I just went on a road trip in my 2024 using the Lexus navigation with Waze running on my wife’s iPhone. The Lexus navigation chose the same routes that Waze chose and we avoided several traffic issues. The only advantage I found with Waze was a couple of accurate police ahead notifications. Unlike the Lexus navigation Waze does not give warnings for school zones.

Since the Lexus traffic notifications were so accurate I plan to subscribe to Lexus Link when my trial subscription runs out.

 

I go with Waze and my iPhone via Apple CarPlay. Avoids cost of Lexus Navigation system and monthly charges, as well. Only need Base model with premium package and a few other options and accessories, rather than more expensive Luxury level.
Also preferred NuLux to leather so it was a perfect arrangement for me.
Waze is fine.

 

Until you lose cell service. I’m retired and went on a cross country road trip in 2019 to see some National Parks. We were in our 2014 MB E350 AMG. I had the Sirius package that included the traffic updates. We lost cell service several times while in the western states and in high elevations but never lost navigation.

 

I guess I could stop at the filling station and get a map…😜

 

I remember those. 😂

I jumped off I-85 south of Atlanta to take some back roads coming home yesterday to avoid Atlanta traffic and was surprised that I remembered how to get home. 🤦

 

Yet one more example of “Use it or lose it!” Too many of those examples at the age of lots of us!

 

I tried the same thing about 4 years ago when I got my 2019 ES. There was no comparison. The Lexus traffic data was really, really bad. The explanation on this discussion board indicated that the Lexus data is derived from radio traffic reports, which are obsolete by the time you get them. OTOH, Google Maps, Waze, Apple Maps, etc. are based on real time data from other users.

It may be that Lexus has upgraded their data source. I recommend running the 2 systems side-by-side for a while before coming to a conclusion. In addition to the traffic info, I would look at route selection, alternative route options, gas stations nearby, restaurants nearby, arrival time estimates, etc.

 

The Lexus system also uses cell data so if you loose signal no updates until signal comes back. On phone the route or larger area can be downloaded so have gps guided maps just not updating if signal lost. Couple of years ago went to NX forum who had this updated interface and was told at times still not reliable so they still used car play or AA when they needed reliability.

 

I ran Waze and Lexus Link simultaneously on two different routes to locations from west Georgia to just north of Tampa. I was on I-75 the first two legs and Lexus Link rerouted me past some traffic jams that Waze didn’t. I was on rural roads on my return trip and they were the same so route selection was good. I don’t see where I can customize either to select gas stations or restaurants.

 

I think it’s been updated. From a description:
“The second-generation Lexus Link system utilizes a dedicated cellular phone (dual-mode CDMA/analog), Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology and 24-hour live-operator support.”

I found it very reliable even though I took two different routes.

 

It still uses cell data for live and operator support but so does the phone. I hope this new system is now more reliable as you say. Even google maps and waze use different routes sometimes. My 2020 ES nav tried to carry me 45 minutes out of the way to avoid an accident that happened 6 hours earlier that was cleared 5 hours earlier because of erroneous updated data. For a system like this new one to mandate a warning for a school that was torn down 10 years earlier shows me it still needs work to make it better. Seems to me that since we have to pay for this they would use the best data sources but it's all about the money.

 

Like I said before, I recommend using both for a while before drawing your conclusion based on one or 2 trips.

I use Google Maps. On Google Maps, you go to Search > Gas Stations or > Restaurants and you can see your options on a map and/or scroll through these options to see details (phone number, address, etc.). If you're enroute somewhere, you click Add Stop to see these options.

 

FastDawg, I live in Atlanta and the Lexus navigation on my 2021 ES is the worst I’ve ever experienced in any vehicle, and vastly inferior to Waze. Enter Blue Pearl Pet Hospital (it’s on Abernathy Road in Sandy Springs). Lexus Nav sends you to California, over 2000 miles away. At least that’s what continually came up the last time I tried it. I showed it to the tech guru out at Nalley and he said just use Apple, Google or Waze like everybody else. That was only one of numerous navigation errors, e.g. sending me the wrong way on one-way streets, or onto streets that had been closed for months due to construction. Lots of features, but basic navigation was pathetic.

 

Use Waze and blue toothed phone, get where you’re goin’ and save a bundle!

 

I believe Lexus Link is on version two now. I drove through downtown Atlanta on the first day of our trip and the Lexus nav tried to divert me to a side street off I-75/85. If I had taken it I could have avoided a big wreck just before the Grady curve. Waze didn’t divert me.

I also drove a lot of rural roads where cell service was spotty. I’m not a fan of only using CarPlay.