The 2019 Prius is not one of the numerous 2019 Toyota cars that have Apple CarPlay as a standard feature gone through production. It’s possible that Toyota decided that regular Apple CarPlay wasn’t an essential feature due to the hybrid’s basic functionality.
However, Apple CarPlay has been added to the list of technologies that come standard with the 2020 Prius specs. The Japanese automaker responded to this specific criticism of the 2019 Toyota Prius with a pertinent update.
In This Article...
Is Apple CarPlay available on the 2019 Toyota?
The best way to link your Apple iPhone to your new Toyota is via Apple CarPlay, which is available on all 2019 Toyota models with the Entune 3.0 multimedia system.
Apple CarPlay is there in the Toyota Prius?
- One of the top hybrids in the world, with EPA estimates of up to 58 MPG in the city
- Models with electric all-wheel drive and AWD-e plus 50 combined mpg
- Safety Connect will be standard on all 2020 Prius models.
- On the L Eco, LE, and XLE, there is a new Toyota Audio 7-inch Touch-Screen Display.
- All model grades now have new Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
- TSS-P, or Toyota Safety Sense, is a requirement for all grades.
Dallas, Texas (September 10, 2019) The 2020 Toyota Prius might thank other automakers for following its lead and introducing more gas/electric hybrid vehicles if it could communicate. The production of hybrid vehicles results in lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The Prius, however, in all modesty, would also note that Toyota produces more hybrid models than any other automaker in the United States, that it was the first hybrid vehicle to be mass-produced, and that it is one of the best-selling hybrids in the world.
The Prius would then showcase its combined 58 city/53 highway/56 mpg EPA estimated mileage (L Eco grade). Of course, it would include photographs of the family, including the segment-exclusive AWD-e model, which has an electronic all-wheel drive system that helps give drivers more control when driving in less-than-ideal weather and road conditions at speeds up to 43 mph.
Prius would emphasize that all 2020 versions now come standard with Toyota Safety Connect and improved audio with Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility to close out the dialogue. Prior to this, the top-tier Limited grade was the only one that had Safety Connect. The system comes with a free three-year trial subscription and features Emergency Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Locator, Roadside Assistance, and Automatic Collision Notification.
The Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), a platform that combines a high-strength body construction, multi-link rear suspension, and a low center of gravity, serves as the foundation for the fourth-generation Prius. Prius receives from TNGA a very engaging driving personality along with exceptional ride smoothness and a quiet cabin.
All over the body, complicated forms that are both light and sturdy can be created using high tensile and hot-stamped steels. The hood, rear doorframes, and brake calipers are made of aluminum, which aids in reducing the weight of the car. To strengthen structures, new fastening techniques like laser screw welding and sophisticated adhesives are used.
The fourth-generation Prius is still a pioneer in the hybrid vehicle industry. Its Hybrid Synergy Drive technology utilizes a continuously variable gearbox with planetary gears that is electronically managed to combine the output of two motor-generators and a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine (CVT).
In order to offer brake performance, the electronically controlled brake system coordinates control between regenerative braking and the hydraulic brake force of the vehicle. The gasoline engine is a model of high efficiency in and of itself. It surpasses 40% thermal efficiency, which is among the highest in the world for a gasoline engine, thanks to extremely low internal friction and effective combustion.
The FWD Prius is an extremely efficient vehicle. 58 mpg city, 53 mpg highway, and 56 mpg combined are the EPA’s projected fuel economy ratings for the L Eco grade. The LE, XLE, and Limited, which come with extra features, get 54 mpg in the city, 50 mpg on the highway, and 52 mpg overall.
The lithium-ion battery found in Prius front-wheel drive models is different from the nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery found in AWD-e vehicles. The latter technology offers AWD-e models great battery performance in cold weather because it is naturally resistant to excessive temperature change. Speaking of chilly weather, the improved SofTex-trimmed, heated front seats are standard on the XLE grade (both FWD and AWD-e).
The Prius’ exceptional fuel efficiency is a result of every feature. Thanks to its extremely low 0.24 coefficient of drag (Cd), which is among the lowest of contemporary production passenger cars, the Prius design glides through the air with little wind resistance. By automatically closing when airflow to the radiator is not required, a grille shutter lowers aerodynamic drag. Even the quiet electric compressor used by the air conditioning system employs intelligence to enhance energy efficiency. The Smart-flow (S-FLOW) mode saves energy while assuring passenger comfort by directing airflow only to seated passengers.
In addition to offering superior lighting to halogens, standard Bi-LED headlights and LED rear combo lamps also use less energy and have a longer lifespan. Under the rear spoiler, a full-width glass panel improves rearward sight and serves as a defining Prius design element. All grades also come with a backup camera as standard equipment.
