Navigation for a new guy

As this is our first Toyota I am unsure of how exactly the GPS systems works (in terms of updates). I believe I am correct that the GPS map is on the microSD card in the dash. The vehicle is a '19 so I am not very concerned about it. However, when it comes time how do you update the GPS?
Do you buy a new SD card? Do you get the current one updated with the new map?
I am sorry for the mish mash of questions. Not exactly sure how to word the question.
Thanks for being patient with my ignorance.
Ryan

 

I believe the updates are done over the ToyotaEntune app, although I am not sure on this.

 

I've got a 19 also. I just recently looked for entune updates (which *I think* includes navigation). there were no updates needed/available at the time but apparently the process is that you download the update to a computer, then you need a USB drive- they stress a blank one with at least 2gb free) transfer update to the usb then plug it into the vehicle usb port and upload.

 

After you use it for about 3 months you'll get so aggravated with it that you'll use a Garmin or a cell phone app to navigate, so no update will ever be required!

 

Boy, that sounds like a pain in the ass for someone who doesn't have a regular computer anymore. Looks like I'll be dumping the factory head unit for something more modern eventually.

 

I hope they are free updates. Our Infiniti was a few hundred a year (we never did it)!
May I ask where you found the information about the computer & USB updates?
Thanks,
Ryan

 

When my wife went to Tennessee this summer she said the same thing "Google maps on my phone is more accurate than the truck!" As it was very new I figured that she was more comfortable with Google Maps.
Good to know.
Thanks,
Ryan

 

I have tried using the navigation a few times and concluded that Google maps was much better for me. I'm glad to know I'm not alone.

That's not to say that Google maps is infallible, though. I've had it try to send me down a bike trail!

 

https://securedp.toyota.com/download-app/getHeadUnits

 

I can update entune from the head unit. Is this update for the GPS? I do appreciate it.
Thanks,
Ryan

 

I generally like Google Maps but it got me completely lost in Tallahassee around 1130 last Friday night. punched my phone off the holder and used the 4Runner nav for the first time with good results. will probably go between the two for a while and see what I like better. I used Waze a few times..it gets me where Im going but seems to try to find the longest possible route in any situation

 

not sure. in my case, it just told me no updates were available. Mine might have been updated just before I bought it

 

Anyone know if the dealer will check for updates free on request during a new vehicle warranty period?

 

That’s the only problem with built in GPS it not as good as using your phone with google maps. My 19 Corvette does not have built in GPS I use my Apple car play. Whey better. I used it the hole week when my wife and I went to NC. Even tho my 2020 Pro has built in GPS I will be using my iPhone for my google maps for most of the time.

 

This says you can do it on your own but the previous page said to go to the dealer.

http://toyota.custhelp.com/app/answ...se-a-navigation-update-for-my-toyota-vehicle?

http://toyota.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/10376/session/L2F2LzEvdGltZS8xNTc5MjAyMzM5L2dlbi8xNTc5MjAyMzM5L3NpZC9mVWUyeVF2dkV1b1hEVGtldzF1QUd1ayU3RWkyelNRbEtlNjhsdVglN0VtYnYybzhrbXd4T1psMW1zNXoxV21UX09iSyU3RWExU2xMSE15WGFXeXNsbXNQSnlvOEszQlFnNW1QakVJU1lGRlRnVGElN0VEMzU0Mkg5ZWJZcUxrZyUyMSUyMQ==

I switched over to Google Maps once I saw it tells you how fast you're going and the speed limit of the road you're on like the other navigation devices do.

 

I have had Google maps screw with me also and sometimes has me yelling at it, "why the hell did we go this way!?". I now usually use both the factory and google maps at the same time. Also use Gaia GPS for off road excursions.

 

I haven't dug into yet. Not sure if this applies to us or not. Is our navigation powered by Garmin? Fun fact I grew up less than 1/4 mile where Garmin's HQ is. It was just a farmers field until I was in high school.

https://toyota.garmin.com/toyota/#getStarted

 

If it is by Garmin Toyota got a crappy (cheap) version as is evident by this thread! They also went a long way to hide it. If it was Google maps it would say Google everywhere. I think Garmin would do the same as they make a good product...
Just my thoughts.

 

I think it’s like $200 to get updated maps in our 4runner nav systems. I do know for sure they’re not free.

The Entune system updates that happen over Bluetooth with your phone don’t include GPS map updates.

 

I cannot like that! Also, where did you get the $200 figure? I don't disagree with it; I am just curious. I thought the Entune updated via the satellite/XM radio function but I am a FNG & am still learning. Also it is our first Yota.

 

Sounds like I will continue to use Google maps until I replace the head unit. As much as I love the 4runner, the stock deck with knobs and buttons sprawled out across the dash is pretty cheesy.

 

I agree that the Toyota Nav System is antiquated. But I prefer to use 2 gps anyway. I use Waze or Google maps on a cellular iPad that has a nice big screen, and my Toyota one as well. Between the 2 of them, I know where I am, I know where I’m going, and I know what is happening up ahead and some real time alternatives if I wish to avoid delays.

 

The ~$200 maps update figure is from the dealer.

The reason i said entune updates (free) occur over Bluetooth... in my several years of owning Toyota’s, I only get prompted for updates at times when I’ve just connected via BT. So, I guess I’m just assuming they occur over BT.

 

I just discovered (you guys may already know...) that the map info sits on a micro SD card under the cover on the right side of the display. I just opened the cover for the first time today after having the truck since june. Did not know what was on the SD so I took it out and started messing with stuff til the nav system told me that the maps SD could not be found. worked fine after I put it back. No way they should be charging $200 to update, though they call them stealerships for a reason.

 

Yeah, I agree tama1968! Those fancy buildings and people all sitting around don’t come for free. On the other hand, some dealerships do have good service departments and are thorough and honest. I don’t mind paying big bucks per hour if the task is efficiently performed and done right the first time. If a complex problem is solved for me it’s well worth it in terms of my time. Just don’t try charging me for a 1/2 hour of shop time to check drive shaft bolts, as has been tried once. I just laughed and told them they better check them as part of the warranty service or they’d never see me again. It was all good in the end, but I could see someone missing this BS.