The most recent map update for any Lexus car running GEN4 or later hardware is version 18.1 and is available from your local Lexus dealer. Yes, even in the spring of 2022, this releasewhich was made in the fall of 2018remains the most recent.
The final hardware upgrade for vehicles running GEN2/3 technology is v13.1, which was delivered in the Fall of 2013. V15.1 was issued in the Fall of 2015 and is the last update for cars with GEN4 hardware.
To find out which generation of navigation hardware your car has, get in touch with Metro Lexus.
In This Article...
How can I get a free GPS update for my Lexus?
The Lexus Navigation system may be frequently updated using downloadable updates, ensuring that you always have the most up-to-date road and route information in your Lexus and minimizing stress when traveling to a new location.
It’s easy to update the maps, and you probably already have the necessary tools on hand. All you need is an internet-connected computer and a 4GB USB memory stick that is empty and formatted.
Simply watch the video below or continue reading for a step-by-step tutorial to learn how to buy, download, and install the map update on your Lexus.
- Put your 4GB blank, formatted USB memory stick into a computer’s USB port to get started.
- Visit the Lexus customer portal via a web browser and log in. You can now register if you don’t already have an account.
- Click on “e-Store” > “Map & Software Updates” after logging in. To learn more about your update, click the pricing tab.
- Add your car to the shopping basket, accept the terms and conditions, and then pay with a credit card or PayPal.
- To view your paid update, go to the “My Account” tab. Your purchase will appear with three icons next to it when you select “MyDashboard” > “Downloads.”
- Simply click the key icon to allow the map update. A 16-digit activation number will be sent to you, which you can write down or print out.
- You may find instructions on how to download and install the update on your Lexus by selecting the second icon.
- The download can be accessed by clicking the third symbol. The ZIP file can be downloaded, extracted on your computer, and then saved to the empty USB memory stick.
- Now head over to your Lexus with the USB stick and the 16-digit activation key. Follow the directions displayed on the navigation screen after inserting the USB stick into the Lexus’ USB port.
Never hesitate to phone or visit your nearby Lexus center where a fully qualified technician will be pleased to assist you if you need any assistance along the route.
How much does updating a navigation system cost?
The cost of installation varies depending on where you get the work done, from $150 to $450. In general, the cost to install a system increases with its complexity.
Can my Lexus run Google Maps?
Smartphone integration is also a feature of Lexus Link Multimedia. This enables you to link your smartphonewhich is available for iOS and Androidto your vehicle. You may use your favorite apps while driving, like Spotify, Whatsapp, Audible, Google Maps, and Waze, using Siri Voice Assist or OK Google.
What type of GPS does Lexus use?
Only Solution. The in-car navigation ECU in a Lexus uses signals from in-vehicle sensors and signals from Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites to determine the location of the vehicle.
Is updating the navigation system required?
HI CAR TALK, My 2015 Ford Explorer’s factory GPS can now be updated, according to a letter I got. I thought that a factory-installed GPS would update itself automatically. Is it a scam or should I pay the $150 for the update? – Thom
The majority of factory-installed GPS systems do not automatically update. Over-the-air updates are becoming more prevalent now, but they weren’t available when you purchased your 2015 Explorer.
And considering that the GPS system likely cost you $1,000, you’d assume that updates would be provided without charge. Not so.
Roads haven’t changed all that much since then. However, streets are renamed, bridges are replaced, and traffic patterns are altered. Roads are diverted or changed for safety reasons.
Therefore, if you frequently use the navigation system and frequently drive in uncharted territory, it’s generally worth updating every four to five years.
Making the update by yourself might be a pain. That’s not a bad price if your Ford dealer will install the upgrade for you for $150. We’ve witnessed far worse.
You have the option to switch to a superior, cost-free mapping system if you’re not committed to the built-in GPS. We’re referring to Google Maps, which is accessible and updated frequently on any smartphone. If your car has Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which displays your phone’s screen on the dashboard, it is the simplest to operate.
If you don’t have such technology, though, a good phone holder that raises the phone into your line of sight while you’re driving will let you get near to the goal. With a long gooseneck to raise the phone to eye level, there are some really good phone holders that clip to your air vents and others whose base rests in your cup holder.
According to our observations, Google Maps is current, simple to use, and incorporates the most precise traffic information into its navigational instructions.
You get to decide, Thom. However, it might be due for an update any way.
Should a car’s GPS be updated?
It’s crucial to update your GPS frequently, whether it’s portable or built into your vehicle. This gives you access to the most recent maps and facilitates quick and simple movement. The road network is always changing, so it’s critical that your gadget incorporates the most recent modifications to avoid wasting time. Your navigation system’s data can be updated in a number of ways. See the numerous scenarios below.