All Prius models have excellent adaptability in addition to having exceptional fuel efficiency. When the rear seatbacks are folded down, the front-wheel drive variants have up to 65.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which is more than some small SUVs have. The modest variation in space provided by the Prius AWD-e versions is attributable to the AWD-e system.
The available Genuine Toyota Accessory cargo crossbars for roof rack attachments, such as for hauling bikes, kayaks, snowboards, or a cargo carrier, increase carrying options for Prius models.
The Prius AWD-e, the first-ever Prius with all-wheel drive, was unveiled by Toyota in 2019. The Prius AWD-e maintains the model’s reputation for exceptional efficiency, with EPA fuel economy ratings of 52 mpg city, 48 mpg highway, and 50 mpg combined. This increases traction for drivers. The Prius AWD-e is now without a doubt one of the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive passenger automobiles on the market in the United States.
The “The e in AWD-e is essential for providing all-wheel drive’s additional grip while also using less gasoline. The automatic, on-demand system does not need a front-to-rear driveshaft, a central differential, or any other mechanism for distributing torque. Rather, the “Electronic is the first letter of AWD-e.
The back wheels are propelled from a stop up to 6 mph by an independent electric, magnet-less rear motor (a Toyota first), and when conditions call for it, up to 43 mph. This sophisticated on-demand technology runs in front-wheel drive as often as it can to enhance fuel economy by sensing when all-wheel drive is not necessary.
For 2019, the Prius got updated aesthetics as well as the new Toyota family-wide grade scheme. The L Eco, LE, XLE, and Limited grades for front-wheel drive remain in the 2020 Prius, along with the AWD-e vehicle in LE and XLE categories. Supersonic Red and Electric Storm Blue, which made their debuts in 2019 and 2020, respectively, remain available.
The common center screen interface is one of the interior elements shared by all Prius models. The Energy Monitor, Hybrid System Indicator and Eco Score, Eco Savings Record, Drive Monitor, Eco Wallet, Eco Diary, Climate Control, driver support systems, audio system content, and navigation system content are all included on the 4.2-in. color Dual Multi-Information Display with customizable screens. The display now includes a symbol for the AWD-e system on AWD-e vehicles.
Highlights of the LE include the driver’s door Smart Key System, Push Button Start and remote illuminated entry, a rear wiper, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Intelligent Parking Assist, in addition to newly standard Safety Connect, 7-in. Toyota Audio with touch-screen display, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa for 2020.
The 7-inch touch-screen display, AM/FM CD player, six speakers, auxiliary audio jack, one USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity, two 2.1-amp USB charge ports, Siri Eyes Free, advanced voice recognition, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming, and an integrated backup camera display are all included in the Toyota Audio system as standard.
Which Prius trims support Apple CarPlay?
For the 2019 model year, the Toyota Prius had a big redesign that included all-wheel drive, but the Prius still lacked one crucial characteristic. Toyota chose not to include the new infotainment system in its best-selling hybrid that is present in other models, such as the Corolla. The 2020 Toyota Prius fixes it, although the remainder of the vehicle is virtually unchanged.
The new infotainment system, which is available on the Prius L Eco, LE, and XLE trim levels, includes support for Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa. Even while Android Auto is now available on certain other Toyota cars, the Prius is still not one among them. The display is a 7.0-inch touchscreen by default.
The Prius, which has been around in its current configuration since the 2016 model year, did not receive any mechanical updates from Toyota. Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system combines a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine for a total of 121 horsepower. The 2019 model year’s all-wheel drive option is still available, and front-wheel drive is the default. With no direct connection to the front wheels, the back wheels are powered by an extra electric motor, much like the all-wheel drive systems used in Toyota’s hybrid crossover vehicles. In the interests of saving gasoline, the technology only operates at speeds up to 43 mph and always defaults to front-wheel drive.
Ratings for fuel economy for the 2020 model year are unchanged. The front-wheel drive L Eco model of the Prius is the most fuel-efficient one, with an EPA rating of 56 mpg combined (58 mpg city, 53 mpg highway). 52 mpg combined is the rating for additional front-wheel drive Prius variants (54 mpg city, 50 mpg highway). Models with all-wheel drive are rated at 50 mpg combined (52 mpg city, 48 mpg highway).
Toyota Safety Sense P is standard on the 2020 Prius, as it is on the majority of other Toyota vehicles (TSS-P). This collection of driver assistance features consists of adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, and autonomous emergency braking.
The base Prius L Eco model with front-wheel drive costs $25,155, while the fully loaded XLE model with all-wheel drive costs $30,205 (all prices include the required $955 destination fee). Toyota also sells the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid, which has an EPA-rated 25 miles of electric range, if the normal Prius isn’t energy-efficient enough for you.
