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Wireless and wired CarPlay and Android Auto for 2015-2017 Subaru Legacy
Give your 2015–2017 Subaru Legacy a modern upgrade with the Hamilton Upgrade Kit for CarPlay and Android Auto. This system adds wireless and wired CarPlay and Android Auto to your factory display while preserving your original Subaru features.
Access your original Subaru Interface with ease.
The Hamilton Upgrade Kit preserves your original Subaru Crosstrek features, including the factory reverse camera, factory microphone for calls/Siri, and factory CD player. You can still access the original Subaru operating system by long-holding the voice button for three seconds to reach your factory XM, FM, and AM radio. The kit uses the vehicle’s AUX input, so the wired AUX port won’t support audio from external media players (such as DACs, MP3 players, or other line-out devices) after installation.
Unbeatable specs and durability. Precision engineered in Raleigh, NC.
The Hamilton Upgrade Kit distinguishes itself in the market with its cutting-edge manufacturing techniques and its genuine, premium chips. The ARM-Cortex based processor logged a temperature rating of Automotive AEC‑Q100 Grade 3, which means it will function perfectly even in extreme climates, whether it be freezing cold or burning hot.
The PCB is plated with gold to further guarantee performance and durability. It was proudly designed here in Raleigh, NC.
Hamilton employs elite vehicle systems engineering talent who have designed the system to work flawlessly with your factory screen. It has been tuned to use your factory microphone, which ensures your phone calls and conversations with Siri will work smoothly.
The Hamilton Guarantee. We treat you the way we want to be treated.
The 2015-2017 Subaru Legacy Hamilton Upgrade Kit is backed by our 3-year Hamilton Guarantee. It is a top-of-the-line warranty that means our team will take great care of you before, during, and after your purchase. We will repair or replace your unit should it have issues within three years. For more details about our warranty, please visit our warranty and support page or call us with any questions at (919) 858-2890.
| Components | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating System | HamiltonOS-25 |
| CPU |
ARM Cortex‑A7 CPU with N13 Co‑Processor with DDR3 RAM |
| Audio | DSP multi-channel I/O, I2S, ADC |
| Audio Routing | Uses Factory OEM Head Unit. No changes to audio quality |
| Video Decoder | MPEG‑1/2, MPEG4‑SP, full‑HD H.264 (1080p). Exceeds Subaru OEM Screen |
| Temperature Rating | AEC‑Q100 Grade 3 (-40c to +85c) |
| Heat Sink |
High Dissipation Hamilton Designed |
| Circuit Board (PCB) Technology | Designed in NC. HDI Technology. Precision plated for durability and performance. |
| Apple CarPlay | Wireless and Wired Compatibility |
| Android Auto | Wireless and Wired Compatibility |
| Microphone | Vehicle OEM |
| Special Notes | Hamilton Upgrade Kit uses AUX input. AUX port may not be used for other audio devices after installing. Factory FM, XM, and AM radio can be used with CarPlay/Android Auto on display but Siri/navigation cannot speak while using factory radio channels. |
CarPlay Overview and Setup
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we support both wireless and wired CarPlay and Android Auto. You can access your original factory OS at any time by long-holding your voice speech/menu button (this button may vary model to model; please check your pairing and setup video on our manuals page).
We employ some of the finest engineers in the world in this aftermarket CarPlay/Android Auto space. We do our testing here in the USA. This means we leverage our partnerships to locate American vehicles and gather all of our data off American cars. This way, we can be certain we do not disrupt factory equipment.
For our electronics, we use gold-plated PCB technology and premium components throughout. We use high quality harnesses and connectors to minimize the risk of damaging your wiring during installation and to protect against wiring faults. Also, we use a top-of-the-line reputable chipset that is specifically tailored for automotive applications.
You can use your factory radio channels and have CarPlay/Android Auto showing on your screen with the Hamilton Upgrade Kits with one important limitation: Please note that the factory radio channels are sealed channels. This means Siri cannot talk through these channels.
When you are streaming audio via CarPlay (e.g. Spotify, Apple Music, Sirius App, etc.), your music and Siri/Navigation will come out of your vehicle speakers mixed together.
