CarPlay for Gen2

An alternative for $350

Car and Driver INTELLIDASH with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, 7'' IPS Touchscreen Multimedia Player with Bluetooth, Mirror Link, SiriusXM, Google, Siri Assistant Dash or Windshield Mounted (Wired)

 

Or this wireless version for even less w the 20% coupon.

*update: I just read description of this thing and it’s all-around hilariously not what a Prius owner wants. “Wireless for Apple and android, but wireless only works w Android.” Also wires everywhere, and it uses fm to broadcast to your car stereo.

The 90’s called, they want their Tom-Tom back!

 

Glad you can speak for all Prius owners. But I digress.
This is merely a new (since 2021)D less expensive, alternative to tearing up the dash, messing with the MFD controls and being able to WAZE and other new apps that have come along all on a 7" screen.
The device uses the AUX cable for stereo or through a tiny bluetooth adapter and depending upon where and how you mount it, it is not "wires everywhere." Apparently beyond the skill set of some.

 

Woah, buddy. I just

1) Offered anybody interested in such a device an upgraded product at a lower price from the same source
2) Synopsized the reviews from the people who own *the one I posted*, “wireless only 4 android and adds 3 wires” being prevalent
3) Made a comment about adding wires being contrary to the well known generalization Prius owner’s dislike inefficiency

It’s a weird reply to my post/lackluster comment in a thread I’ve been part of for a while now (apparently since before you joined the site), but that’s exactly what forums are for.

Granted, the Tom-Tom comment was snarky, but it was about the item *I* posted and also…c’mon, it was funny.

 

The TT comment was ridiculous. In fact it was far off base since it implied the Nav system of this device would be antiquated.

Nothing could be further from the truth since it has no intrinsic Nav system but rather combines the best of both worlds, large screen and access to cell phone apps instead of antiquated MFD map. And no screwing around with taking apart the dash or messing with car electricals.

This device is probably the most useful aftermarket navigation item I’ve seen for older cars which the manufacturer has abandoned. Adding CarPlay otherwise as this post described is or seems much more complicated.

Since this box appears to be version 1.0 released January 2021, one could expect improvements and/or competition to arise. What is needed for it is a semi permanent mount so that the vermin who walk by or dwell to steal catalytic converters don’t just decide to boost the box out of the car as long as they’re there doing their other business.

 

I just put an Atoto A6 in mine. Easy install, and well worth it.

 

looks like the GROM compatability page says Prius (Navi)... im wondering if that means navigation MFD....

 

Can I ask which unit you got exactly, and which, if any add ons you purchased? I know it's the Grom, but there are several models I'm finding. I'm looking for something like this and don't want to lose my normal stuff.

Thank you, and I appreciate all the info so far.

 

How is the VL2 holding up so far?

 

This works with the Roku stick. I am able to get Netflix on the screen and watch content.

 

Long time lurker, first time poster. This topic was very useful, and I followed-up on it. Our Prius had an engine mishap at 204k miles (engine knock or head gasket leak...one of the two) so we had to replace the engine. Yes, it's an older car, but a replacement engine costs much less than a new car, especially hybrids and EVs which would be what we'd look at picking up as a replacement (*cough* Prius Prime *cough*), just not now. Given that the replacement engine only had around 64k miles we're expecting the car to last quite a while, so I took the opportunity to do a few upgrades including adding this GROM unit. Went with the VLite instead of the VLine (we don't have kids and have no interest in watching Netflix in the car), but installation would be pretty much the same.

Installation was indeed easy and took around 30 minutes. I had also ordered with it the flush mount USB female cable but didn't need it in the end (send me a PM if you'd like to get it at a discount). I had a spare USB extension, so I simply ran that from the unit in the glove box to the storage space and stuck it to the side with some double-contact tape. I decided to power the dashcam from the GROM unit as well to eliminate the use of the power outlet on the passenger side but had to modify the USB cable to do only power so that the dashcam didn't mistake the VLite for a storage unit.


Probably could have mounted the mic on the driver's side, but the air vents are not in a good state right now after the installation. Looks like the heat did a number on them and they easily broke in several places. I'm looking for replacements on eBay for those. There are a few things/tips to mention:

1. As someone else mentioned, when you back up the head-unit switches to something other than Disc so have to manually switch back to it by pushing the Disc-Aux button.
2. Phone calls are a bit tricky, or I haven't figured out how to handle them properly. GROM officially says that their devices do not do phone calls and that those go through the factory feature. I've started calls from the VLite as well as tried to answer calls and the factory handsfree kicks in and sometimes it drops the connection with the call still going on the handset. Not yet sure who's to blame for that: the handsfree feature or the GROM unit? I don't receive calls that often in the car so haven't really bothered to get to the bottom of it.
3. Day/night determination set to automatic does not work consistently. Sometimes maps will be in night mode in the middle of the day. This seems to be an Android Auto bug though as I found others having similar issues with factory head units.
4. Have to get used to not being able to drag items or swipe through screens. The factory screen doesn't have the ability to do that.
5. The GROM installation video shows the installer twisting off the shifter knob. In hindsight this wasn't needed since the vent can still be removed with the shifter knob still on there.

Overall, I'm incredibly pleased with the VLite. If you're keeping this car long-term then this is an upgrade you'll want to look into.

 

You can get replacement air vents at junkyard. Much cheaper. I got lots of parts such as weather tech floor mats for the Prius for $25. Power steering module, rear tail gate rubber handle, base antenna mount, windshield wipers, various interior panels etc.., all of which I got at junkyard

 

Don't think I have any junkyards around, but I've been looking through eBay and Car-Part for a good price. I think $30 for both shipped is pretty good, but have to take a close look as to where they'd be coming from.

 

Wow, $679-499USD. Ouch. Even the bluetooth adapters $89-$179USD. Just ordered the

UGREEN Aux to Bluetooth 5.3 Adapter 3.5mm Bluetooth Receiver $13.99 and it works fine.

2008 Prius Package 6, setup in the middle console, $5 USB charger in the power port, plug the Ugreen receiver in to USB port, 3.5mmm into Aux port. Done. Can't beat it for $13.99