I just purchased a '12 Prius 2 that does not include the Sirius radio. I have purchased the Sirius Onyx radio kit and plan on using a local installer. My question is: has anyone done this on the third generation vehicles and more importantly, where did you place the receiver? I just don't see a good location as the center console has zero free space. The dashboard in not really an attractive option either. I'm sure trying to remove the glue from the included dash mount should you ever decide to move or simply remove it must be a nightmare. The vent option seems unstable but I have not tried it. I have not been able to find any after-install pictures of the unit on the dash either. So far, the only really good and nonobtrusive location seems to be on the dash to the left by the left window port, out of the way but still accessible. I have also considered using it as a hand held unit in the tray below the console. I'm not a fan of either option. Has anyone done or had this install done? Where did you place the unit? How did it work? I really don't want to send the unit back and give up but the thought of a permanent stick on mount is unappealing at best. Suggestions? Thanks
Don't install that onyx!!! Get the kit Complete Sirius Install Kit for Factory Toyota, Scion, Lexus Vehicles then you will have factory look with steering wheel controls.
I contacted the store link and spoke to them by chat. They do not have a kit for a 2012 radio. The kit shown was for 2008 and earlier models. I would like to alter the base radio but need to know where to get the parts for it.
It works in the 2012 several people have used this kit here in the forum. Check this thread he even posted pictures Sat Radio in 2012 Prius II in Stock Headunit | PriusChat
Yes I read that thread. I did see however that he did not list that unit as the one he purchased but rather Vias unit, the Sl2s. That unit does say it will fit at a cost of $279 I think it was for both parts. Is it in fact the same unit even though it is not listed in the Xmfanstore website by name?
Just thought I would update this for anyone in the same position as I am. I have sent the Onyx radio back to Sirius and instead gone with the internal upgrades noted above. The two parts are on order and should arrive this week. My appointment with BestBuy for installation ($85) will be next week. I have ordered the SoundlinQ SL2s and the Sirius controller SCC1 for a total of $159.99 with free shipping. I was happy with the price and delivery time. A local shop here in Raleigh quoted me $499 for the install which included the parts. My way was about $245.00, over half the cost. There may have been a cheaper way to get the parts, but I sure couldn't find it. I am happy so far despite spending more than I expected. I just didn't want that second device on the dashboard or hanging off the A/C vent. Once the install is complete and I have activated the subscription I will report it here. I am curious about one thing, is there a difference between a Sirius receiver and an XM receiver? I thought the two were merged years ago and any new radio would pick up all channels, assuming it was in your subscription of course. Is that incorrect? Is there a difference between what a Sirius radio can receive vs an XM radio?
I get much better reception with Sirius. XM and SiriusXM recievers would cut out when going under bridges and overpasses, so I am very glad to have Sirius back. Other than that, there are some channels that XM has that Sirius doesnt, and visa versa. And There are channels that SiriusXM recievers get that neither XM or Sirius recievers get. But overall, Sirius, XM and SiriusXM recievers all get the same core channels, so really there is no difference.
That leads me to one question. I love the radio classics channel 82. Is that channel on the Sirius radios?
Yes a follow up is a nice thing. I have a 2012 II, and my radio says nothing about SAT, the web site says it needs a AM/SAT for it to work.
I noticed that too, the website I used to buy the radio says, as does the other thread, that no special button is required for an install. The satellite system is accessed through the audio "sources" touch key on the screen. My appointment is Tuesday the 14th I think. I will update once the install is done. I'm looking forward to getting away from commercials.....
This is the link to the product: Toyota SIRIUS Interface Package W/O Auxiliary | TSS-Radio The compatibility list on the package deal is not updated, however when checking the two components individually, it shows compatible with the '12 Prius Two. Sl2s and SCC1
Update: I had the system installed at a local shop ($85). My appointment today at BestBuy was a no show for the installer and after 40 minutes of waiting I left. Less than 90 minutes later I had my system installed and was talking to Sirius getting the account moved to the new radio. That part was not as difficult as I expected. Sirius take note!! It would help if the first person you got could do all you needed. It took 3 different people just to transfer my account to the new radio. If the $50 rebate does indeed work, my total cost to install will be $110 for the part and $85 labor making it $195 + subscription. Quite a bit cheaper than buying the upgraded radio from Toyota and the rest of the package. I am including a picture of the antenna placement. Since the Two does not have the Sirius antenna, I needed to have one installed. I really didn't want a second antenna on the roof of my white car. It would not look balanced no matter where they put it. The installer suggested I put it inside saying he had had great luck with the reception that way and it was not on the roof. It took me two seconds to say yes to that suggestion. He had it installed in about 45 minutes start to finish. If you look above the display in the photo, you will see it at the base of the windshield. Its on top of the defroster vent in a flat part that separates the left and right vents. It almost looks like it was made for it! Reception so far is great and for the most part, its invisible and I like that!
Now that I have posted such a huge picture, is there a better way to do it? I used the insert image button. Could I have used the Upload a File button below instead?
I am glad everything worked out and you didn't install that onyx radio. I like the in car antenna install when I swap out my Sirius from my 2008 Prius to my 2012 next week inside antenna it is.
I appreciated being able to read these questions and suggestions as the in car antenna idea was such a time saver (and so much easier than the external antenna mounting that I was about to start). My car is a 2010 Prius. The inside antenna mount took just a couple of minutes, and it looks professional as I was able to easily hide the antenna wire, and it works great there (i.e. strong, consistent signal). Something I learned when I was working on the external mount is to be careful not to shut the rear hatch with the battery cable removed as you cannot open the latch from the outside (even manually). You either have to crawl in the back from inside the car to reinstall the battery cable or reach all the way to back of the hatch for the manual release. Again, thank for your valuable posts, as you made this installation pretty straightforward for me.
