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Are all Generation 3 navigation systems horrible!!

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by Jasmine James, Apr 23, 2018.

  1. Jasmine James

    Jasmine James New Member

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    Hello. Is it just me, or is the Gen 3 navigation system counter intuitive, problematic, technologically inferior for the year, and full of glitches? I have no manual for it, but I know how it's supposed to function, but I am forced to continue using my old Garmin.

    The pdf that's supposedly for that year pictures hardware that looks nothing like mine.

    I would really appreciate some feedback here. I never had any issues with my first Prius in 2005. That was new, however. I purchased this 2013 from a private party about a month ago. Only 1 manual was provided with it.

    Thanks in advance for your assistance.
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    counter intuitive is the perfect definition.
     
    Jasmine James likes this.
  3. Maarten28

    Maarten28 Active Member

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    I have the Touch Pro navigation (harddisk based, B9016 on the left on the unit) and while the whole system has it's gripes and looks like it has been designed in the 1990's, I don't find the navigation counter-intuitive at all.
    But there are many different systems, so you'll need to find out which one you have.
     
  4. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

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    Yes. Hence why I opted against paying more for Entune. Your smartphone or dedicated GPS unit will outperform most any car-based navigation system.
     
  5. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Short answer...YES.
     
  6. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    The only time I use the prius navigation is when celluar data reception is out of range and last resort to the built in navigation system. Even before cellular data out of range, I use my samsung tablet to download offline maps in google maps before each long trip and have that on standby, along with Sygic app which can run only on GPS. All other vehicles in that age bracket uses the same GPS software, even in mercedes and BMWs. I know because I tested drive those vehicles for fun during my 6 month journey trying to find the prius that I wanted.
     
  7. lenjack

    lenjack Active Member

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    My separate Garmin gps is much superior to the built in gps in my wife's Camry. My Prius doesn't have gps.
     
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  8. Nopho4u

    Nopho4u Senior Member

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    I was going to run over the my GPS and burn it after i upgraded but decided to take the 200 dollars someone offered me for it
     
  9. liskipper

    liskipper Member

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    I also have a 2013 and the GPS is far and way the worst piece of junk there is. In fact the same can be said for the entire Infotainment system. For a car a sophisticated as the Prius, this is beyond stupid. Even Hundais have better systems.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  10. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    I think Gen4 (Prime) navigation system is just as bad. I do not use my in car navigation at all, and still have on dash mounted Garmin.
     
    #10 Salamander_King, May 15, 2018
    Last edited: May 15, 2018
  11. farmecologist

    farmecologist Senior Member

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    Our 2010 Prius has the 'high end' nav system...and the only thing we use it for is to have the map up as an 'overview map'. Same with our Hyundai Elantra GT.

    My phone is so much easier to use. Now that Google offers downloadable maps (admittedly its still a bit clunky), saved favorites, google mymaps integration, etc... it is hard to go back to any auto-based nav system.

    I keep a couple other maps-on-phone GPS apps on the phone as well ( navigon , etc.. ).

    BTW - as an example of mymaps integration...this is our route map that I linked to the google maps app for our road trip last year :

    https://drive.google.com/open?id=1xHF9v2dpDqkYzE939LNQDA07UR0&usp=sharing
     
  12. rebenson

    rebenson Member

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    I’ve used mine since 2010 and don’t have issue. It’s out of date and when traffic encountered I use my cell phone, but I did upgrade the dvd with latest map which is fairly accurate and used it for road trip to Florida / back to home with no issues. (Other than traffic congestion through Atlanta which was actually helpful) but confusing and made little sense.
     
  13. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    I don't use my GPS enough and have never figured out how to make it take me the way "I" want to go.
     
  14. MelonPrius

    MelonPrius Senior Member

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    I'm with the OP. I'm a Toyota fan but the gps was so bad, I ended up using my Garmin instead. However, I understand that the gps and bluetooth feature was a package deal when purchased. If so, I use the bluetooth all of the time.
     
  15. mgb4tim

    mgb4tim Noob

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    It's no better, or worse, than the GPS system in my 2010 Buick Enclave.
     
  16. lumpy95

    lumpy95 Member

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    I regretted trading in my Gen 2 for a 2013 Prius 3. In my opinion the Nav unit was much better on my Gen 2, larger screen, easier to use, a replaceable DVD instead of the USB D/L which cost's about the same. The Gen 3 Nav unit works but it seems like a "Downgrade".
    I really don't care much for all the space loss with the center console either.
     
  17. BurkPhoto@aol.com

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    Get an iPhone or Android phone. Toyota hasn’t made a decent navigation system. At least your phone can use multiple navigation apps... It is ALWAYS up to date, AND you can take it with you when walking or renting a car in another place!

    I regret wasting my money on the Nav in my 2009.
     
  18. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    My 2010 Nav works just fine and serves its purpose of getting me from point A to point B. It is not intuitive but by taking the time to adjust the Nav settings it works just fine. I update the DVD maps about every 3 years.

    I like the convenience of the built-in screen versus a mobile device. I can see the map much easier than a portable Garmin or cell phone.
     
    mgb4tim, GardenWeasel and lumpy95 like this.
  19. BurkPhoto@aol.com

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    I have both a 2009 and 2010 with nav units now. The only time I find the car unit better than my iPhone is when I’m so far out in the boonies there’s no cell service. Toyota should work with Apple and Google and regulatory bodies to allow iOS and Android audio and navigation apps to display on the console.

    Of course, that will never happen. It makes too much sense!


    — Bill Burkholder
     
  20. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    [email protected]

    At times, when my wife does not like the route the Toyota Nav has chosen, she will check with her iPhone. Most times the routes are the same or just two different ways to get to the same place.

    That is interesting that you are in High Point since I have grandkids in Winston-Salem and spend a lot of time in that area using the Nav. My daughter and son-in-law both have Toyota’s, Sienna and Highlander, both with Navs and they have no problems.

    I just bought my wife a 2017 Honda Pilot with Apple Car Play and Garmin GPS. Of course this unit is much more attractive than the Toyota system and can do so much more due to improved technology. The Garmin Nav has features that the Toyota does not have but it does not get me from point A to point B any better.

    Of course I like the ability to update the Garmin maps with a PC and a memory stick!

    With most of the other manufacturers going to Apple and Google I think it is just a matter of time before Toyota will be forced to join them.
     
    #20 jdcollins5, Jun 24, 2018
    Last edited: Jun 24, 2018