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Sony XAV-AX8100, 9" touchscreen

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by par_struggle, Jul 5, 2021.

  1. par_struggle

    par_struggle Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2011
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    Location:
    nv.us
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius
    Model:
    LE AWD-e
    Over the long weekend I accomplished the install of a Sony XAV-AX8100 (https://www.crutchfield.com/p_158XAV8100/Sony-XAV-AX8100.html), coupled with a pair of JBL 6x9s (https://www.crutchfield.com/p_109CT9631/JBL-9631F.html) for the front doors. Still had some leftover soundproofing material (from the long defunct Elemental Designs). As everything was purchased through Crutchfield, instructions were included.

    The JBLs were chosen for sensitivity. I have no plan to upgrade dash or rear door speakers. They are fantastic in comparison to the stock door speakers, and the EQ and DSO functions in the head unit only make that more apparent. With volume at ~20 they begin to thump nicely.

    I did add a camera, detailed in a separate thread, but am waiting on a part to arrive before I can finish getting signal to the screen.

    Attached are two pictures, post install. Installation was reasonably painless, and the head unit fits the space nicely. I wanted the largest screen I could reasonably get under $1000 that didn't turn the whole car into theater for a giant head unit, so no 10" and up sizes, and the Boss/Jensen/etc units that are not refined in appearance were not up for consideration. Ideally I would have had an 8" screen in dash, but the cost of the similar and competitive Pioneer unit would have added $250 in harness/steering wheel retention costs (at the gain of a capacative rather than resistive screen). Given how poorly the factory head unit has aged, either is a massive positive change.

    After these were taken, I worked on the adjustable screen to drop the screen roughly an inch and tilt the top slightly farther forward. Both of these changes contribute to the screen being less of a focal point for the interior.

    Only real downside: the steering wheel controls are incomplete, as the phone off hook and hangup do nothing. The rest of the controls function as expected.

    prius_gr.jpg prius_mp.jpg
     
  2. zerotosixtysomeday

    zerotosixtysomeday New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Boston
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    One
    I want to do something like this. I have a 2011 but dont have those buttons for hang up and pick up. Are you using an idata link maestro to map the buttons? Curious if you still have your instructions from Crutchfield on installing in a prius. I would be interested in those.
    What year is your prius?
     
  3. par_struggle

    par_struggle Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2011
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    Location:
    nv.us
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius
    Model:
    LE AWD-e
    Did not see this at the time it was asked.

    This is a 2014 model 2 - base model factory radio with no apps button and no backup camera. Should work just fine with yours, too. Steering control module is an Axxess, this one: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_120ASWC1/Axxess-ASWC-1-Steering-Wheel-Control-Adapter.html

    I'm about to do the same for a near-identical Prius - only the paint and mileage differs, same radio, lack of backup cam, etc. Going to use an in dash 7" screen this time though, a Sony XAV-AX5500. Will route the two USB from the back of the head unit to the blank knockout below the flying bridge, so it will add two USB ports down there.
     
  4. dri3s

    dri3s New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Netherlands
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Business Edition
    Sorry for hacking this topic after 2 years but I’m about to pick up a 2013 Plug-in Hybrid this week and the first thing I’m going to do is install a CarPlay system.

    I have a Sony XAV-AX8050ANT installed in my current car and would like to transfer it to the Prius. It’s single DIN so I have to get a face plate and the needed converter cables for steering wheel controls and the JBL system & backup camera which will cost me around 100 bucks.

    how much wire cutting and schrinking is involved in this process?
    The alternative is buying a plug and play unit that fits the interior for 500 bucks.
     
  5. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2018
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    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    You should contact Crutchfield, the have a lot of harnesses. Certainly wouldn't cost $500.

     
  6. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2018
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    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Crutchfield can sell you an instruction guide to do your own wiring, and they might be able to sell you a finished plug-and-play conversion harness. (they offer this for stereos they sell themselves anyway)
     
    Montgomery likes this.
  7. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2015
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    Location:
    Orange County, CA
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I agree with ASRDogman. He suggested going to Crutchfield and hands down, they offer the best prices, the best instructions and solutions for installing aftermarket head units for 2010-2015 Prius'. I will be buying one of theirs sometime this year.