Traffic through HD Radio vs. XM
 

Hi all,

I've got a 2013 ES350 UL. I recently learned that the newer models (I believe Gen 8. Nav) access traffic updates through the HD Radio, thus not requiring a subscription to XM. I got a chance to try it out on a loaner NX.

I spoke to the technical expert at my local dealer, who said there is no way to update/modify the software to allow this feature on Gen 7's.

Does anyone have any further detail on this? Is it really some sort of hardware topic, or should it be possible to enable this within the Gen 7 systems, if even theoretically? Does the latest software update include anything like this, or is it just a "maps" update?

Any input or opinions are appreciated.


Thanks,
P

I don't know of any way to enable the HD Radio traffic on the XM system. I don't think it's possible.

it's been my experience over the past month that the HD Traffic updates suck.


When comparing them to Waze or even Google Maps on my phone, they are 10-15 minutes behind updating.


running them side by side with waze. twice I ended up sitting in traffic, where waze had already routed me around it.


OEM nav. systems suck in general, every vehicle I have owned since 2005 that has had them..

I've experienced both XM traffic in my 2013 and HD Traffic in my 2015, and I've gotta say...they both equally suck, but at least HD Traffic is free. There isn't a way to enable HD Traffic in XM Traffic cars unfortunately. I bet Lexus had a contract with XM for a bit which probably doesn't allow mods like changing traffic source to be allowed. Dealers also seem to not be able to update the system with the new generation ones either.

My only comment is that there are more streets covered by the HD Radio traffic system than the XM system. I do have both. If seems that the HD Radio traffic is more like Google Maps with the traffic info even on side roads, at least where I live.

No way to get HD Radio traffic on the older system. I've also had both, and like others have said the HD Radio traffic has more coverage (surface roads vs just highways, coverage in non metropolitan areas, etc) but the data isn't very reliable.

You aren't missing anything.

Good info. Thanks folks.

All in all just FYI, I actually prefer the system you have to the new system overall.

In that case, want to trade my ES for your LS? :woot:

Traffic through HD Radio vs. XM
 

I'd have to take a pass ;)

Even though the radios look the same, the hardware is different.
Not sure if it is possible to swap gen 8 into a gen 7 ES but the price will be very high regardless.
Much better to see if a system like android auto or Apple car becomes available as an add on.
Your smartphone will ALWAYS be a few steps ahead of any OEM factory solution.