress.

Why
I am not a fan of the nav interface on the RX. I find the remote touch very hard to control (even when the feedback is dialed). More so, the navigation seemed to be hard to use (e.g. entering an address was not seamless).
I wanted to find a better solution and there doesn't seem to be any native solution. I was able to piece to gather a few pieces that I think I'll be happy with.

Experience Summary
I was able to get CarPlay working with the original Nav display; however, the controls for the CarPlay is using a separate controller which isn't too bad. It's also not using the original mic but a different one that is wired to the CarPlay interface unit.

Parts
Beat-Sonic Navigation and DVD Control Bypass Module - NDS6223EP
CarPlay Interface (with steering wheel remote)
Standard iPhone Cable

Install
Will specify more on how I wired everything up and hid the components once I have it all installed. Currently, I just tapped off the cig lighter and plugged into the AUX port to test the interface. It works!

Pictures

 

yay an actual first useful mod

 

Nice! Android Auto can be installed the same way, right?

 

I would assume so but you'll need to find an android auto module interface instead.

I fully installed it this morning. Will report back on how well it works once I take it for a drive.

 

How much time did it take for you to install?

 

Very nice, thanks for sharing this. Will look forward to your detailed write-up!

 

Very cool! Looking forward to the write up as well! Just wished there was a way to use the car's built in controls instead of having a separate remote, but otherwise, that looks really well integrated.

 

The link to aliexpress does not work.

 

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Gene...812219129.html

 

I want and need to do this badly.. How come your right side display with the temp etc is all grayed out? Any issues with the current navi system controls etc?

Make some vids and photos when you can! Thanks!

 

I was in ACC. I didn't start the car.

 

So I've been running it for a few days. Still doesn't seem natural and in most cases i may just lean on bluetooth for music. But the times where I may be on a longer trip, I can find this being helpful.

The install took about an hour. Actually the hard part was the BeatSonic Nav Override Unit. The airplay was dead easy.
I'll post a few more pictures of it running and how the interface looks like when I pull the pictures off the camera.

The unit does seems a little buggy. I notice the other day it didn't charge the phone. In terms of quality and experience, I'd give it a 3 / 5. It would go to 4.5 if I could use the remote touch and steering wheel controls.

 

I should also mention that it allows you to have another AUX input. I plan on wiring a front camera to this.
You can switch inputs by holding the down button on the controller. Really handy.

 

I found this android interface which I want to install. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Car-...829108372.html
It does promise steering wheel control. Anyone else tried this?

 

this is what has my interest, Beat-Sonic IF-04EP Smartphone Mirroring Kit for Lexus but i might be a tic gun shy to rip apart a 65k rx right away to see my phone screen.
we currently use garmin friction mount in both our current vehicles on the dash that hold our phones well. (not sure if that will leave a mark on the new dash)

http://www.beatsonicusa.com/if04ep.html