The 11-inch screen is awful

One thing I can think of: saving money. Designing a hands-on, ergonomic system, one you can mostly operate without taking your eyes on the road, that takes more effort and $’s.

 

yeah, not toyotas forte. stick to what you know

 

Get LE. You won't find better value. XLE or Ltd are wasteful. I had to buy 2021 PP Ltd, because that was the only and last 2021 PP my local dealer had. As soon as the chip shortage is over and the tide turns in favor of car buyers again, I will be selling my 2021 PP Ltd for a net gain.

BTW, I have the 11.6" screen turned off most of the time. There is no need to have it on. And, I use my Garmin for my navigation.

 

What Garmin model is that; we have an ancient one, might be time.

 

This is an ancient one too. Nuvi2699 has been discontinued for a long time. I think at least 7 years old? Surprised they still have the page for the unit.
nüvi 2699 LMTHD | Garmin

 

I don't like screens except for looking at things - like a map or information.

When they decide that the screen will replace buttons and knobs - it's a disaster.

There is a recent local complaint - the new GOLF has ditched the awful DSG transmission for a proper Auto - which everyone loves - but they've put in an entertainment/climate unit with NO knobs, NO buttons - all on screen spots which you touch (like the Aussie PRIUS entertainment unit). And not one Journalist has held back with complaints about it.

 

Yeah, that's the only bad thing about my '21. Not an Apple fanboy and don't want the Koolaid. It's actually OK that my phone isn't fully integrated into the car infotainment system. My phone is off when I'm driving anyway.

 

Speaking of phones, that large, portrait-oriented touch-screen looks very similar.

 

That would be the plan with Apple CarPlay. Your phone "desktop" would be transposed to the 11.6" touchscreen. What a distraction.