Hello Group. I am kind of debating if I should upgrade the GPS memory card with a new one (2019)? I was hoping Lexus may upgrade the firmware and I can use my apple phone instead. But I have not heard any news. Has someone upgraded it already? if there a big difference from the old GPS map? Should I buy from a dealer or from fleabay? Is it simple enough to just replace the old GPS card with a new one or dealer needs to do some other programming? You input will be highly appreciated.

 

Any GPS updates come from the dealer...i.e., you get to pay. That's the way map updates work for the LX, and always have. Have you verified that a 2019 version is available?? Toyota does not necessarily supply updates on an annual or any other schedule, but you can call a Toyota or Lexus dealer and ask.

Maps are the same if you're in North America...so what affects you with an update may not affect others in a different area.

The dealer typically does the card replacement for you. Pricing should be in the neighborhood of $200.

My recommendation?? Google maps are superior to Toyota's and, in my experience, Apple's.

hth

eta...google also gives you the bird's-eye view. Better to me in some instances than just lines on a map.

If we're out of range for google maps, we simply use a Garmin gps with maps downloaded prior to starting a boondock expedition.

 

In addition, map updates won't change in all areas every year. There are still many parts of the country that are still poorly mapped and the emphasis is on those areas. In general, metro areas are re-mapped every 5 years or so although points of interest may be updated more frequently.

When NAVTEQ was the map supplier, they used to have a list of updates on their website, but they got bought by HERE and that policy seems to have changed.
Google maps is far more up-to-date.

 

Shop for the best price for a new iPad Pro. You can probably find one for about three times the price of what a Lexus dealer charges just for an update. You will have a set of more often updated maps from google, and can do other things with the iPad when you aren't using it for navigation. And also a bigger, easier to see screen.

However, if your question really is whether the Lexus update to your 2018 system will support Apple CarPlay, I don't know. The most recent internet list of Lexus models that the Lexus 2018 to 2019 update will add CarPlay support to does not include the LX.. That was 6 months ago, and may have changed.

The update has a list price of $199. For that, the parts department sells you an access code. The dealer uses their computer and their Techstream software to enter your newly purchased code to install the update for you. Depending upon the dealer, labor charges for the install may apply as well.
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Thank you very much for all your inputs. The best for me is to go with my phone maps for free. It's a shame for having such a nice vehicle and having a phone on air vents. At least Lexus should have updated the firmware for apple like their cheaper models.

 

I have yet to find an air vent mount that will hold an i7+ on anyplace other than a perfectly paved road. A beanbag up against the left side of the center speaker cover works well.

More than that, we go on many trips where you need a 1:24,000 detailed map.