2010 Prius Navigation System is really horrible

I agree. It's awful.
And Toyota should be ashamed. If they are going to bundle something that is so costly, it should be worth the investment.
It's going to be the focus of my letter I am going to write to Toyota.
Barbara

 

I have had a few folks from ti me to time complain about their NAV over the years, but fo9r the most part, it tends to be user error. When folks buy their cars from me, I try to show them how it all works, the basics. It's quite the responsibility of the buyer to sit and read a manual to see what hidden gems the system has. And, it's just overwhelming to show someone in ANY car, Prius or not, their entire car's functions in same-night sitting.

I will contend strongly that those who bark the most about their NAV not working well actually don't use it right... I see it day in and day out.

I have a 2007. My NAV's never disappointed me other than not bering able to find places that are brand new... or finding places that close (stores, starbucks)... but I know a new disc would fix that.

I am not saying that no one will have problems. I am just seeing folks complain from time to time and I suspect that their system's just not been set up correctly or they have no idea how to adjust things to make their system easier to use, and more accurate in their efforts...

Dianne

 

It basically works "OK" for me except that it is not nearly as smart about choosing efficient routes to a destination as my $200 Garmin and map updates a outrageously expensive at $250 to $300. For less than $100, I can buy lifetime map updates for Garmin GPS units. You need up to date map data even if there are few new roads built in your area or your points of interest data will have a lot of bad or missing information.
There is also a reason why the Prius nav was nearly worst rated by owners. If there is more "user error" with it than other nav systems, then that speaks to poor interface or else Prius drivers must have more learning disability than owners of other cars with navigation systems.

 

I fully agree with web1b. I should not have to learn how to build a watch to be able to tell time...nor pay a small fortune to "update" or "correct" the watches' functions.
Yes, I have read and reread the nav directions and yes, I mount my Garmin 765T on the Prius dash before out of town trips. I believe I am of average intelligence and above average in my willingness to try new technology...Hey, I bought a Prius :cheer2:

 

I am half way through a 4000 mile, cross country trip, and have on-board my NAV system and a Garmin CS-176. I have no complint with the Pr'si NAV systems display, functions, or basic technology (hardware) ... the fault is the software, which means it can/could be corrected. All my complints can be directed towards the software.

So many roads are not displayed; time to distance estimates are terrible; routes are dangerous (if you exited whenever it tells you). A GPS is a "dumb instrument" but the software is especially "dumb." On several occassions we have been driving down an interstate heading straight for our destination ... and the NAV says to exit, often on a small obscure road. Then a few miles down the interstate, the road it would have had us exit, comes back to the interstate. I suspect the exit route was perhaps a tiny bit shorter ... thus the reason for the exit suggestion. Garmin is somehow able to overcome this tendancy.

The Garmin is significantly more accurate with regard to estimated driving time .... by a magnitude of hours in 500 miles.

Back home, the NAV system is no better within the city. Entire sections of our city, roads that have existed for 50-75 years are not shown.

Hopefully, the software can/will be addressed. Toyota, if you are listening, your software company is doing you no favors.

Is there any other software that will work in the Toyota NAV system?

 

While I respect your opinion and your "observations" (and of course your right to express them in this forum), I think your first statement quoted above reflects the same attitude that Toyota itself seems to have about their customers' technological understanding - and quite frankly it is insulting.

Both the NAV and the radio/USB/MP3 functionality in the Gen III are abysmal, and have been documented as such in this forum and elsewhere by people who are extremely technologically literate (I myself am an electrical engineer.) To have someone such as yourself, who is representing Toyota as a profession, express this misguided view that "most" complaints are based in ignorance or improper use certainly doesn't help correct the legitimate problems that these units have. Why not use your position to persuade Toyota to address these problems, rather than blame it on customer ignorance?

It isn't Toyota's customers that don't understand the technology - it's Toyota itself, as evidenced by their poor hardware and software designs in these systems (which of course Toyota has someone else design and provide, but for which they are still ultimately responsible.)

Don't get me wrong - I love my Prius, as a whole - but the Gen III NAV unit is a $2000, 20 pound piece of junk that a $100 GPS and a $129 head unit could easily outperform in the basic functions they are supposed to provide.

