Never had any issues with the nav on my '13 GS with north/south issues. As others mentioned, seems like a firmware upgrade might help. As much as I like google maps and waze, i prefer the integration of the Nav in the car. I dislike having a separate navigation mechanism (although i recall seeing some threads discussing screen mirroring with their smartphones and the GS's screen).

 

I love everything else about my new RX450h but the nav system drives me crazy.
It is truly awful

I write mapping software for a living and I suspect that however wrote the Lexus system did not.
It is full of bugs like the fact that it offers a Quick, Ecological and Shortest route but the quick route is usually slower than the other two routes, even when it is exactly the same route.

Sometimes it tells me to take the 6th exit on a roundabout which only has 4 exits.
What it means is take the second exit
Do I have to do modulo arithmetic on all its instructions

Google maps is way better (and free updates)
The fact that the voice command system it completely unusable doesn't help

Are Lexus likely to update this system to a working one sometime?

 

I don't have a GS but I have noticed most in car nav systems are not very good or flat out suck, not worth anywhere near the $1000+ premium they charge for them. I was on a trip and the nav I was using was trying to take me on routes I did not want to use, detail was not very good at all, couldn't find many restaurants or places of attraction. I still take and use a regular map when I go on trips and write out the turns/exits I will be taking before I leave, don't like just depending on the NAV especially in rain/heavy traffic, it can get dangerous.

 

Lexus will not ever update the operating system, and they're not bringing Android/iOS integration to any new models either. Toyota/Lexus is not prepared to give up control/income opportunities to 3rd parties....

 

According to this thread, Lexus has signed a deal with Apple, and CarPlay is about 16 months away from Lexus vehicles, possibly debuting on the next ES.

My experience with Apple Maps is not that great though, so I am not that excited. I'm fine with the system in my GS. I don't experience the issues with it that others here note.

 

That's great, they are going to replace their nav with the only one available which is worse.
I think I'll stick with using Google Maps on my phone

 

I have a 2016 GS and I'm not having any of those issues. it may be the older firmware on the 13 NAV

 

For that very reason, I wanted no part of a Nav system I would have to pay $300 or so for upgrades so I bought a certified 2016 RX 350 thinking I could bluetooth Google maps directly onto my car screen. Found out that won't be happening so I'll be clipping my phone to the air vent.

Even Ford, Chevy and the Korean cars let you do that. Who knew.