On my Prius, how do I install CarPlay?
Apple CarPlay Setup Guide in Steps
- Utilizing a suitable media cable, connect your iPhone to the USB media port.
- Currently, a prompt should appear on the multimedia system.
- On the audio/multimedia system, hit the Menu button, then select the “Apple CarPlay” symbol.
Toyota installed Apple CarPlay in what year?
The 2019 Toyota Avalon was the first Toyota model to use Apple CarPlay in January 2018. In July 2018, Mazda enabled CarPlay capability for its MZD-Connect system-equipped vehicles manufactured after 2013. August 2018: 2019 Touring models with Boom! Boxes now support Harley-Davidson CarPlay.
When was Toyota CarPlay released?
But starting with the 2019 model year, Toyota has started integrating Apple’s CarPlay across its whole lineup, while Android Auto is still only available on a few particular models.
Is Apple CarPlay available for the 2018 Prius?
Introducing our new Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Interface Systems. The OEM PANA radio command system (MODEL #86140-47270) in the TOYOTA PRIUS models from 2016 to 2018 is compatible with this system. The following face-plate model numbers are also compatible with this system: 510028, 510425, 510054, and 100629. Once our straightforward plug-and-play technology is installed, you can continue to use all OEM features and CarPlay capabilities on your current screen. For the most OEM Integrated value for your money, upgrade with our system rather than replacing the entire radio command system.
The 2018 Toyota Prius has Apple CarPlay, does it not?
The 2018 Toyota Prius Prime is a luxurious, modern, fun-to-drive, and incredibly eco-friendly vehicle. It’s a fantastic hybrid all around that won’t cost the earth.
- Effortless driving and superior handling
- a roomy, comfortable interior
- Modern interior architecture
- full with technology
- HUGE entertainment screen
- Fantastic cruise control
- Outstanding MPG
- good value
- Effective safety measures
- dull exterior
- Entune is not easy to use.
- Lack of Apple CarPlay (yet)
- Back AC airflow is problematic.
The 2018 Toyota Prius Prime is a powerful example of how far hybrid vehicles have come.
You can get an environmentally friendly car for roughly $28,000 that doesn’t feel like you have to give up much in order to own one. So, in addition to feeling better about yourself for choosing an environmentally friendly vehicle, your wallet will also be grateful.
The fuel economy is great even when the car is not operating in electric mode. The car’s overall fuel efficiency is 54 MPG. We were able to travel more than 400 miles in environment mode while using less gas than a full tank. The real cruising range, according to Toyota, is 594 miles. Price-wise, the Prius Prime manages to be roughly $6-7k less expensive than the rival Ford Fusion Energi and Chevrolet Volt.
On the highway or in a city, the Prius Prime is a delight to drive. People in the car remarked on how quiet and pleasant the ride was. I am personally prone to feeling car sick quickly. But even though I was actively using my phone while driving in the Prius Prime, I never once had motion sickness.
The Prius Prime has the finest cruise control performance out of any car we’ve evaluated so far. In fact, it’s so good that it gives the impression that fully autonomous driving is only a few steps away.
The Prius Prime’s futuristic interior has the appearance and functionality of a much more costly car. The Prius Prime’s interior, according to Toyota, is “dramatic. The Toyota Prius Prime’s interior could be considered blatantly futuristic.
It almost feels like you’re getting into a concept car with its enormous 11.6 HD touchscreen infotainment display, wireless charging station for your phone, and bright dashboard with its customisable multi-information display. A color heads-up display that looks like it belongs in Minority Report is another option for the vehicle.
All things considered, even if we adore the enormous center console display, Toyota’s Entune infotainment system itself is not very user-friendly, making navigation while driving distracting. It’s unfortunate that the 2018 model we tested doesn’t support Apple CarPlay; therefore, if you use iOS, it may be wise to hold off until the 2019 model, which will have Apple CarPlay support.
The Toyota Prius Prime’s interior is surprisingly roomy and luxurious. There is space for even backseat passengers to spread out. The backseats of a typical hatchback can be easily folded down for more storage.
There is a catch, thoughthe car can only carry 4 people comfortably. It is very hard to accommodate a 5th passenger in the car due to an immovable hand rest and cupholder that are positioned in the middle of the back row.
Bottom Line
The design of the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime isn’t particularly appealing, and while being very technologically advanced, it doesn’t support Apple CarPlay. Additionally, we discovered that the AC frequently failed to effectively cool backseat occupants.
Despite these few issues, the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime is still enjoyable to drive, comfortable, modern, and incredibly eco-friendly, to name just a few things. It’s a fantastic hybrid all around that won’t cost the earth. The 2018 Toyota Prius Prime comes highly recommended, especially at its relatively affordable price of about $28,000.