I got the NAV on my 2011 RX-350 and it is ok, but a Garmin actually has a better display and more features, plus you can input a destination in a Garmin while moving (ie a passenger could do it for safety). The built-in NAV won't even allow a passenger to input information while in motion. Also they take away the mirror compass when the NAV is installed which is a big minus. Other items such as dashboard readout of your radio station, CD, etc. are also removed. On any new Lexus I would opt not to have the NAV system.

 

If you want the most bang for your buck, I think buying a 2010 or 2011 pre-owned model with nav is more cost effective than buying a 2012 new vehicle without nav (assuming you would like to have the nav at minimal cost).

 

Going with that same train of thought, a used Toyota Highlander with a navi is even more bang for the buck.

 

I gotta say, TomTom's are great and I used one for the last 8 years or so because I didn't have one in my last Lexus. I still think that the technology in TomTom's are better and more advanced than the built in Nav on the RX (Can't find some of my friend's address). Having said that, I still got the built-in Nav because I didn't want to have to put up the Tomtom every time I need to use it. It's nice to just get in the car and have it right there, no extra wires hanging around or worry when I might hit a bumpy road and the Tomtom falls off.

 

The stand alone NAV systems have some neat features we don't in the built in system such as the ability to measure true speed against your speedo or tell what your current elevation is above sea level. But they're dedicated to being just a well-featured NAV system, not the radio/AC control/car feature control and all the stuff built into the one in the car. I miss my Magellan but given a choice of built in or hung on, I'd take the Lexus system any day with all the stuff built into it plus the remote control.

 

And dont forget the added resale value of the Navi option. If you trade in your car every 4-5 years, you will get at least 25% of the cost of the navi back .

 

@ Cruiter and Gman, I agree. Which is why "Navigation" was one of the requirements when I was shopped for my RX. But I still love my Tomtom with life time maps and life time traffic.

 

We have a Garmin as well, we keep it in the car just in case we need to find some POI while we are on the road and dont feel like stopping.

 

I have one of the original Garmin Nuvi 660's (back when they cost $800!!!). I have the Navigation in my 450h but since I purchased lifetime maps from Garmin, I always take it with me on trips. Getting the updates every 3 months has been helpful. I just program my route and then turn it off and throw it in the door pocket. I then use it to find POI's along the way if needed. It is also nice that I can do my trip planning on my laptop and then transfer it to the Garmin. Using the two together has worked well for me. I will probably get the Navigation system on any future vehicles that I purchase, but the updates will have to be considered on a case by case basis.

 

Yes, but a Toyota Highlander is no Lexus RX. My wife drove a new Highlander and we both commented on the overall plasticy feeling of the interior, then we drove over to the Lexus dealer and when you opened the door it was like night and day. Utility vs. Luxury.

 

Yes, get both the Nav and HID headlights, I doubt you will regret either.

 

Thanks for all the replys...lots of good points from everyone!!! I must say this a awesome forum!!!

Thanks,
Kiedoy

 

I don't think the navigation system is worth the extra money. I'm a new owner of a Lexus RX350 and every time I put in a destination I get a route through every back road imaginable. It seems it does every thing possible to avoid any interstates and the fastest route. If I'm on an interstate it wants me to get off and go back to the back roads. And since it comes with a 500 page owners manual that makes it harder to comprehend. If I really want to go somewhere that I'm not familiar with I'll use either my Garmin, or Android phone with Google Maps or WAZE. When I had it on I found it to be a distraction and now travel with it off. I love the car and all the other features. For me, I wish Lexus/Toyota would come up with something more user friendly.

 

try these instructions:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/8458180-post111.html

 

We have, luckily, had excellent results with ours. Would definitely buy it again. I assume there's a great deal of variability depending on where you live and use it.