Installing new head unit - how to confirm compatibility

There isn't going to be much of an issue with the physical installation, but the steering wheel controls might be different. Of course buying a system with its own controls would solve that.

Basically almost all head units will work and the ones that won't work will fit with an adapter kit. So limiting your search to head units that are compatible will only ensure you don't get the best option, just the one that a seller happened to list as compatible.

And if you want to get a sense of the specific differences in the sound system that started in 2012 I just found a copy of Toyota's press release about it for you: 2012 Toyota Prius Adds Revised Styling and Advanced Infotainment Features - Toyota USA Newsroom

In general, the older a Prius, the more outdated the phone sync & wireless features are going to be. You'll have way less hassle no longer using that system and replacing it entirely with a new head unit, especially if you're going to use map features and sync your phone for phone calls...

 

Never got this far in a generation 3 to the stereo that is usually the engine fails or other things start to go in the interior that make it not so much fun to do business in. But I know there's a bunch of infotainment systems that will do most of the things you might get a button or two that won't function anymore on your steering wheel there are adapters and multiplexing things and all kinds of nonsense you can play with I think you can fit the later model stereos from the Toyota model right into the generation 3 so like the 2013-15 looks like they'll plug right up and then in the aftermarket like Apple car play and Android thingies they can work too but there will be certain limitations even if you buy a complete Alpine system with their adapters and all there's still some buttons that don't do what they did when the Toyota system was in there It's just the way it would be but it's close enough that no one really cares and by the time all this gets done you come up needing an engine and all this goes to the junkyard or you put an engine in the car.

 

There was a mid-Gen-3 refresh between the 2011 and 2012 model years. The head units choices are different. In 2010–11you could have a simple radio or a 7" touch screen with JBL sound and navigation. In 2012–15 there were more choices, including two different options with nav (a 6.1" or a 7" touch screen) and "Entune". The JBL system in 2012–15 is "JBL GreenEdge" with a different amp and speakers.

I didn't see if you said which option you currently have in your 2010.

I know for sure the wire harness connectors changed going from the 7" 2010–11 to the 7" 2012–15. No swap without identifying the circuits and splicing.

As for compatibility of the other options, I haven't looked specifically into those. I recommend looking in both the 2010 and 2012 electrical wiring diagrams to see the connector shapes and pinouts of the unit you have and of the unit you are considering.

Toyota Service Information and Where To Find It | PriusChat

 

When you go to the car if you go this route cut the connectors out of the car so you have them I have a 2010 JBL solar roof car that has I think the 7-in screen and all the JBL options and the plugs in my 2013 look exactly the same which does not have JBL option but the 7-in screen I've never seen them normal radio in a generation 3 or any of these other options just the regular 2013 persona non JBL system and the full JBL ride that's in the 2010 I believe the 2010 full JBL on the 2013 share the same plug assemblies I think I can plug either of the two stereos nav systems whatever they are infotainment centers from one to the other I'll try to confirm in the next couple of days I'll be at a junkyard with both of the cars completely disassembled in this area and I'm going to get the plugs just to have them.