2010 Prius Navigation System is really horrible

I own a new G3, IV with NAV. I also have owned a Garmin GPS for years.

I personally find no fault with the Prius NAV "system" including the display. I do find fault with the data. In my opinion ... it is a software issue. I am on my 3rd version of Garmin software, and each one has vastly improved the previous release. But even the Garmin software does not show every road. Heretofore we lived in a rural area and many roads were not shown. I was willing to dismiss the fact that it was a rural area. But now I live in a larger, older city, where roads have been here for many years ... and some are not shown. That is not easily understood ..... or dismissed.

So, my question is: Surely the Prius software is provided by a sub-contractor software provider? Is the version supplied in the G3 Prius the latest version? Are there software updates available? and at what cost? The Garmin software is expensive, and I imagine the Prius is as well.

When updates become available, will the software be loaded from the CD drive?

Remember, a GPS is a "dumb" instrument, that can only respond to the database within. While it is remarkable that a GPS can detect satellites, and triangulate our location, and guide us to another location, it is entirely up to the software company to identify POT, gasoline as well as other conveniencies. Once My Garmin directed me straight to a Wal-Mart .... except it was a previous Wal-Mart that was now closed. That is a software issue. It has no ability to correct name changes, closed roads, new roads and a whole myriad of other changes. Neither is it a "Google Earth, that shows satellite views of the terrain.

 

Thanks for the explaination. I live in Europe and my prius will come with HDD navi. Seems like HDD-based navi is quite good, there is a flip side though as my dealer told me that my Prius (on order) will not have CD-changer which I believe, is std in the US on models with navi.

 

I use to own a Lexus IS350 with Nav, and the only thing I liked better from that is a much crisper screen. It's like watching HD TV vs. Regular airwaves.

I can live with it though, some of the functions were similar, etc. It was still cheaper with the Prius than the IS350 on the NAV, about $300-400.

I would still get the Nav regardless, it's a must now that I've had it in all my previous cars.

 

Hi Dave:

I lived along "Mud Bay" near Olympia way back in 1954 while stationed at Fort Lewis, and visited the area again about 5 years ago. I love Washington state, especially the western end - just beautiful.

By the way, I also own a Zenn (2007). Have had a lot of fun with it, including lots of experimenting with BMS.

Jim

 

The navigation system on my 2010 Prius V w/ATP works very well. I am having no problems with it since picking up the 2010 Prius V in May. It sure beats my older Tom-Tom 3rd Edition. I like it and am glad that the navigation system came with the AT package.

 

I feel a need to warn the past serveral PCers who've posted positive comments about the Nav system in this thread: You are hijacking this thread. Stop it and go post your own "Gee, this Nav System is Kind of a Nice Thing to Have" thread.

 

hey Jim!! i recognize your name from the Yahoo boards. we actually have a handful of people with a Pri and a Zenn, Alan from Spokane, Wa is around here as well.

 

Quick Survey:
How often does that little "GPS" icon in the upper left corner appear for those who have the 2010 nav system?
1) Never
2) Some of the time
3) Most of the time
4) All the time

My answer would be some of the time, and I think that's the reason my nav system gets lost.

 

Just bought my 2010 IV with Sun Roof package yesterday. I was disappointed to see that the maps don't have detail where I live. Major highways yes, small communities no. Its really hard to believe even if it is DVD based. Maybe(hopefully) I am missing something here.

I have only begun to read the manual. I have been watching this forum for the last week during my shopping decision. I wanted the SR package so I also have the Nav because of it. Its not the end of the world but may put my Tom Tom in the glovebox for back up.

--Mickey(I need to update my stuff too).

 

As in Puyallup!:cheer2:

 

you can you tube some pretty funny ones on that one. but it also butchers easy ones like Steilacoom (pronounced "Stella-come") the Nav says "Stee-I-la-comb"

first time we heard that we both laughed so much i nearly choked on my expresso

 

On the Nav, if you touch on the 'Route' tab you will see three options 'short, quick, fast' or something like that. One disadvantage of the Nav is that when you are driviong, you can't change your destination or POIs, etc. You must stop the car to change your destination or POIs, etc. This is rather inconvenient even for safety reasons as we could have a front seated passenger who could be making the changes.

 

You can also make changes using the voice recognition system.

 

Can you change using the voice controls while driving?

 

There are a limited set of things you can do while moving, such as using the voice command "Go Home" or selecting one of the pre-set destinations using the DEST button. You can also turn POIs on with voice commands like "gas station" or "fast food." I think you can also do a limited POI on or off on the touch screens while moving.

There may be other things, but those are some I have direct experience with.

 

Looking through the NAV manual, or NAV quick reference, for what the usable voice commands are, is more dangerous than just using the NAV while driving...

 

I'm pretty sure voice command navigation isn't limited at all while moving...I know I've entered a complete address using voice commands while moving and have also navigated to a POI. I'm also pretty sure you can access previous destinations while moving using the DEST button. The only thing that's limited is your ability to do complex input on the Nav screen that would distract you from driving. Is it annoying when you have a passenger? Of course, but from a liability and safety standpoint it's completely understandable.

What would be nice is if the pressure switch that's already built into the passenger seat (to automatically activate/deactivate the passenger side airbag when someone's sitting in the seat) was tied into the navigation system to disable the speed lockout when a passenger is present.

 

Agreed!