Many 2007 Toyota Highlander owners are looking to enhance their car’s audio experience. Whether it’s replacing aging speakers or seeking a richer sound, upgrading your Highlander’s audio system can significantly improve your daily drive. Let’s explore some options for upgrading your 2007 Toyota Highlander’s audio, focusing on speaker replacement and amplifier considerations.
One common approach is to replace the factory speakers. For the rear doors, coaxial speakers like Kenwood KFC-1666S are a straightforward and effective upgrade. These speakers combine the woofer and tweeter in one unit, making installation simple. For the front doors, component speakers, such as Rockford Fosgate R165-S, can offer superior sound quality. Component systems separate the tweeters and woofers, allowing for more optimal placement of each for improved sound staging. In the Highlander’s front setup, dome tweeters are typically mounted higher on the door, while woofers are located lower. The factory Toyota system often sends the audio signal to the woofer first and then routes it to the tweeter with a resistor acting as a basic crossover.
A key consideration when upgrading your 2007 Toyota Highlander’s audio is the factory JBL amplifier, if equipped. Some owners have encountered issues like noise, hiss, and volume control problems after only replacing the head unit while retaining the stock JBL amplifier and speakers. One solution to these issues is to bypass the JBL amplifier altogether. Using a harness like the Metra 70-8116 allows you to bypass the factory amp and run the speaker wiring directly from an aftermarket head unit to the speakers. This method utilizes the existing speaker wiring in your Highlander, simplifying the installation process. While the JBL amp is located near the spare tire area, bypassing it with the correct harness avoids the complexity of running new long wires throughout the vehicle.
For those considering a complete audio overhaul in their 2007 Toyota Highlander, here’s a setup similar to what some enthusiasts have used:
- Aftermarket Head Unit (like Alpine iLX-W650)
- Front Speakers: Rockford Fosgate R165-S Component Speakers
- Rear Speakers: Kenwood KFC-1666S Coaxial Speakers
- JBL Amplifier Bypass Harness: Metra 70-8116
- Speaker Wiring Harness Adapters: Metra 72-8104 (connect to OEM wiring)
- Speaker Mounting Brackets: Scoche SAT6
- Dash Kit: Metra 95-8202
- Steering Wheel Control Adapter: PAC SWI-CP2
Upgrading your 2007 Toyota Highlander’s audio doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Whether you choose to simply replace the speakers or bypass the factory amplifier for a more comprehensive upgrade, there are solutions available to enhance your in-car listening experience. By considering component speakers for the front and coaxial for the rear, and understanding the options for dealing with the JBL amplifier, you can tailor your audio upgrade to meet your needs and preferences in your 2007 Toyota Highlander.
