How to Use Prius Navigation System

I agree ... the NAV system (hardware) requires some learning as to how to use it effectively. Actually, I have no complaints with the hardware. I like the display, the functions, and the overall operation. BUT .... I hate the software.

I am half way through a 4000 mile trip. We have used, (and checked one against the other) the on-board NAV system, and a Garmin CS-176 hand-held. The Garmin is significantly more accurate in estimating time/distance in a magnitude of hours in 500 miles. The Pri's NAV system has a tendancy to suggest exits, that if followed, could get you in trouble .... I mean we are on the Interstate ... our desitination is on the Interstate directly ahead, say 50 miles ... and the darn NAV system will suggest an exit??? I suspect that explains why the time/distance estimates are soooo wrong.

Back home, there are so many roads in our city that are not shown .... roads that have beenin existance 50-75 years. The Garmin software displays them ... why not the NAV system?

Fortunately, new software could/would solve all my complaints ..... is there any other software distributor that will work?

Toyota ... your software developer is a disgrace .... you would we well advised to make a change.

 

i love my 04 navigation.. sure it was a little hard to learn at first.. but them i fell in love after doing deliveries with it... (beating the info into my brain)

i've been using my g/fs garmin recently (my screen is cracked.. will be fixed in a few days actually...) i've noticed that the garmin tries to skip traffic.. it's really annoying to jump on and then back onto the highway 3 or 4 times when i could have just stayed in my nice and steady lane the entire time.

 

I have the 2008 Prius with the NAV system but continue to use my trusted Garmin nuvi. And not because it was hard to learn.
I definitely gave the Prius Nav system a fair chance but after repeatedly putting me on local roads instead of staying on the highway, what's the point?

I agree with Felt, it's a poor system and Toyota has another reason to be ashamed.

It's no surprise that no one will fess up as to who makes this NAV system.

 

Here's another NAV link...
Toyota Navigation System

 

Denso.

Tom

 

I wonder how many people who complain they are mis-directed by the Prius navigation system have their preferences set correctly?

On my recent east coast road trip, my navigation system was spot on as to directions as well as distance and approximate arrival time.

I went to many places I would have had NO idea how to get to (without stopping many times to consult a map--and no doubt making many wrong turns) and I was never steered wrong by the Prius navigation.

Remember you have to set your system to give you the type of route you want--if you have it set for no toll roads, or shortest distance, or no highways then you are likely going to make exits which make no sense.

 

I would like to add to wolfie52's question with another question. How much time did your dealer spend with you on explaining the Nav system, the setup and the operation?

Rick Hendrick Toyota in Fayetteville, NC has a specialist that does nothing but explain the car systems to the buyers before they drive off of the lot. This guy spent one hour and 15 minutes with my wife and I and helped set up everything in the car from pairing our cell phones to demonstrating the Nav system. He even set up a route to the Smithsonian in DC, previewed the route and showed how to pick the best route out of the three proposed.

He explained each preference on the GPS so I had no problem when I got home in setting each preference. When the GPS did something other than what I wanted, I knew where to go to adjust the setting. I am like wolfie52 and have never had the GPS give me a wrong direction.

I also go back and read the Nav manual if I have further questions

 

After installing a factory nav system in our '08 I like it much better than the Garman that we had. The key is to set it up properly. Are your time estimates wrong? You need to set the average speed setting the Nav system uses to calculate the ETA. Are you constantly being put on side streets? You need to set it to stay on highways rather than surface streets.

 

I'm just starting with my '08 and learning to use the Nav. Has anyone had experience on updating? costs? Second sources to do so? Thanks!

 

OK ... so how is this done? I wasn't able to find this instruction and this has been my biggest frustration with the on board GPS.

Thanks~

 

One can use voice prompts to enter address destinations. However, it's a bit tedious, because one has to put in state, city, street, address individually through separate voice prompts. It took me about 5-7 minutes....definitely easier to pull over if one is on surface streets, but if I were on the highway, I wouldn't hesitate to use the voice prompts.

 

On the other hand, I have a Garmin Nuvi in addition to the Prius nav in my 2006, and I find that voice input to it is MUCH easier than to the built in version.

I have been led wrong by both systems. None of them is perfect!

 

For starters, if you need help with the voice commands, just say "Help" and it will give you a list.

As Camner suggested, you can use the voice commands to enter a street address while in motion. The key is to start with the voice command "Address", and it will then prompt you for state, city, street, and number.

On that note, if you want to accelerate the process a bit, you can turn off the "after the beep say your command" prompt in the Nav Settings, I believe it is called Voice Guidance or something like that. It's also a good idea to close your windows and/or turn up/down the A/C if the fan is blowing strong, to minimize the cabin noise if it has a hard time understanding your command. Of course, it also depends on your speaking accent. As an english speaking Canadian, I rarely have problems with the voice recognition understanding my commands. Even when dialing 10-digit numbers ("Dial by number" command).

Another useful voice commmand to remember is "Detour" or "Detour entire route", to instantly get alternate directions around an accident or traffic. To reinstate your original guidance, just say "Quick 1" (or "Quick 2", or "Short", as the case may be).

As an aside, for amusement try the "I'm hungry" command. ;-)

When freeway travelling in unknown areas, I highly recommend using the "Freeway Guidance" view (call it up by voice command or press the Interstate view button). The left side shows your map, the right side shows the upcoming exits, and icons across the top indicating what POIs are available at the selected exit (restaurants, gas, accommodations and post offices (?)). If you press the diamond in the corner, it zooms to the exit and shows you the POIs. Pretty decent when you are travelling somewhere you don't know.

As much as some people complain about the Toyota Nav, I have been using it for 4+ years in Toronto and I find it pretty decent. The key is first knowing your way around the system (such as configuring your preferences for toll roads, highways, etc.

Good luck!

 

I just joined this forum to find out if there was other software that could be downloaded other than the toyota version. Many road that have been around 10+ years were not in the nav when I purchased it in '07 and sometimes the 3 routes suggested is still not the most direct. It would be awesome if, like in google maps, you could move your route to go along a specific road. I went to the dealer recently and the new version is suppose to be out near the end of the year at a cost of about $400 (est.) but I doubt I will be upgrading since it is so far behind the times. I also doesn't allow for you to add, in case of new development. I also asked if the software could be previewed before purchase and I was told no.

 

It only runs the Toyota software, but you don't have to buy it from a dealer. You can order the DVD and install it yourself. Make sure you get the proper version for your Nav system.

Tom

 

My 05 Prius has Version 4.2. Will the latest versions work in the 05?

 

Obviously your "Preferences" have been set wrong. Here's what to do: de-select, "Send to Wrong Destination." De-select, "Make as Unintuitive as Possible." De-select, "Use as Many Steps as Possible for Simple Commands." You'll want to keep selected, "Defend Denso NAV No Matter What." And keep selected, "Buy More Software-That'll fix it."

You're welcome.

 

Thanks, Joe, All those selections fixed my problems with the NAV.
...that and going back to my Garmin!

 

I fixed mine the same way.