Waze vs Lexus Link
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 435
Likes: 158
From: GA
Waze vs Lexus Link
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.
Since the Lexus traffic notifications were so accurate I plan to subscribe to Lexus Link when my trial subscription runs out.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 573
From: PA
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.
Since the Lexus traffic notifications were so accurate I plan to subscribe to Lexus Link when my trial subscription runs out.
Also preferred NuLux to leather so it was a perfect arrangement for me.
Waze is fine.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 435
Likes: 158
From: GA
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.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 573
From: PA
Yet one more example of “Use it or lose it!” Too many of those examples at the age of lots of us!
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 439
From: oh
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.
Since the Lexus traffic notifications were so accurate I plan to subscribe to Lexus Link when my trial subscription runs out.
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.
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 456
From: North Carolina
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.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 435
Likes: 158
From: GA
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.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 435
Likes: 158
From: GA
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.
“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.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 456
From: North Carolina
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.
“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.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 439
From: oh
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 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.
Pit Crew
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 179
Likes: 66
From: Georgia
Racer
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 573
From: PA
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.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 435
Likes: 158
From: GA
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.
I also drove a lot of rural roads where cell service was spotty. I’m not a fan of only using CarPlay.