"DVD navigation system"?

Hi PriusChatters!

My wife and I are going to be buying a Prius in the next couple of weeks and are trying to figure out exactly what you get with the various packages. I'm a bit confused by the references to the "DVD navigation system." Is this a GPS system, or does it work like a GPS? What does the "DVD" part refer to -- is there a DVD disc that it requires or something? Does the system get updates on new road construction and the like?

Those of you who have the system: do you like it? We recently travelled to LA and got a GPS unit with our rental car, and although we found it frustrating at times, it really did come in handy.

Thanks in advance!

Josh

:welcome:

Hi. I have the navigation system in my car. It is a GPS based system and can keep track of your position by using GPS or by dead reckoning (keeping track of position and distance traveled) if it cannot receive a GPS signal. The map data is on a DVD that can be replaced to provide updates. The system is made by Denso and is used in some Lexus models also.

I am not a big user of the Nav. I got it because I wanted leather seats and it is included in Package #6

The pros and cons, as I understand them:

Pros:

Integrated into the car and the MFD (multi function display).

Updates available approx once per year on DVD

Voice Recognition so you can enter Destinations by speaking with a control button located on the steering wheel to access voice commands

Cons:

Some features missing compared to aftermarket Nav

Touch screen controls locked out while moving (for safety)

Voice Recognition is spotty for some people.

DVD updates from the dealer are expensive (approx $250 MSRP)

Thanks for the welcome, dogfriend!

Seriously? Is there any way to turn this off? The driver isn't always the only person in the car...

There are two methods.

1. A company called Coastal Tech sells a lock pick that'll take care of that. The problem with them is that you can order and hear nothing for months (do a search on Coastal Tech on Priuschat to find out more). You can see it at NAV LOCKPICK
2. You can also cut the speed sensor wire and install a switch. When switched to OFF, you can enter information, but you'll lose your position for about a minute or so (IIRC). You can see information at Prius Speed Wire

^^^ What he said.

Yes, that has been pointed out by many others.

Sounds like "the gift that keeps on giving" (to the dealer).

the dvd nav in the prius sucks horribly. By far the worst (or one of the worst) navigations. Pick-up a portable one, maybe a garmin (eeh, not that good either) or a tomtom. You will save some money and will be more satisfied.

My Prius came with the DVD Nav system and as others have stated, it is pretty poor compared to other systems on the market. I have the VZNavigator service through Verizon on my cell phone and to be honest, I like it better. For one, the system is updated real time as it downloads the routes directly from the Internet so it is always current. The only advantage to me of the Toyota system is the moving map which is oriented to the direction you are driving and of course the bigger display. For obvious reasons the Verizon service doesn't have that.

Has the DVD Nav gotten any better on the Prius thorughout the years? Also can you just buy the DVD and install it and not pay the $1175 to upgrade from a Package 3 to 5. Also btw What happend (in 2008 to the package 4?)

I like the built-in NAV system. As others have pointed out, it has its warts and flaws, but it works well and gets us where we want to go. The screen is large and easy to read, and it's right there all of the time. If price is a big issue, take a pass, but otherwise I would get the NAV package.

Tom