1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

2021 Prius LE, no onboard Maps?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by Malan, May 11, 2021.

  1. Malan

    Malan New Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2021
    1
    0
    0
    Location:
    Alabama
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius
    Model:
    LE
    Hi!
    Apologies if this is the wrong place for this. I am a newbie, first time prius owner. And I cannot figure out how to set up the Maps app.
    I have a 2021 Prius LE.
    If I connect my phone via usb, I can use Google Maps. But if I'm not connected, no Maps. Entune doesn't seem compatible with my car model, and there is no option to download a Maps app through the Toyota app, or through the car.

    Please tell me I'm overlooking something obvious here, and I'm not required to have my phone connected everytime I want to use a map.

    Thanks!
     
  2. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2018
    7,035
    2,780
    0
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius c
    Model:
    Four
    I wish I could......but I think that is exactly the situation.

    They have "moved" several electronic functions from the "car" to your smartphone......without asking you.

    Others with actual experience with the new models can provide more complete answers.
     
  3. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2010
    7,668
    6,483
    0
    Location:
    Redneck Riviera (Gulf South)
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    On the plus side, this means that you don't have to worry about spending money to update an already outdated NAV system.... :)
     
  4. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2015
    10,958
    8,836
    0
    Location:
    New England
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I suspect the regular 2021 Gen4 Prius LE is similar to the 2021 Prius Prime LE in that it has no onboard NAV. Is there any newer than the 2020 model Prius with a 7" display that has an onboard NAV system?
     
  5. MPGboss

    MPGboss Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2021
    90
    58
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius
    Model:
    XLE
    Correct, '21 Prius LE - XLE no nav module, both rely on Apple Car Play etc.
     
  6. BlueCrushSteve

    BlueCrushSteve Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2016
    15
    20
    0
    Location:
    Vancouver
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Lucky you, I have a 2016 with the Nav and it sucks compared to Google Maps. I wish there was an inexpensive way for me to get Google Maps to display on my screen but short of buying a new head unit it can't be done.
     
  7. MIkeDr

    MIkeDr Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 16, 2020
    248
    136
    0
    Location:
    Seattle, WA
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius
    Model:
    XLE AWD-e
    it’s a bit of a kludge, but you could do something like this:

    https://coral.en.taiwantrade.com/product/coral-vision-carplay-wireless-a-2109617.html

    basically, it’s an external display that is a CarPlay/Android Auto receiver. You’d place it on the top of the dash. I have no experience with the product, and haven’t read any reviews. It’s available on Amazon and Ebay as well.
     
  8. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2009
    17,038
    10,012
    90
    Location:
    Western Washington
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Right, the LE trim doesn't have onboard navigation. Neither does the XLE, you need the Limited version that. From Toyota's feature comparison, https://www.toyota.com/prius/features/mpg/1223/1225/1227


    upload_2021-5-14_11-15-50.png


    If you use the Build feature, the LE version comes out with this, no Navigation listed:
    upload_2021-5-14_11-22-29.png

    If you Build a Limited, it looks like this:
    upload_2021-5-14_11-23-54.png

    As another respondent pointed out, the plus side of this is that you don't need to pay Toyota's exorbitant prices for updates. The map loaded in my 2012's built-in Nav is terribly out of date, I have to use my phone for anyplace that has had construction since 2011. Both Google Maps and even the aftermarket Garmin in my other vehicle are far better.

    Google also allows you to pre-download maps for use in areas that lack cellular service. That may not be meaningful in your geography, but it most certainly is useful in mine.
     
    #8 fuzzy1, May 14, 2021
    Last edited: May 14, 2021
  9. MIkeDr

    MIkeDr Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 16, 2020
    248
    136
    0
    Location:
    Seattle, WA
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius
    Model:
    XLE AWD-e
    After having owned a number of luxury cars with inferior navigation systems, the Prius has been a breath of fresh air in letting me rely upon Apple Maps and Google Maps entirely. Don’t miss built in navigation at all.

    interestingly, new EVs coming online integrate with Apple Maps even better. For example, VW’s ID.4 allows for Apple Maps to display turn by turn graphics on the secondary display above the steering wheel, in addition to the main display.
     
    Tideland Prius likes this.
  10. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2004
    44,768
    16,017
    41
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    That and Chargepoint and ABRP also have CarPlay integration, allowing for better and more up-to-date charging status and locations.