However, while using the sealed factory radio channels, you will only be able to hear radio audio. System audio (Siri, navigation sounds, phone calls) cannot be mixed into the factory radio channels.
Note: You will not be able to use the AUX port for any external media devices liked DACs or MP3 players. The Hamilton Upgrade Kit consumes this audio input for CarPlay/Android Auto.
Playing audio via the factory USB port is not supported while using CarPlay/Android Auto. If you prefer USB, please use wired CarPlay/Android Auto.
Absolutely love the product, I’ve been using it consistently for about two weeks and it’s been nothing but wonderful. Great design, 100% recommend.
Absolutely the most sophisticated Apple Carplay system for a 2015-2017 Subaru Liberty in Australia. I installed a 2019 Subaru OEM Infotainment system to try to achieve Apple Carplay and it didn’t work correctly due to wiring differences. However there were a number of issues I didn’t like about the working parts of the OEM system. Since installing the 2015-2017 Subaru Legacy Hamilton Upgrade Kit for CarPlay® and Android Auto™, I have been totally impressed with the sophisticated engineering and integration with the Subaru OEM Infotainment system. The system works totally seamlessly at what I consider an OEM level and is a breeze to operate. Congratulations to the Hamilton team for a fantastic product. If I could provide a 10 star review I would.
Super easy install, very nice user experience. Exactly what I was looking for!
Installed on Australian 2015 Subaru Liberty (Legacy). My car was manufacturered in Japan then exported to Australia while the US models are made in USA.
Prior to ordering the unit, I found my car came with Kenwood made factory headunit so sourced 2016 Fujitsu unit from a wrecker. Hamilton website clearly states that its kit only works with Fujitsu.
Assembly is easy and everything gone smoothly except synchronising my phone for Apple Carplay. After rebooting my phone and reconnect to the Hamilton unit, issue eventually resolved.
If you encounter issues with initial setup, suspect your phone has issues rather than the Hamilton unit at frist. Over trusting your iPhone can be dangerous. I recommend stick with the basics. Delete (forget) Hamilton on your phone then reboot the phone. Restart the car as well to reset the Hamilton. With a bit of patience, you will end up everything working beautifully. Remember that for AUDIO, Fujitsu's headunit's source needs to be AUX.
If you can assemble a desktop PC by yourself and install an aftermarket headunit by yourself, you can certianly install the Hamilton kit on your car. You do not need an electrician.
Just read the manuals, watch YoutTube videos and ensure all the cables are tightly connected, whole installation should not take more than an hour.
This is an update to my earlier review on 04/06/2026 for the Hamilton kit installed on my 2017 Subaru Legacy.
My original review still stands that the kit works well overall, the install was manageable using Hamilton’s YouTube video, and it did not negatively affect my factory stereo. Microphone quality also seems better than before.
After spending more time with it, I found a few issues worth noting. The CarPlay screen does not show the Phone or Messages apps, so calling functionality is not what I expected. I also noticed that when music is playing and I shift into reverse, the audio skips.
I am still trying to confirm how to check the firmware version, whether the unit is up to date, and how to understand some of the settings icons since there was no manual included.
To be fair, Hamilton’s customer service has been responsive, and I am currently in contact with them to see whether these issues can be resolved.
Works great overall. I installed it myself on my 2017 Subaru Legacy on 4/5/26, one day after delivery on 4/4/26, using only the YouTube video, and it took less than 2.5 hours. It did not affect my original Subaru stereo system, and it actually improved my microphone quality since people had trouble hearing me before.
My main issue is that when I am playing music and shift into reverse, the music skips. Hamilton should confirm whether there is a fix for that. Another concern is that the device arrived with someone else’s phone already connected to Bluetooth, which makes me wonder whether it was a returned unit or a test unit that was not properly reset.
I will share more updates after using it longer.
The product is worth every penny. I have been looking for some way to get Apple car play into my Subaru for years. I was a few years behind it being stock. I love my 2017 Subaru Legacy the way it looks stock. I did not want some ugly aftermarket center console replacement.
