Author: Darren Griffin
 Introduction
Given the appalling weather we have experienced here in the UK this winter, a review of a sun glare shield may seem very bad timing! In fact it has instead served well as an anti-glare shield against the brightness of the snow that we've all been fighting against!
Prius Hoods are a US company who started out with a number of products for the Toyota Prius Hybrid. They have since branched out with satnav hoods for a range of models but for this review we received a glare shield for a GenII Toyota Prius (04 -09).
Design & Construction
 If you prefer the OEM look for your accessories then this hood will tick all your boxes. Manufactured from moulded ABS plastic, the hood fits over the Prius Multi Function Display (MFD) and even the pattern in the plastic matches the Prius dash.
The design of the hood ensures that it gives a much deeper recessed binnacle over the display than is otherwise available and in so doing, reflections from the windscreen and outside are greatly reduced.
Building on this, even the underneath of the hood has been lined with a soft velour type fleck to further reduce reflections.
Installation.
 Fitting the hood is a two minute job. Two small velcro strips are provided which affix to the lower outside edge of the MFD. Once attached you simply grab the hood, flex its sides apart slightly and drop over the MFD. The velcro holds the hood securely and the adhesive will withstand high temperatures should we ever get them!
Once installed the hood looks like it is part of the dashboard, in fact it looks so good that it is hard to understand why the hood was not a part of the original design.
The install is not permanent, nothing is damaged and the hood can be easily removed if needed.
Other Hoods
Building on the success of the original hood, Prius Hoods now offer a wide selection of hoods, all manufactured in the same high quality ABS.
In addition to a hood for the latest Prius model, hoods are also available for a wide range of TomTom and Garmin devices with cut-outs provided for all the necessary access points.
    
A selection of the hoods available. From L to R: Prius, TomTom ONE, Garmin 750, StreetPilot 7200 and Zumo
Click on thumbnails to view larger images
Conclusion
Whilst problems caused by sun-glare may seem a distant dream to many of us right now, these hoods are of high quality and work well. Not only do they reduce issues with glare, they are equally effective in reducing reflections in the windscreen at night from the bright displays.
The Prius Hood reviewed here is effective, looks like a factory part and fits like a glove. Research conducted during the review reveals they have a large following with many satisfied customers and indeed the largest dedicated Prius forum on the internet described this hood as a 'MUST HAVE'. I'd have to agree! |
