The economical and dependable Toyota Corolla is for drivers who prefer safety to sportiness. Thanks to its track record for dependability, a cozy interior, and smooth ride, the Corolla has long been one of the most popular vehicles on the market. It is a smart option for car drivers on a tight budget who want a durable conventional sedan that is also useful.

Except for a few complaints such as the infotainment screen not responding or the audio system repeatedly rebooting or stalling, there’s nothing particularly impressive about the 11th-generation Corolla’s car audio system. 

In this blog, we’ll talk about how switching to a new car audio system is frequently the greatest solution for dealing with factory system concerns, and how to get the best quality out of your car’s sound and infotainment experience.

CAUTION: Make sure you have car audio installation experience and are equipped with the right tools if you attempt to do this by yourself.

Factory audio system overview


The Toyota Entune infotainment system is included in every 11th-generation Corolla. Although it’s easy to use, the experience is hampered by the average response time and the absence of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. A 7.0-inch touchscreen system adds SiriusXM satellite radio and a navigation app, while the 6.1-inch touchscreen’s basic features include Bluetooth connectivity and voice command (for use with smartphones). The Premium Audio package, which comes with integrated navigation and access to Toyota’s free App Suite, is available for the XLE and XSE trims. 

You will lose the factory AUX and USB ports as well as the navigation feature when you replace the stock radio in your Corolla, When you select your new aftermarket receiver, all of these components can be updated and replaced.

Retaining steering wheel audio controls

It’s relatively easy to retain your Corolla’s steering wheel audio controls when you install a new stereo using universal steering wheel control adapters or interfaces such as the Axxess ASWC-1 or vehicle-specific adapters like the iDataLink ACC-SAT-TO2 Antenna Adapter to function with your new receiver.

Removing and upgrading the factory radio


Choosing an aftermarket radio depends largely on the new hardware and software features you require. You may still need a single-DIN car stereo, a Bluetooth car stereo, or a double-DIN receiver with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for easier modern access. You can save money on installation accessories by purchasing a car stereo from us. You will frequently receive the equipment you require for free. You may always remove the stereo and decline the accessories, but we think you’ll enjoy the deal! After adding your vehicle information and the stereo to your cart, you’ll see a calculated discount depending on your 2018 Camry and the stereo you buy.

To prevent any electrical short that may occur, set your car’s parking brake and disconnect the battery cable.

Removing the sedan’s factory radio system varies from year manufactured. For Toyota Corolla 2014-2016 models, you’ll start on the driver’s side and use a panel tool to pry out the upper dash trim panel. This will release eleven clips, after which you can remove the trim panel. Next, pry out the receiver trim panel to release eight clips, then disconnect the wiring harnesses and remove this panel. Remove the four 10mm screws securing the receiver to the dash, then pull the receiver toward the rear of the car to release four clips. Disconnect the harnesses and remove the receiver.

The 7-inch touchscreen on the 2017-2018 models somewhat alters the removal procedure. Using your panel tool, begin at the rear edge, pry up the gear shift trim ring to loosen six clips, then take the trim ring off. After releasing nine clips from the cup holder assembly, pry it up, turn it 90 degrees, and set it down on the console. The gear shifter should be set to the lowest position using the shift lock release. Pull the console top trim panel toward the back of the car, just enough to clear the receiver trim panel, by prying up the trim panel from the rear edge to release eight clips. It is not necessary to remove the top trim panel of the console.

Remove eight clips from the receiver trim panel by prying on them, then unplug the hazard switch harness before wrapping the trim panel in a fresh shop towel and setting it on top of the dash. This will guard against damage to the trim panel and dash while you’re working. Then you’ll unplug the harnesses, take out the four 10mm screws holding the receiver to the dash, and take out the previous receiver.

Upgrading the factory speakers 


Here’s a full overview of all sizes and types that are found in the factory speaker system of the Toyota Corolla (2014-2018).

SPEAKER SIZETYPELOCATION
1″TweeterFront Door
6.75″Full-RangeFront Door
6″ x 9″Full-RangeRear Deck Corner

To get the best and most accurate speaker choices for your Toyota Corolla, make sure to input your vehicle in our Vehicle Fit Guide on our main Sonic Electronix website.

Front door tweeters removal

The front doors of the Corolla’s 1-inch 4-ohm tweeters are linked in parallel with the doors’ woofers. Starting with the top corner, push the sail panel grille out to free one clip, then unhook the harness and take off the grille. Pull the tweeter out of the sail panel grille by using a pry bar.

You will need to splice the new tweeters to the car’s wiring because there isn’t a wiring harness designed for this area. The majority of aftermarket component tweeters will also fit in this space, but you’ll still need to attach them with adhesives. 

Front door woofers removal

The job’s not too difficult, but if you’re installing anything other than direct-fit speakers, you’ll need to cut off the back of the factory plastic speaker grille, and in some cases, you’ll need to remove the inner tabs on the aftermarket speaker bracket to install your new speaker. The front door woofers are 6.75″ models that can be replaced with a healthy variety of aftermarket speakers.

You must first remove the sail panel from each door before you can remove the old speakers. Pry the sail panel grille off starting at the top corner, then release the harness and take off the panel. The next step is to remove one Phillips screw from the screw cover located behind the door release handle. Pry out the door pull’s outer cover from the lower edge, freeing eleven clips, then take it off and remove the two exposed Phillips screws. Eight clips must first be released by prying out the sides and bottom of the door panel. After that, you can unplug the wiring harness and door lock/release wires and take out the door panel. Before unplugging the harness and removing the speaker, you must drill off the three rivets holding the stock speaker to the door steel.

Rear deck speakers removal

There are many 6″x9″ replacement back deck speakers available that are the same size and will fit this spot well. You can install something smaller if you wish to, but mounting brackets are required. In order to install any aftermarket speakers, you’ll also need to drill new mounting screw holes in the rear deck.

Fold both seatbacks down and remove the 12mm bolt holding the back of the seat bottom together to begin the task. Fold up the backs of the rear seats on both sides, then raise the front edge of the seat bottom to disengage two clips and take out the seat bottom.

Next, you should pick a side, then remove the door gasket along the back pillar away from the body. Pry out the top of the lower seat side panel after folding down the back of the back seat. The seat back posts go through the panel, so don’t remove it. Use a fresh shop cloth to cover the top portion as protection. To remove the rear pillar panel, pry out the four clips holding it in place and then raise it up. For the car’s other side, follow the same procedure as before.

Following that, release three clips by prying up the rear deck panel. To insert the seat belts, first pry off the three trim covers that cover the seat belt trim. Pulling the panel toward the front of the car will allow you to remove the driver’s side third brake light harness.

The speakers must now only be removed by removing the four 10mm screws holding them to the steel of the rear deck. Test the new speakers before tightening everything up again. In addition, make certain the third brake light is operational and that the seats and seat belts are fastened securely when you do this.

Adding a subwoofer


Despite the Corolla’s small size, there is still enough capacity in the trunk for a subwoofer box. The room is 16″H x 42″W x 28″/24″D, so you can crank up the bass really good if you like it. A more compact powered subwoofer can significantly improve your sound without taking up a lot of room if you need that trunk for practical reasons. For a complete guide on how to add bass power to your 11th-generation Corolla, check out NVX’s aftermarket subwoofer guide above.

Sonic Electronix assists you throughout the entire lifetime of your products for your Toyota Corolla (2014-2018). We’re here to help if you need assistance with the installation of your new car audio system. Visit our website to find products that fit your vehicle, or give us a call at 502-200-8010 and we’ll give you the expert advice you need.