My '21 ES 350 is the 3rd ES I've owned over the years. The GPS accuracy on my 2007 was spot on. The only quirk was it didn't like certain highways such as the Taconic Parkway in NYS and so whatever it could to get you off. But I got used to that.

My new 2021 though is a DISASTER! Yesterday we voiced in a destination. The Nav system recognized it perfectly in the database...but wound up taking us on a strange route and worst of all landed us on some dirt roads 1.81 miles from the proper destination! Apple maps figured it correctly from there. This has happened several times both on local tests and actual drives. Has anyone else experienced this?

You would think that Lexus would keep using a "winning" system instead of changing to something inferior. How could the better 2007 technology go downhill 14 years later? Doesn't make sense. Lexus has used this Nav system over several model years now I believe, yes? Why can't they get it right?

Also (and this is really for another thread) I miss the touch screen Nav from my '07. Fiddling with a touchpad while driving is not safe. Having to touchpad a few times just to turn on the AC or raise the bass is a true pain in the a and dangerous. Do others agree??

 

I SURE AGREE AND OTHERS AGREE AS WELL! I have a 2017 ES and I love it, because you have a mouse to grab. The touchpad like on your car sucks. Touchscreen is the way to go. . And yes, I always use my Apple Maps on the phone as an extra set of "eyes", especially with the ETA aspect of it. If I leave NJ to go to Elmsford, NY, the Apple Maps are FAR more accurate with ETA than the GPS in the car. What you described is an ongoing issue with these cars. And yes the NAV is too damn complicated, and if you think your vehicle is complicated, try the LS where you have to go 3 screens in to turn on the heated seats. Yes, use the Apple Maps as a guide. The Apple Maps always is better. You buy the Lexus cars for their mechanical reliability not for their tech.

 

Buy yourself a portable Garmin with lifetime free updates, place it on the dash and you're done... Spot on...

 

It's not great for sure but make sure your settings are proper i.e. DON'T avoid toll roads etc.

 

Just use Apple Maps paired with Apple Car Play. Whether it's apple or google, the maps will be much more mature than anything from any car manufacturer (not sure where they base their maps on)

 

iOS 14.5 is now available to the public make sure to update your iPhone. I will definitely use the new Maps features when taking my kids to the USS Midway Museum.

 

Had a similar instance on a trip to Yosemite. Used Apple Maps heading there. But heading home, with limited cell service, I used the Lexus gps which took me on a route that took a 50 mile detour...

 

The point is I paid $2000 for the Nav option. I shouldn't have to resort to Apple Maps right? My local dealership went through any menu tweaks with me today (no change) and will take the car next week in the hopes of coordinating a solution with corporate. If not Lexus really should give me some sort of credit. As mentioned my '07 was perfect. I feel like I'm going backwards in technology.

 

You don't even need that! Use Apple Car Play or Android Auto through your phone and you have other navigation options. I for one haven't had many problems with the NAV but admit I don't use it that often!

 

That’s why I told my dealer any car with NAV was a non-starter. Would absolutely never buy a car with NAV or without Apple car play.

 

BES350, With the Nav System you have a larger screen to use the Apple Car Play. Plus you have destination assist. I agree, why pay $2000 more for a Nav System that has its many faults. The Apple Maps are superior.

 

It is 2021. Tech companies such as Google, Apple, TomTom, Garmin release weekly over the air software and regular map updates. Embedded navigation is at least several years old when the car is first tried it is released, even more as it ages.

With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the embedded navigation is obsolete. It's like ordering a cassette player in a car that you buy new now.

Just my opinion.

 

What's a cassette player

 

I use Apple Car play to access Google maps. Not sure what you mean when you say Apple Car Play is obsolete.

 

Not sure how you got that out of his comment.