I have a Prius Pkg 4 with the JBL system an I am looking for an aftermarket head unit. I tried the OEM Nav system that I purchased from someone on this website and decided to pull it back out and put it on ebay. I must say I agree with the posts that complain about the factory NAV. I wasn't impressed. My required feature list is 1-Good Navigation (Trafic updates are not important.) 2-Bluetooth for phone 3-Satellite radio 4-Don't have iphone but use pen drive,SD, or DVD for music 5-Would like a knob for volume control Units I've looked at JVC KW-NT3HDT This one looks the best but I'm not sure about JVC Pioneer AVIC-X930BT No voice controls like the X920BT Pioneer AVIC-X920BT Has voice controls but no volume knob Kenwood DNX6960 Afraid of possible issues with JBL amp that I've read about I'm trying to hit a price point around $900 total.
Out of that list specifically, you absloutly won't go wrong with the Kenwood DNX-6960. It is the only company that uses Garmin navigation. Very easy and straight forward. It has free traffic so not paying extra for it and I believe it will re-route you if delay is too long. I'm sure you could find that unit these days online for under $900 being the new units are due out any day now. Personally, I know it means a little more money, but since your ditching the JBL system to an extent, I'd go the extra mile and bypass the JBL amp and replace the speakers as well. 6x9's in the front and 6 1/2" coaxial speakers in the rear doors. Once the factory stuff is out of the way the options are endless and you can get really good sound out of it even with relatively little money. Just all depends on what you're looking for in a system. Just better NAV or a better sounding system all together. I will be buying the new DNX-9980 this summer once it is out and replacing my HU once and for all. I have gone over the top with my setup and that will be the final piece to make it just right.
In regards to the Kenwood JBL/Issue that only for 5v out limitation of PAC. If you use the Metra components Metra ASWC. Metra 70-8114 - SWC Harness w/RCA Metra TYTO-01 - 03-UP TOYOTA AMP Interface that shouldn't be an issue.
I have to agree with ShawnB2 on this one. If you need the knob, go with the Kenwood DNX6960, or wait for the DNX6980 with added HD radio and Pandora capability. Last December I chose the DNX9960, and have no regrets. I also chose the JL HD900/5 Amp because the JBL lacks power and limits speaker choices, which I also replaced. Good find LovingLife - Metra Online. The Head Unit alone will be an improvement. You have to decide if you're happy with the results of integrating the factory amp and speakers. If you do, you're done. Good luck what ever you do. http://priuschat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=29131&stc=1&d=1301208132
I've got the JVC and can recommend it highly. The screen resolution may not be as high as all of the competition listed (you'll have to do some comparison), but I have no complaints! It also meets all of your other requirements, including SD card capability. The faceplate removal is a nice security touch. Some have reported the maps are outdated, but that hasn't manifested in my experience just yet. It can easily be had for well under $900: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-P6WCB4s0WBx/s_105NT3HDT/JVC-KW-NT3HDT.html