 

You have a thin skin if you are insulted by that. By 2009 standards the nav is just awful. Those that complain most don't under stand how to use it, which is like any antiquated hardware and software. Get used to it or replace it. don't dare complain, they may not let you into the prius club

If you want to buy a sun roof or atp you need to pay $2800 for crap (nav+jvc). If you are smart you will just rip it out. Toyota is great when it comes to the drive train and fit and finish. If Toyota was loyal to their customers they would have someone like pioneer or jvc take over these electronics (even microsoft is much better).

You can't buy a cheap head unit and have it integrated into that proprietary amp. The price isn't that bad given that it comes with a camera and everything looks factory. The problem is it just doesn't do the job right and they are forcing it down the customer's throat. Toyota doesn't really have any competition when it comes to a car like this, and they are being sloppy and greedy with electronics.

Other than that the nav is great.

 

Hi there. I would recommend informing Toyota directly at Email Toyota

I have not had trouble with the Nav like you have. I never put my exact home address in the Nav due to security concerns (if my car gets stolen, I really don't want them to get to my house. I even keep the registration (with my address) with me.) I'm just happy to have a built-in nav that I don't have to lockup whenever I park anywhere...

 

Thanks - I, and many others, according to this forum, already have. Let's hope Toyota addresses it, not only for future buyers, but us...

 

please give examples of whacked routes

I have no 3rd gen Prius but have looked at it briefly and used a similar system that was on the 2010 Lexus HS 250h I had for a free one week test drive.

Most here will admit that the terminology and button labeling is a bit weird and the UI is a bit lacking, but can you give some examples of these "whacked" routes? Post some example begin and end points and tell us what's wrong w/the route. Does it repro at NAVTEQ Maps and Traffic They supply map data to Toyota/Denso and a ton of other automakers and PND makers like Garmin.

Some other PC members could try to repro on their nav system or Navteq map based PNDs. You might have some settings wrong or a calibration problem I've seen complaints about here before.

 

I love my GARMIN and don't want anything else. However I regret not having the function “traces”; so I can't use the 'own road' I make with Garmin BaseCamp on the iMac on the GPS.

 

Just bought a 2010 Prius V. Needless to say, the dealership owes me a DVD Navigation update disk. There are some roads that are outdated, so, since it is a new vehicle, I told them I want the disk and I'm not paying the $199 for it. They completely agreed that I should have updated roads. However, the disk is not slated to arrive until November. Hopefully, such an update may alleviate some of issues you are experiencing. Also, there should be "nudge" features to adjust the location of your home etc. Good luck!

 

At first, i was hesitant about the OEM Navi. However, after reading the NAVI manual from front to last, it is actually a very impressive system. I have plenty of NAVI experience both with OEM system and Garmins. (I have a Garmin 775t.) The only problem i have is that my current disc (v. 9.1) is really still outdated compared to my Garmin. However, i like the big screen and instant reception. I may have to haggle with my dealer about getting a free upgrade on the DVD because near my house, the highways are all wrong.

 

Well, if the map data in areas you frequent is bad, that takes away a lot of the value of the system even if that is "the only problem."
"The only problem with my freezer is that it doesn't get cold."
That's a very significant problem.

 

Strangely, i think that they updated this halfway when the highways near my house is being constructed...so, it has half of it. My Garmin is fully updated, but then again, i have lifetime update.

Otherwise, the POI's search is about 10 million times faster (and seemingly more complete) than my Garmin. The biggest problem with Garmin is that it takes awhile to pick up signal, esp. if you have not turned it on for a while. The graphics are a bit too cartoonish (although effective).

I have included all roads (restricted, tolls, ferrys, etc.) in the NAVI...and this has really help making it quite good at finding the proper route. And i like that it gives 3 route possibilities right away.

 

I don't use that nav system often, but when I do it's been accurate.

 

Just to cut through the BS of "map is good over here and bad over there..." aren't there only one or two companies that provide the North American map data to all of these GPS vendors?

 

Garmin and Toyota uses Navteq. However, the search engine (POIs for example) or how up-to-date the system is differs from the unit.

The portable Garmins are excellent because you can update them easily via your computer, which is a big plus IMO. The OEM NAVI is much more of a hassle financially to update. THIS is what makes this "map better over here vs. over there." So, although both uses NAVTEQ, one is easier to update. If my portable Garmin was not as easy to update, then i would have gotten rid of it long time ago!

Currently, i am using both my Garmin and OEM NAVI.

 

Keep in mind - these companies provide 4 updates a year. My last nav - which allowed me to update - was ultra accurate. The Toyota is not update-able (until they provide it). They are always very old relative to a new quarterly release.