Update a navigation system with SD card, USB or DVD
Most onboard navigation systems are concerned with this procedure. You have the choice to upgrade your smartphone by downloading the fresh maps, in accordance with the automaker. The update must then be installed by plugging in your SD card or USB key and connecting it to your dashboard. Typically, the maps are obtained through HERE Navigation’s website, which serves as the exclusive retailer for the main automakers. Every supplier offers an online store with model-specific product categories. This gives you access to a sizable selection from which you can pick the update that best meets your requirements. You could also order a DVD or CD, depending on your model, and install the update that way.
Automatic update GPS system
The most recent models come with a SIM card for a GPS system. In this instance, the connected device immediately checks the Internet for new updates as soon as your car starts. This product is definitely more expensive, but it is quite useful on a daily basis because it allows you to instantly know all the advancements on the roads.
Older GPS models: go to the dealer
On the other hand, older vehicles will require the usage of the dealer box. Typically, the supplier himself is responsible for updating your car’s GPS. Make sure that the intended mapping is current and estimate the cost of such an operation well in advance.
How can I add maps to my car navigation system?
In order to support safety-related driving assistance functions in automobiles, such as road sign integration and adaptive cruise control, Google Maps supplies data via Vehicle Map Service (VMS). Offline map data is necessary for these safety measures. Make sure “auto-download” is enabled in the Privacy Center to guarantee that map data is constantly accessible.
Turn on auto-download in the Privacy Center
To activate automatic download:
- Launch the Google Maps application.
- Toggle Settings down at the bottom.
- Tap Offline Maps under Privacy Center.
- Pick Automatically download offline maps.
- As soon as your offline map download is complete, confirm that you have an internet connection.
Advice: If you disable automatic downloads, stored copies of any previously downloaded maps will stay intact, but no new maps will be downloaded.
How can I reactivate my Lexus GPS system?
Press and hold the power button for the audio system for three seconds. You will then be prompted with an option and asked if you want to restart the computer.
The purpose of the Lexus Enform app.
App Suite: The Enform App Suite enables voice-activated access to your preferred vehicle-optimized mobile apps, such as Yelp and music streaming, when a compatible smartphone is connected to the in-car infotainment display.
Who manufactures the Lexus nav system?
The best tools, information, advice, and offers to improve your life with technology are all right here.
The finest thing to happen to automobiles since the invention of the wheel has been Google Maps and Android Auto, which continue to provide free upgrades, new features, and good smartphone connectivity many years after you’ve purchased your brand-new vehicle.
Because Google Maps is constantly updated and offers free live traffic updates, speed camera warnings, and road closure notifications for the duration of the product, it is a significant advance over navigation systems that frequently are included with new automobiles.
Toyota and Lexus are aware of this driver annoyance, so they have partnered with Mapbox to develop a navigation platform to compete with services like Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps.
The new system, which offers two key advantages over conventional systems, will be offered in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
To begin with, Toyota and Lexus designers will have the ability to modify how the navigation experience looks and feels. potentially adding new features and modifying the UI over time.
The maps could be updated more often than with conventional software because to Mapbox’s real-time push functionality.
Toyota and Lexus will decide how frequently this software is updated, but we hope they recognize the importance of keeping up with digital behemoths like Apple and Google.
This can be seen in the recently unveiled Lexus RZ, which comes equipped with the brand-new Lexus Link multimedia platform, which according to Lexus is faster, more user-friendly, and has more capabilities for connectivity, effective trip planning, and information.
Because it has “always-on cloud-based navigation,” it has access to the most recent data on traffic incidents, collisions, and road conditions, just like Google Maps.
The RZ also incorporates a data communication module, which makes it simple to update or add features over the air without preventing the vehicle from being used.
Fortunately, Toyota and Lexus are aware of the need for choice as well, so users can continue to choose Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Can Lexus receive Apple CarPlay?
If you purchased a 2019 ES before that October production cycle, any Lexus Certified Service Center can retrofit and add Apple CarPlay for you to utilize. However, if your 2019 ES was constructed during the October 2018 manufacturing cycle, it was also standard.
How long does it take for the GPS in a car to update?
The same software is provided by both products. Although only available for some models, downloading is free, while shipment costs $25 USD plus shipping. The advantage of choosing shipping is that it avoids the download step, which calls for a PC and fast internet because the file sizes can be substantial.
Although they are not necessary in order to use the navigation system, map updates are recommended since they give users access to the most recent highways and sites of interest, which can vary by up to 15% annually.
Model-specific update timeframes vary, but generally speaking, newer models go more quickly. They can last anything from 20 minutes to 3 hours.
To prevent the car’s battery from dying, the engine should be running during the update.
Visit the Global MapCare website listed below to download your free map for any car that qualifies. Not all models are available for download.