This was so on the money to what I was hoping for.
Installation does take some effort but the installation videos are a great resource to look at the work and product before you purchase and while you install.
I did have one issue with a GPS module already mounted to the bottom, I called Hamilton customer service outside of their customer service hours and I still received a call back. Not sure if that is standard but it was very much appreciated. They walked me through my particular issue and the rest went according to plan.
Software is “snappy” and retains all OEM functionality. Very happy, with the results.
Great, upgrade to original radio. Works great. With more options. Only issue i have is 2Bluetooth connection of Hamilton and car not allowing calls to go thru on correct connection have to manually switch. But the reason I bought it works great
What an excellent product! The installation video was straight forward and easy to follow. Sounds great and worked perfectly from the get go.
This product is amazing. I was able to install it myself in about one hour by following their YouTube instruction videos. I was worried about losing factory features, but everything worked perfectly the camera, sound, and microphone were all great. Their customer service is excellent as well, they’re always willing to help. I’m very glad I went with this company and this device instead of a cheaper head unit that wouldn’t have been as
good. overall I’m Very happy with my purchase, and I will be purchasing from here in the future again.
Could not be happier with this upgrade. Also, get to keep my maintenance settings in the original system. Shockingly easy to install.
Total car refresh!! Love how it integrates into everything so seamlessly!!!
Easy install! It can be hard to find aftermarket stuff that works this well. It's a hardware upgrade, but feels exactly like a software one after it's installed. No quirks or glitches, so I never think about it. That was the whole point for me.
This has been a game changer and made the car feel brand new. The installation was straightforward with the video to follow along with. The integration is seamless and the responsiveness and quality of the interface exceeded my expectations. Love that it uses my existing screen and it looks like it’s from the factory. The interface is beyond smooth and is far more responsive than the base Subaru system. The only thing that took me a minute to figure out was to ensure I removed the bluetooth from the Subaru memory and turn off the native bluetooth service so that the sound would push right to CarPlay…not hard, but was the only thing I had to double check, but the Hamilton videos showed me how. Great product and company, very pleased.
Very good product. I received this kit very quickly, I installed it myself without any problems. It works exactly as described, I am very satisfied. I recommend this kit for upgrading.
Nearly perfect, and definitely way better than other available options!
I previously tried a different aftermarket replacement head unit, and while the bigger screen was nice, even at minimum brightness it was a major distraction at night, because those options are effectively cheap Android tablets. This is the main reason that I like the upgrade kit approach a lot better, with the original screen having suitable brightness for safe nighttime driving. I also had other concerns with other options, including the backlight for the HVAC controls staying on after turning off my car, Wi-Fi not connecting back to my home network quickly after turning off the car (must have somehow been staying connected to CarPlay for a while), and quality of the backup camera image. I had none of these issues with the Hamilton unit. The approach Hamilton uses also has a better wiring harness that is purpose built, unlike other options that have a lot of extra connecters (which can actually interfere with the storage compartment door, which would unlikely ever be an issue with the simpler Hamilton wiring harness). In general I had no issues with the install. I did not install the included USB harness (which also has a few useless connectors) to keep the install a little less cluttered.
The biggest negative is the price compared to alternatives, but overall I think this was worth it and I am very glad that I ended up buying it. One other minor negative is that my MAP button (I have the model with (terrible) factory navigation) no longer does anything, but that does not really matter.
Other than the issues with removing the screws from the brackets, the installation was a breeze. The installation video made it quite easy getting everything connected and configured. It is definitely something my wife is going to have to get used to, since she does like to listen to CDs while driving but I believe she will get the hang of it and it will become second nature. Great product and amazing support!! I had accidentally ripped one of the ribbon cables and they sent me a new set at no charge.
My experience with this product was initially doubtful, but when I contacted the Hamilton staff, they were very nice and helped me, and I have my excellent CarPlay.(Mi experiencia con este producto al principio fue dudoso pero cuando me comuniqué con el personal de Hamilton fu muy lindo me ayudaron y yo tengo mi excelente CarPlay.)