2011 Prius III iPod best way to play?

You have the JBL system, but no NAVI, right? For you, there is ONLY one option...connecting your Ipod via AUX. No steering wheel control.

Without NAVI, you canNOT do bluetooth audio streaming nor do you have a USB connection.

I think that Toyota dealers do sell a USB kit or something that you can buy at the Part's Department...but you need to ask your dealer about it.

 

As Thai said - plus...
If you connect the iPod via the audio jack to the AUX socket, the signal provided to the radio will be (at least in my case) too low and you would need to crank up the volume to hear something. Cranking the volume on the iPod will not help. It has to do with the difference impedance level between the headphone output and the AUX/Line input.

I completely solved the "issue" by buying Griffin AutoPilot - it charges the iPod, connects to the iPod connector and amplifies the signal with a 2-level setting (I use the high one). I keep the AutoPilot inside the centre armrest plugged in, the iPod then sits in the centre cup holder (the one with the cover) where I can control the iPod as I wish, probably even better than via USB.
It makes no sense to use the cigarette lighter socket at the front under the centre console as the AUX is located too far away.

BTW all the audio generated from the iPod will be reproduced, not just music - it is interesting to play a game and listen to the game sounds/FX in your car...

 

And here's my chance to save someone from reenacting my tale of woe.

I bought a Prius 3 with JBL audio, no nav. I wasn't interested in Nav, but I did want to leave my iPod tucked away and control it via dashboard and steering wheel controls. I made a point of this with the salesman, several times. What neither he nor I knew--and he really ought to have known--was that the iPod connectivity kit Toyota sells only works with the "plain vanilla" audio system of the Prius 2. If you're going to get a Prius 3 or higher and want to stash the iPod away and control it via the steering wheel and dashboard-mounted controls, you MUST get the navigation package. The navigation package's USB port is ready to work with an iPod "right out of the box." Toyota's brochure doesn't make this especially clear either.

So: Basic sound system, get the iPod kit. JBL sound system, you can only plug the iPod in via the analog AUX port. Navigation system with JBL, your iPod is good to go.

Fortunately for me, I was able to negotiate with the dealer to swap my first Prius out for one with the navigation package for the cost of the Nav and only a little bit of depreciation.

 

Other alternatives to Prius 3 owners are to go for adapters such as the one below:

Pac-Audio.com Product Details | iPod Integration for your car and More by Pac-Audio - Connecting you to the future

It will work with your JBL non-nav system

Good luck in your search!

 

This is the product I use. No cranking required. As long as you use a product that connects to the aux on the iPod you shouldn't have a problem with audio level.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0031U1AU0