In-Dash Navigation and Information System

Not sure where the rest of you are on the need for in-dash navigation systems on new vehicles that are most likely obsolete before they are driven off the lot, but I just got one when I picked up a 2013 Prius after 2.5 years with my 2010 Prius pkg IV. Great car and felt that by putting so many miles on the 2010 that a refresh would not be bad. I had no option but to take a pkg IV with navigation and all of the bells and whistles that come with the Entune system. It appears that all pkg IIIs also come with the same setup. The car easily cost $2000 more than my 2010 and was displeased that I was being forced to take that option at an extra expense for a system is actually not as capable as my hand held iPhone. In fact it depends on my iPhone to enable many features on Entune. I also have a Garmin for which I have paid $119 for lifetime updates on maps (updated four times a year). To update the maps on the in-dash navigation on the Prius, one must pay $170 for a one time update using a disc.

I admit that it is convenient as long as the maps are current...then what. I can get iHeart radio on my iPhone. I have Gas Buddy (free app on my iPhone) that is more functional than the in-dash version of finding gas. My weather apps actually show motion and can zoom in on the target area I am watching.

In as much as I really love this vehicle, I feel as though Toyota has their hand in my pocket and don't think that they listened to what I wanted. I only heard "feature puke" and how much I needed something I did not want. I will not be updating this unwanted option but have already dug a deeper hole in my pocket for an option I did not want even though I wanted this car.

If you have a opportunity, read this article by Bloomberg "iPhones Stuck to Windshields Threaten Dashboard Maps" by Keith Naughton on June 11, 2013

 

Let 's not miss the point here. Though I have the HD Display radio with navigation, I am not OK paying up to $2000 more to have that system as opposed to forgoing it in favor of an iPhone adapted system like the one now offered by GM. If one is willing to update maps for $170 every time one wants a new map...one is cleared to spend freely, feverishly and frivolously and to enjoy it. With my Garmin, I am able to obtain new maps four times a year for life at two thirds the cost of one for the Toyota system. Once the Toyota map is outdated for my purposes, the Garmin will find its place on my dash again. I am sure the navigation works fine as long as you don't encounter new roads that are missed by an outdated map. My main point is that car manufacturers are out to maximize their revenue without regard to what I want or what works best in the long term or what the cost to me is. In fact, I must plug in my iPhone just to enable some of the apps (also at my expense for internet usage).

 

Suffice it to say that I have no intention of updating the map that came with the car. I will use my Garmin which is almost always current. I resent that the in-dash map is really only a way for Toyota, or any other manufacturer that offers same, a way to get into my wallet and provides limited value. I just signed up for WAZE and put it on my iPhone. Also, I have a number of other "apps" that are way ahead of what is available with the information system in the car. However, I do like some of the convenience just not most of what is offered. We used Google Maps (iPhone) on a recent trip in another state with our rental car and it gave very accurate turn by turn (voice) instructions. Sorry to be redundant but color me unimpressed with the in-dash system in my Prius! I will actually put a pix of my Prius one day so you don't have to look at the comparable gas guzzler with my post...however...this was the first Corvette rated over 20 mpg and at the time would get 26 mpg at the posted speed limit of 55. Who drives a Corvette at 55 these days? (No answer required for that question).