Question about OEM Navigation Head Unit in 2012 Limited

[ebcoit]

My wife and I purchased a 2012 4Runner Limited three weeks ago. We opted for the upgrade for “premium sound” as we could get the larger screen and the JBL speakers. Last weekend we took a short road trip and decided to play with the nav system. After she pulled the book out named “Display Audio system owner’s manual” we discovered that the system was completely different than the one in the book. Yesterday I stopped in to the dealership where we purchased the car to ask for the correct book. All the salesmen were totally confused. One came out to look at the car and said “that’s weird, they put an old head unit in here, I wonder why?” They went into the back and came out with another book titled “Navigation System Owner’s Manual” and at the top it said “2010 4Runner”. When I started asking questions about getting the correct system they said that the “premium sound” package includes the old system.

Does anyone know what this vehicle is supposed to come with? Is this sloppy system really what Toyota considers “Premium” (this is my first Toyota so I have no reference point)? The version with the smaller screen was MUCH better, IMO. The part that really confuses me is here we are in August, how have they been selling these vehicles for 8+ months and never run across this “old” system in a “new” car?

For reference, I did find this demo online which is the same system I have. Notice that in the address it also says “2010”. http://www.toyota-eshowroom.com/partner/toyotanav4runner2010/index.html
Any help/clarification would be appreciated.

 

[Jaker]

You have the JBL navigation system without Entune. Entune is worthless and a gimmick in my humble opinion. Moreover, you get a much smaller screen with Entune.

My 2012 came with two navigation system manuals: one says "2012 Navigation System Owner's Manual" and the other says "2012 Navigation System Quick Reference Guide."

The sales person just misspoke. It's not necessarily the "older" system. It's just the premium system without Entune (which is the better way to go anyway). In addition, they probably just gave you the only manual they had onhand. I'm not sure why your ride didn't come with the appropriate manual, but it isn't a Toyota or dealership conspiracy.

If you REALLY need to reference the 2012 manual instead of the 2010, it can be found on Toyota's website in PDF. I'm not sure how technologically savvy you are, but I haven't opened mine once.

 

[taylour]

My Entune system does seem a bit gimicky, I think you made the right move for the bigger screen!

 

[Qjake]

What Jaker said :boink:

It's not an old system, my '11 has the JBL. For the 2012 Limited you have two choices Entune or JBL and you have the later and I agree with Jaker it's the better of the two offered.

 

[ebcoit]

Thanks for the info everyone. We're definitly happier witht the larger screen, and that's the primary reason we went with that package. It's not that we're unhappy with it, I think we were just expecting one thing and got another.

 

[qs933]

I have the optional navigation with JBL in my '12 Limited -- it is the "older" DVD-based navigation without Entune. However, I think it's a much better (feature-rich) system than the "newer" flash-based navigation found in Toyota's "Display Audio with Navigation" found on the new Camry, Tacoma, etc.

The flash-based navigation and smaller screen are cheaper overall -- this is Toyota competing with Ford's MyTouch and Chrysler's new infotainment systems. No longer are navigation and touch screens a $2,500 option restricted to top-end vehicles.

 

[Digitalwiz]

while researching for my 2012 limited I looked all over for the jbl option in california. The short answer is that there wasn't one.

The long answer i was told by a dealer is that Toyota phased out that head unit and its not available anymore. This happened sometime mid cycle on the 2012's so there were just 33 available nation wide with the jbl.

the dealer said that entune was a better system but i didnt really believe that. They probably just make more $$ on entune so its automatically better.

In any case i'm happy enough with entune and hope they make the mail and cal apps work with my iphone 4s soon.