Help me navigate the Prius upgrade package options in Canada

The 2015s are carryover except for a $100 increase in base MSRP and Sea Glass Pearl and Nautical Blue Metallic are no longer available on the base model (for some reason).

The Prius v does have more legroom and the rear seats can slide fore/aft and recline as well.

In the Gen 3, I suppose it does look like it has less rear legroom (We still have the 2005 and a 2010) but the front seatbacks curve more than the Gen 2, allowing for more knee room.


Ok, here's the confusing part with regards to audio units. Hopefully you can stay with me.

Ever since your 2004, Toyota has experimented with different headunits and then most recently (2014 and 2015 models that are new or updated), changed them again.


For the Prius Liftback, there are two main units - 6.1' Display Audio Unit (by Harmon Kardon) and a 7" unit but Denso (in-house). For 2010-2011 model years, they only had the 7" Denso unit which is DVD-based, has a 4-disc CD changer and integrated backup camera (no guidelines, just a camera).

For 2012-2015, that's when they split it with lower packages getting the 6.1" HK unit with a Garmin-like interface. It has its advantages (it's quicker to respond to touches and quicker to load because it's flash-based and more casual voice recognition) but looks a bit low grade (almost aftermarket look) and navigation is buried in the "Apps" folder.

The Technology Package units remained 7" but got an upgraded higher resolution screen, went to hard-drive based navigation (so quicker loading times because data can access a harddrive faster than a disc) and had split-screen capability (i.e. nav and audio can be displayed at the same time. Previously, split-screen was limited to different navigation screens such as map + turn list or dual maps with different zoom levels).

The latest generation headunits with higher resolution screens than any of the screens before is only available on the Prius v (and I think Prius c too) because those were updated for 2015. They're flash-based and super quick to use. I think they're cheaper to update ($169 vs. $199). In addition, screen size is no longer correlated with the type of navigation (HK vs. Denso). The navigation system is still buried in the "Apps" folder but the maps use a more familiar Toyota colour scheme.

Here's a link to my thread on the latest Entune Audio systems.

New 2014 Toyota "Entune" Audio Systems | PriusChat



As for audio inputs, USB was a dealer-installed option for 2010 and 2011 (even though some 2010s and all 2011 US models have USB from the factory). It's kinda slow based on PC member feedback. However, navigation-equipped 2010-2011 models have bluetooth streaming audio. For 2012, I believe any model with the touchscreen interface has bluetooth audio and USB. All 3rd Gen Prius have AUX Input. 2010 and 2011 models came with a single-slot CD except for JBL audio units that had a 6-CD Changer (unless equipped with JBL and nav, then it's down to 4 slots). Mine has some issues with skipping (right from new) but both CD changer units in the 2005 and 2010 still work. For 2012+, they're all single CD slots. The JBL Audio system was upgraded for 2012 to their new "GreenEdge" design which draws less power.

If I were you, I'd just stick with bluetooth audio and use SIRI to navigate playlists/albums/artists. When you use SIRI, the car treats it like a phone call and you just speak to your phone via the car's microphone. That's why I never bothered installing USB input on my car.

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My experience with the moonroof is a bit different from David. I found it a luxury to not have to go into a stinkin' hot car. Like he said, the Solar Panel Ventilation System (SPVS) simply runs the fan to vent out the hot air, and draw in outside air (so be aware if you're parked in a dusty area or near ppl barbecuing as you'll draw in dust or the smell of charcoal. You can turn off the system of course). There's Remote A/C too but the limited range of the key fob limits its use. It does help further cool the cabin by running the electric A/C (e.g. if your car is on the street or driveway, you can turn it on before you leave the house). I, too, have the Tech Pack. I do love DRCC, especially on long stretches of highway (like driving in the States or QE2 btwn Calgary and Edmonton).

If you don't care about the moonroof, would you consider the Touring package? It has LED lowbeam headlights w/ headlight washers, LED parking lights (boomerang shaped), 17" alloys, power driver's seat with power lumbar support and SofTex w/ heated front seats (helps in the winter as it warms up before the cabin gets warm. Saves energy).

 

Oh and I have an Excel spreadsheet at the bottom of the first post in this thread that may help you track the differences between model years.

3G Prius (2010-2015) Standard and Optional Equipment (Some Countries) | PriusChat.


Navigate the years by changing the tabs at the bottom of the spreadsheet. USA is at the top of each spreadsheet, Canada is below that, so you may need to scroll depending on your window size. Mouseover each package to see the contents.

 

If you want a touchscreen, yes. 2010 and 2011 base & "Premium Package" models have a 2000s style radio. The only difference between the base and Premium Package is the addition of the JBL audio system with 8 speakers and a 6-disc CD Changer. (The front JBL speakers are great. The rear... meh)


Example of a JBL Audio System on a 2010-2011 Prius with no navigation. The photo is the one with the JBL Audio (because of the LOAD button on the right, next to the TUNE-FILE knob. The base non-JBL audio with single-CD will replcae that LOAD button with a MUTE button (and of course no JBL logo at the bottom left)


2010-2011 Prius w/ Technology Package (7" LCD Screen w/ DVD-Based Navigation & JBL). XMNavTraffic enabled.


Example of a 2012-2015 6.1" Display Audio head unit (note the blue POWER button instead of black for 2010/2011 and a few other changes). The difference whether you have navigation or no navigation with this head unit is whether the "Maps" App is enabled. Traffic is enabled via your phone and Entune so no traffic available with this headunit in Canada.



Example of a 2012-2015 "Premium AVN headunit". This is the 7" high resolution LCD with Harddrive-based navigation, DVD-playback capability and split-screen capability. XMNavTraffic and XMNavWeather enabled. Traffic works in Canada. I have no clue if weather works in Canada.

 

Nothing new. Here's our 2002 Camry's JBL Audio unit (single CD slot version and without that plastic wrapping). At least it was mounted high on the dash (roughly where our vents are on the 2010 Prius) and the buttons and digital numbers are large.

You can always sit in IG-ON instead of READY. Or even just in ACC. The HUD is only available in the U.S.. Canada doesn't offer a HUD. The navigation system has its quirks and because I don't use it often, I have to refresh my memory every now and then. I honestly don't know how older folks can remember how all of this works. It's not as intuitive as a smartphone or computer and you don't use it as often as a smartphone or computer. It's one reason why I left the Voice Recognition Guidance on so that if need be, I can let the car talk me through the commands I need to give when using Voice Recognition.

 

With Siri, you can use voice recognition via your iPhone through the car's microphone via bluetooth connectivity to navigate your playlists and albums.