Advice Please: Buy JBL or save money for aftermarket audio?

Yes the JBL logo would indicate it has the JBL system. But, the JBL option is not very good. I suggest you listen to a JBL system before you pay extra for it. If it's not important to you then I suggest you get a base Prius and save the money.

 

Yep, I've never heard anyone say JBL was worth it. A cheap headunit should make the base system sound at least as good JBL. Add a small sub and you'll blow it away.

 

I have the JBL system and find it fine. It's not bad for a stock stereo.

Agree.

I'm personally against installing aftermarket stereos due to the increased risk of theft. I've personally had my former 91 Camry broken into for its aftermarket head unit. Lost a $300+ head unit + a CD wallet full of retail CDs (this is many years ago). I only got it because the stock stereo died. And, my insurance didn't cover a cent since I didn't have comprehensive.

I ended up replacing the stereo and having to spend yet more $ on a car alarm.

If there were no such thing as car stereo theft, sure, I'd splurge.

As for harder? I do not know, but the stock stereo and JBL stereo have their controls split between physical controls and the touchscreen. And, some of them are duplicated on the steering wheel.

 

The JBL has a separate amp, where the base powers the speakers directly from the headunit. So if you were planning on adding an amp anyway, the JBL might make it a bit easier. For me, the headunit alone is good enough, so base makes it an easier install.

There is a harness required to keep the climate controls on the wheel working, you'll need a separate device to get the radio controls to work (varies depending on the brand of headunit you use). Here is a writeup of what I did to my car. Installed Pioneer AVH-P1400 and Bazooka Tube | PriusChat

 

very easy to install a better system in a base model if you are the least bit handy. oe speakers bite the bag, so you need to ditch those too. there are several good write ups on how to that you can find in this forum. also, if you don't want a sub box in the rear, you can get a 7" or 8" woofer in the rear doors with out too much hassle. i've installed a kenwood touch screen with the metra axxess and scosche harness and trim panel kit (all from ebay). with some decent 4 ohm speakers you can get a good sounding system going.

 

You will lose the radio control on the MFD (stock touchscreen), but all other functions of the MFD will remain intact. I only used the radio controls on the MFD because there weren't really any on the radio, I greatly prefer the controls on the radio, especially with it already taking up that space.

For me, swapping out the headunit would have been good enough. I installed the subwoofer because I already had it sitting around. I haven't replaced the speakers, but I'm sure they would make a big difference without changing the appearance. It you really want to maintain a stock appearance, you could do a stealth install of a single DIN radio in the cubby beneath the stock radio.

The sky is really the limit. You can do just about anything and have it visible or not like an underseat sub vs sub in trunk. Pretty much the only thing you can't do is use the MFD to control an aftermarket radio (that I know of).

 

I agree- the JBL is ok but not impressive. I like all the features of the package 6- but the JBL system does not have much bass at lower volume. It has very clear high range. I am going to add a sub to make up for the JBL lack of bass. JBL is ok- just not great. The plain stereo would be so much easier to upgrade. My Prius had it installed but would love to just have a decent aftermarket install instead.