Navigation Upgrade
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 347
Likes: 39
From: Alberta
I have no idea why some people have such hate for the navigation systems in these cars. I have both an 06 SC430 and the 15 RX. Are they state of the art? NO! However, they work fine. I have used both many times without issues. I have no idea why people have so much trouble using them. Get a grip guys.
If I could buy a new car with a hole in the dash and about six empty spots for speakers, I think I would. Grab the keys and head straight to a stereo store to spend the $2k on a system that properly enhances and complements the features on my already superior phone while offering a better sound experience.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 813
Likes: 76
From: Arizona
The only thing easier is Apple Play or Android Auto. That’s where Lexus needs to step up. I don’t care...add another 100 lines of useless disclaimers to the screen. If I plow into someone trying to type in a destination, it’s on me. I’ve been far more likely to plow into another car using the frustrating voice commands. It’s been at least two years since I’ve attempted those and doubt I ever will again. It never understands anything even if I follow the prompts and speak v e r y s l o w e l y....
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 341
Likes: 14
From: Ontario
It's about C$400 to upgrade from my 2008 (I think) map on my 2011 and service advisor said take a newer car for a test drive and see if the new map is worth it to you. My experience with the voice is to talk normally, not slowly. In Canada, when speaking possibly French street names for the first time, I still use the English pronunciation. For succeeding uses, i pronounce it the way the nav pronounces the word.
I've tried various Garmin models but none that I kept including one with built in dash cam. I agree that it's nice not to have another screen. When on a long road trip, I still carry maps from CAA.:-)
I've tried various Garmin models but none that I kept including one with built in dash cam. I agree that it's nice not to have another screen. When on a long road trip, I still carry maps from CAA.:-)
Pit Crew
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 207
Likes: 50
From: Oklahoma
I did a map upgrade for free on my 6 yr. old Garmin. Works better than my Lexus navigation system ever has. Never paying for an upgrade.
Last edited by kitlz; Feb 17, 2019 at 11:53 AM. Reason: language
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 813
Likes: 76
From: Arizona
I will be at some point. I use my maps sometimes daily to navigate to customer sites. Don’t like cables, 2nd and 3rd displays, wires and junk running everywhere. The screen is there. I’ve actually had better luck with it than the Apple or Google apps. At least it hasn’t told me to make a legal u-turn, followed by another legal u-turn, followed by another legal u-turn...you get the picture.
Still debating if if I’ll add a lock pick or prestige society something or other, so I can just leave my phone in the console. Watching a video in motion hasn’t been that important to me and while the maps are getting pretty outdated, with the Lexus Enform app, adding an address isn’t all that challenging, so I’ll just keep using it that way.
maybe when the Gen 5 is released, it’ll be sold as an AWD or Hybrid iPad instead of an SUV and we’ll all be happy...doubt it!
Still debating if if I’ll add a lock pick or prestige society something or other, so I can just leave my phone in the console. Watching a video in motion hasn’t been that important to me and while the maps are getting pretty outdated, with the Lexus Enform app, adding an address isn’t all that challenging, so I’ll just keep using it that way.
maybe when the Gen 5 is released, it’ll be sold as an AWD or Hybrid iPad instead of an SUV and we’ll all be happy...doubt it!
Last edited by rj4510; Feb 18, 2019 at 06:56 AM.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: California
Navigation system
Hi, I’m just curious if anyone knows if the 2014 Lexus RX 350 navigation software is available for download? My dad’s Lexus has version 21-13-17, but I know many roads in the San Francisco Bay Area have changed since then. Thanks
Rookie
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 49
Likes: 1
From: CA
GROM VLine ROCKS!!!
I did initial Beta Testing of the VLine for GROM and besides a pesky firmware change they had to make for the backup camera to work, it is a FANTASTIC system. I about 3 months ago I got them to upgrade me to the VL2 with the latest Android OS. It works extremely well. A couple caveats, the CarPlay is still not through licensing with Apple and is in beta mode. You have to click on the CarPlay Icon 6-8 times(I think) to put it in the beta mode. Once active, CarPlay works as well as you'd find on a OEM radio with CarPlay stock. Also, since it is a 3rd pty system, you don't get locked out of your iPhone when using CarPlay. Additionally, you have the option of using th Android portion of the VLine if you so chose. It makes the system much more flexible than any stock Android Play/CarPlay equipped Infotainment system. Lastly, you can hookup a HDMI cable to the box and playback video directly via that. 
Rookie
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 49
Likes: 1
From: CA
See my post above about GROM VLine. Don't waste your money on Lexis Nav software. The Infotainment/Nav system in the 2010 - 2015 SUCKS HARD! Terrible interface and updates are slow and not much value.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 204
Likes: 15
From: Ont