NAVI/GPS not available on RX350 while moving?
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 8
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From: Ontario
NAVI/GPS not available on RX350 while moving?
Is this true that I it is nor possible to set destination while the vehicle is in motion? Even via voice command?
I often need to change destination or set a via point while I am driving, including on a highway. I do it via voice or ask my wife to set manually in such case. My MB allows it as well as every model of portable Garmin I've owned.
I heard that Navi on RX350 is blocking that. Is that true? How do you enter destination while you are on a highway? Let's say you need a gas station or a coffee shop, what do you do?
We are shopping for a new RX350 and this sounds like a deal breaker.
I often need to change destination or set a via point while I am driving, including on a highway. I do it via voice or ask my wife to set manually in such case. My MB allows it as well as every model of portable Garmin I've owned.
I heard that Navi on RX350 is blocking that. Is that true? How do you enter destination while you are on a highway? Let's say you need a gas station or a coffee shop, what do you do?
We are shopping for a new RX350 and this sounds like a deal breaker.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
You can set a new destination point via voice command. You can set destination by address, or by POI lookup. ("find nearby Italian Restaurants" for example). I haven't tried to see whether you can set a via point.
Unlike the Garmin, RX nav does not show current speed or speed limit. I miss those features (but they seem to be lacking from most car nav systems).
Overall, I find the voice command easier to use than fiddling with the Garmin while driving (except if you have a passenger do it). The nice 7" screen and lack of dangling power cable is a major plus. But the Garmin is a better nav system per se, customizable (add your own POIs with MapSource), and far, far less expensive to update.
Unlike the Garmin, RX nav does not show current speed or speed limit. I miss those features (but they seem to be lacking from most car nav systems).
Overall, I find the voice command easier to use than fiddling with the Garmin while driving (except if you have a passenger do it). The nice 7" screen and lack of dangling power cable is a major plus. But the Garmin is a better nav system per se, customizable (add your own POIs with MapSource), and far, far less expensive to update.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 381
Likes: 31
From: Napa, CA
There is also Destination Assist while driving. A live person to find and enter a new destination in your NAV system. We have used it several times and it is VERY helpful. It is a paid system after the first year but worth the cost.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 8
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From: Ontario
I do not believe it is available in Canada
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 381
Likes: 31
From: Napa, CA
Sorry, I missed the Canada part. My wife and I like the NAV system but it would have been less attractive without Destination Assist. I wonder if On Star is available in Canada? I guess we shouldn't move. 
Last edited by Tom558; Mar 2, 2014 at 10:44 AM. Reason: fix typo
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 381
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From: Napa, CA
Answering my own question, it looks like it is. SRX maybe?
https://www.onstar.com/web/portal/coveragemap?g=1
https://www.onstar.com/web/portal/coveragemap?g=1
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Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Answering my own question, it looks like it is. SRX maybe?
https://www.onstar.com/web/portal/coveragemap?g=1
https://www.onstar.com/web/portal/coveragemap?g=1
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 381
Likes: 31
From: Napa, CA
Mostly in GM cars I think, but also an aftermarket version. Not a recommendation, mind you, just saying.
Lead Lap
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 609
Likes: 21
From: Colorado Western Slope
Given the limitations of a Lexus NAV system, the only reason I would want one is that the user interface to the remainder of the vehicle is much better than what is available on a non-NAV truck.
Our RX has no NAV, and we keep a $200 Garmin under the driver's seat should we have a need to be guided somewhere, which would be unusual here in Western Colorado.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 8
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From: Ontario
Obviously, Lexus feels it would be a distraction to be entering new destinations when driving down the road. Not necessarily a bad idea. This is a "feature" on all Lexus vehicles, but there are work-arounds that require some re-wiring and adding a switch, etc. Not something I would do however.
Given the limitations of a Lexus NAV system, the only reason I would want one is that the user interface to the remainder of the vehicle is much better than what is available on a non-NAV truck.
Our RX has no NAV, and we keep a $200 Garmin under the driver's seat should we have a need to be guided somewhere, which would be unusual here in Western Colorado.
Given the limitations of a Lexus NAV system, the only reason I would want one is that the user interface to the remainder of the vehicle is much better than what is available on a non-NAV truck.
Our RX has no NAV, and we keep a $200 Garmin under the driver's seat should we have a need to be guided somewhere, which would be unusual here in Western Colorado.
Looks like our money goes to Audi this time around.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 55
From: Ohio
BTW, I just saw the new 4Runner at the local auto-show and was very impressed. It has all the features of a Lexus, and a real off-road capability. The RX was a bit disappointing in its FWD mode (part-time AWD), as we were driving in the snow storm to get to the auto show.
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