Frequency of Updates to Lexus Navigation Maps
#1
Rookie
Thread Starter
Frequency of Updates to Lexus Navigation Maps
i recently purchased a 2019 Lexus ES350. While studying the setup of the Lexus Navigation system I noticed that the Map Information in Navigation Setup stated that the map update was dated April 2018 and that map updates apparently can only be done by Lexus dealers. How often does Lexus provide map updates? Does one have to ask the Lexus dealer to update the maps when taking the car in for service?
Tom
Tom
#2
Lexus Champion
Every November. Updates are not free, so you’ll have to pay if you want an update.
#3
Pole Position
I believe the map updates are released once per year - in the fall. And yes, it has to be done by the dealer. As I understand, expect low $200’s for the update by US dealers. Someone should be able to verify the cost - I am scheduled for the update this Friday.
The cost and currency of the map data is one reason so many people prefer using their smartphones. I prefer the built-in Nav but I won’t bore you with my reasoning. Everyone is free to reach their own conclusions as to the value of the factory Nav based on their personal needs and expectations.
The cost and currency of the map data is one reason so many people prefer using their smartphones. I prefer the built-in Nav but I won’t bore you with my reasoning. Everyone is free to reach their own conclusions as to the value of the factory Nav based on their personal needs and expectations.
#4
Lead Lap
Confused, isnt this platform of nav, dynamic?
GETTING THERE IS EASIER THAN EVER
New Dynamic Navigation* in select vehicles, offers three enhanced features. Enjoy greater accuracy through cloud-based updates with Dynamic Map. Dynamic Route offers alternate routes based on conditions ahead, and Dynamic POI Search automatically sorts Points of Interest results based on relevance. Available on 2018 NX, RC, RC F and LS models only, and complimentary for the first three years of ownership. To learn more, click below.
GETTING THERE IS EASIER THAN EVER
New Dynamic Navigation* in select vehicles, offers three enhanced features. Enjoy greater accuracy through cloud-based updates with Dynamic Map. Dynamic Route offers alternate routes based on conditions ahead, and Dynamic POI Search automatically sorts Points of Interest results based on relevance. Available on 2018 NX, RC, RC F and LS models only, and complimentary for the first three years of ownership. To learn more, click below.
#5
Rookie
Thread Starter
Thanks to everyone who has replied. I, too, am confused about the map updates costing $200 per year when the manual for my 2019 Lexus ES350 says they are complimentary for the first year. I am taking my older Lexus GS300 in for service soon and i’ll Be asking my dealer specifically about the charge for mao updates. If there is a charge for the first year I do not see how it can be described as complimentary. After that I would assume (but will verify) that the navigation subscription should cover the cost of a new map.
#6
Lexus Test Driver
Confused, isnt this platform of nav, dynamic?
GETTING THERE IS EASIER THAN EVER
New Dynamic Navigation* in select vehicles, offers three enhanced features. Enjoy greater accuracy through cloud-based updates with Dynamic Map. Dynamic Route offers alternate routes based on conditions ahead, and Dynamic POI Search automatically sorts Points of Interest results based on relevance. Available on 2018 NX, RC, RC F and LS models only, and complimentary for the first three years of ownership. To learn more, click below.
GETTING THERE IS EASIER THAN EVER
New Dynamic Navigation* in select vehicles, offers three enhanced features. Enjoy greater accuracy through cloud-based updates with Dynamic Map. Dynamic Route offers alternate routes based on conditions ahead, and Dynamic POI Search automatically sorts Points of Interest results based on relevance. Available on 2018 NX, RC, RC F and LS models only, and complimentary for the first three years of ownership. To learn more, click below.
#7
Lexus Champion
Ah yes, my apologies. I forgot they changed it to the 3 years of complimentary updates.
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#8
Sorry. It's a cumbersome system to me and slow to respond. I can't imagine paying for updates. I'll stick to Google Maps or Waze. Both give audio directions from your phone when you are connected as bluetooth audio.
#9
Pole Position
My apologies as well. I wasn’t aware they had changed the map updates for this model year.
#10
To clear up a little here, Dynamic Navigation isn't an "update" per say. Not like in the traditional sense anyways. As you drive along or set destinations, any additional/new roads that aren't in your current navigation software are "overlaid" (my wording for lack of a technical term) onto your current map. This is done using the car's DCM (built in communication module) and any new roads/routes are downloaded from the cloud. The service is free for 3 years. You aren't required to go to a dealership once a year for this to work. After the 3 years are up, if you do not renew this service, the car's navigation system reverts back to how it was originally. The cloud updates aren't written to the navigation system permanently. I believe you basically have something like a 50 mile radius around the car that the Dynamic Nav fills in as you drive.
Now after the 3 years are up, if you decide to renew this service, you will get a traditional nav update as well as an additional 2 years of Dynamic Nav. I don't believe prices are set yet. I've heard they'll be around $300 but that could change. But remember that for $300 you get a traditional "hardcoded" nav update plus 2 additional years of this Dynamic Nav cloud service.
Hope this clears things up a little.
Now after the 3 years are up, if you decide to renew this service, you will get a traditional nav update as well as an additional 2 years of Dynamic Nav. I don't believe prices are set yet. I've heard they'll be around $300 but that could change. But remember that for $300 you get a traditional "hardcoded" nav update plus 2 additional years of this Dynamic Nav cloud service.
Hope this clears things up a little.
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LexNYC83 (05-17-20)
#11
Lead Lap
Am I missing something here? According to the manual it states: "Available on 2018 NX, RC, RC F and LS models only". No ES models??
#13
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: TX
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Lexus Navigation is Horrible
It is so sad that Lexus and other premium vehicle manufacturers continue to refuse to design an interface into their hardware that allows full integration of our cell phones and the far superior Navigation and other software. Both Apple and Android have had the platforms available for several years (Android Auto and Apple Carplay) but it seems Lexus is only grudgingly starting to integrate Carplay only in some of its latest 2019 models. I would love it if they would consider updating older models with this capability but no way are they going to do this.
If you want the best technology, look to the cheaper car manufacturers who have taken the lead in this area.
Thx
If you want the best technology, look to the cheaper car manufacturers who have taken the lead in this area.
Thx
#14
It is so sad that Lexus and other premium vehicle manufacturers continue to refuse to design an interface into their hardware that allows full integration of our cell phones and the far superior Navigation and other software. Both Apple and Android have had the platforms available for several years (Android Auto and Apple Carplay) but it seems Lexus is only grudgingly starting to integrate Carplay only in some of its latest 2019 models. I would love it if they would consider updating older models with this capability but no way are they going to do this.
If you want the best technology, look to the cheaper car manufacturers who have taken the lead in this area.
Thx
If you want the best technology, look to the cheaper car manufacturers who have taken the lead in this area.
Thx
For older vehicles, there are aftermarket options that allow the integration of Android Auto and Apple Carplay.
#15
It’s 3 years complimentary map updates for UK models too but the customer updates the maps themselves via their home PC and a flash drive. The Lexus portal confirms the update (two per annum, one in spring and one in autumn) and it’s generally a 12GB update. Load the flash drive into the car’s USB port, enter the code generated by the portal and let it install. You have to leave the engine running for an hour whilst the updates take place.