We're looking to buy a used prius v, and are wondering about the sound quality of sound system. Hubby and I both really appreciate music, and would enjoy good sound. Are we out of luck if we find one without ATP? Is the premium sound only on models with ATP? Does that apply to all years, 2012-2017?
Unfortunately, if you want the JBL audio system, you have to get the v Five ATP; that applies to all years.
The standard system suffers in bass and the rear speakers are nearly useless. Not to say that the JBL system will knock your socks off either. Its just fair but has better highs and midranges. The v also has a fair amount of road noise in the cabin with some surfaces and tires worse than others. Upgrading is difficult unless you interface speaker level inputs into an aftermarket amp and add new speakers, particularly in the rear.
At least with the Gen 3 (and I assume similarly the Prius v), I found the front speakers better than the rear. The rear sound tinny and the front sound stage sounds fuller. I know it's a different vehicle but it's something to consider when you're listening to the JBL audio in the Prius v.
Whatever speakers there are in our 2012 Prius Five/ATP with JBL seem to do a pretty good job of emulating a subwoofer with plenty of base even when I'm streaming from Pandora via Entune. Don't buy a Prius if you want music quality while you drive - they're too damned noisy for that unless you are stopped with the engine not running.
I believe the Gen 3 and Prius v JBL audio systems have a "Distributed Subwoofer System". From cleanmpg.com
