Toyota Prius Android Head Unit Review: Cost & Results

Upgrade Your Toyota Prius with an Android All-in-One and 3D Surround View

Are you feeling limited by your Toyota Prius's stock navigation system? Many drivers find the smaller screens and cumbersome updates of older infotainment systems frustrating, often resorting to using their smartphones. However, juggling a phone mount, charging cables, and a small screen can clutter your dashboard and detract from the driving experience. An Android All-in-One head unit offers a seamless solution, integrating smartphone-like functionality directly into your car's dashboard. This review focuses on the installation of a Motors Value Android All-in-One unit and a 3D surround view system in a Toyota Prius, enhancing both its smarts and safety.

The Benefits of an Android All-in-One Infotainment Upgrade

Modern vehicles often boast large, integrated touchscreens with extensive smartphone connectivity. For older models like many Toyota Prius generations, the factory screen can feel dated, with thick bezels reducing the usable display area. The Motors Value Android All-in-One unit transforms the Prius's dash by replacing the small, limited screen with a larger, more responsive 9-inch display. This upgrade provides significantly improved visibility, even for rear passengers. The user interface is clean and intuitive, allowing for easy customization with shortcuts to frequently used apps. Access to the Google Play Store means you can download virtually any Android application, turning your car into a mobile entertainment and navigation hub. Crucially, this system integrates with existing vehicle functions, including steering wheel controls and the backup camera, offering a far superior experience to a simple phone mount.

Installation process:

1. Removal of the factory head unit and trim pieces.
2. Wiring the new Android All-in-One unit, connecting power, speakers, and any necessary data cables.
3. Mounting the new head unit into the dashboard, ensuring a secure and flush fit.
4. Testing all functions, including touchscreen, audio, navigation apps, and steering wheel controls.

The typical installation time for an Android All-in-One unit is around 2 to 3 hours.

Enhancing Safety with a 3D Surround View System

Complementing the infotainment upgrade, a 3D surround view system significantly boosts driving safety. This system utilizes four cameras strategically placed around the vehicle to provide a comprehensive, 360-degree view of the car's surroundings. It's an invaluable tool for novice drivers, those unfamiliar with their car's dimensions, or anyone navigating tight parking spaces and narrow city streets. The system eliminates blind spots, offering peace of mind and helping to prevent costly accidental damage.

The installation involves mounting the four cameras and then performing a crucial calibration process using a calibration mat. This 'empty load calibration' ensures the different camera views align perfectly on the Android head unit's display. Once calibrated, the system can display an aerial bird's-eye view of the car, along with individual front, rear, and side camera feeds. It often works in conjunction with the vehicle's parking sensors, providing both audible and visual warnings. When reversing, dynamic parking lines appear, guiding your trajectory based on steering wheel input. The side corner views are particularly helpful for maneuvering through tight spots, protecting your wheels and bumpers.

Installation process:

1. Mounting the four exterior cameras (front, rear, sides).
2. Running wiring from each camera to the central control unit and head unit.
3. Performing the 'empty load calibration' using a specialized mat and the head unit's interface.
4. Configuring display options and testing all camera views and parking assist features.

Including camera installation and calibration, the 3D surround view system typically takes about 3 to 4 hours to install.

Before and After: The Transformed Toyota Prius

After the installation of the Motors Value Android All-in-One and 3D surround view system, the Toyota Prius undergoes a significant transformation. The once-cramped factory display is replaced by a large, vibrant screen offering high-definition navigation, seamless app integration, and a modern aesthetic. The 3D surround view system adds a critical layer of safety, making parking and low-speed maneuvering significantly easier and less stressful. This combination effectively modernizes the vehicle's technology, enhancing both convenience and driver confidence. While the original work was performed at a specialist shop in Gimpo, South Korea, the components and technology are globally available. The cost in Korea for both installations was approximately 1,500,000 KRW (around $1,100 USD at the time of review), though prices can vary based on the specific unit and vehicle model.