I currently use a Garmin GPS in my Camry and would be lost without it. I've read several negative comments about the Navigation System in the Prius. Can anyone provide insight into how good or bad the Navigation System works in the Gen 4 Prius???
All OEM navigation devices have limitations. You will struggle to "enjoy" the interface with the Prius navigation if you are used to something different already. But, it works. It is very similar to the navigation unit in my Flagship Toyota Avalon Hybrid. And very similar to the Lexus Nav systems in my previous cars. Could it be better? Yes. Is it functional and informative? Yes to that too.
I never had any Navigation system in a car prior to getting my Prius Three. I think I finally know how to work most features. I like playing with it and it seems fairly simple to operate. I like the nice loud voice announcements. And the traffic alerts. (She asks if I want an alternative route.) The easy to read map, with turn by turn directions on a split screen. It's simple to type in an address/destination. The "points-of-interest" feature makes it very easy to find just about anything in the area. (Within 200 miles?) The voice activation might have a few too many steps... And/or she won't recognize my request. Or maybe I'm just not asking correctly? I need more practice with that part.
Thanks a lot for the info. You're one of the first to give an in depth description of the Navigation System. Enjoy your Three!!
these are excellent comments compared to past reviews. hopefully, toyota has made some improvements in the gps interface.
Thanks, but I'm still a rookie. I just noticed this morning that when it's dark outside the screen has a nice black background. And when it starts getting daylight the screen automatically changes to a white background. And then I discovered that you can put icons on the map screen, for whatever points of interest you desire. And you can add route trace, speed limit info, traffic information… I'm still learning. I'm sure the Prius veterans can add many more pros and cons. But I like it, it's a good system for a first time Prius driver like me.
According to the Navigation Manual, destination and route selection can be done only when the vehicle is not moving. The vehicle must be stopped to change the destination. My hubby and I go on trips and set our destination on the Garmin. At any time one of us (the passenger) can search for Restaurants and then the Garmin will take us there as part of our trip without losing the original destination. Does the 2016 Navigation System have to have the car stopped in order to do such things?
The Nav system will respond to voice commands while moving. I have done POI searches for chain restaurants while moving successfully. It also allows selection and tapping action items. I believe that the restriction applies only to typing. If the sequence that you wish to perform involves typing a name or number, it will not be allowed; but if you can say and the car understands the request, you can use the Voice Recognition system to initiate the request and poke at the screen if there are follow-up choices.
Yes and you can thank the lawyers for that. (I think Honda still allows input while in the motion but I'm not sure how many other manufacturers allow that). You can use voice command and it's quite a bit better than mine (2010). You can state the address all at once, e.g. "I need directions to an address" <wait for prompt> "123 Main Street, My City, My State" <wait for reconfirmation> Tip: You can also use Bing voice search but if you have a passenger, it's easier for the passenger to look up the address on their phone and then enter that address via voice into the nav.
No. I felt I didn't need those features. I'm retired and don't drive nearly as much. (And my budget limit was $25K to spend.)
