I am buying a new RDX w/ tech package next month and I've heard some mixed reviews on Acura's navigation system. What do you guys think about the nav system? How does it compare to others?

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

 

mbm0420...I have one with the Tech package and I agree that there are likely some better navigation system (after markets) with 3-D graphics or other special features. Alot of people don't like the fact that you can't enter an address as the vehicle is in motion but to me, its not a huge issue. I like the fact that the Nav system is built in and I don't have to deal with suction cups and wires all over the place, and besides, the Tech Package will add other goodies too so if you are solely buy the Tech Pack for the Nav, I'd day that you will be disappointed but when factored with all the other goodies (HID, ELS Stereo, Power Tailgate, fog lights.. etc), its not too bad.

 

This is my first car nav system. It is not as bad as I first thought, but it doesn't come close to my 3490LMT Garmin Nuvi.

Good luck, Jim

 

In Canada I dont think its worth the extra 3k as you get nav, stereo upgrade and power tailgate and that's it. HID and fogs are standard here.

 

The RDX is my wife's primary driver and she wanted built-in sat nav for volunteer work she does, and I wanted it for the other features that come in the tech pkg. For her, the nav works fine once she figured it out--mainly around town. I drive the car mainly on trips, which we do a lot of, so I see a lot of the nav. I have always used aftermarket nav systems mainly becuase of where they can be situated, at dashtop level, where you don't need to take your eyes so far off the road to see the screen. In that regard, and with regard to the large size of the display, the Acura system is good--the location is high up rather than down by the radio controls as on may other cars. In other regards, it's not nearly as good as a Garmin aftermarket unit. Minuses discovered so far: Route options: only choices seem to be to minimize or maximize use of freeways. Garmin gives choices like "shortest time" or "shortest distance," which are much more useful to me. Map database: limited compared to Garmin and causes "unverified area" and similar messages when driving into well-established areas. Display: when zooming out to get a wider view, it doesn't seem to be possible to keep the direction of travel in the "up" drection which is more intuitive to me. This is possible at the larger scales, though. Controls and menus: seem unduly cumbersome and complicated compared to Garmin; just look at the size of the manual. Weather and traffic data: Don't seem particularly useful to me, and require extra-cost XM subscription after 90 days. I frequently get "weather warnings" that refer to minor items like smoke that aren't even on my route. Traffic warnings are rather alarmist and don't seem to offer accurate or useful information. Garmin traffic data much better. Text to speech: None; it will tell you to turn but will not name the road you're supposed to take. Overall, not nearly as user-friendly as a Garmin unit but it will get you to your destination--eventually.

 

I got a pretty decent background with navigation systems. Since my '04 Accord purchased in '04, I've always gone with OEM navigation systems in all the cars that I've purchased. We did it in my dad's '07 CR-V, my wife's 07 Accord, my '08 Lexus IS 350, and now our '13 Acura.

This will probably be the first time that I plan to use the Nav system less for actual nav. I'm trying to figure out the best setup for using Waze whether it's off my main cell phone, or I get a secondary display device just to power Waze which gets its data off my phone's internet. I'm done with primarily using outdated maps that are reliant on a DVD or hard drive based system. And also need my crowdsourced information for traffic, cops, and speed/red light cameras.

But I got it as a go-to quick, stationary navigation system that's always there for quick stuff. And it's still nice having the big display for audio and (once I hack it) playing vids and stuff. Maybe in the next car I'll go a non-nav route for the first time in 10ish years but maybe by then car manufacturers will catch on and realize their drivers need something that keeps up better.

 

Mine always says names of the streets. There is a setting for that. Read your manual. I responded to a similar comment earlier from someone else and gave the page number of the manual as well.

Check my previous posts if you want to, i am too lazy to do that.

 

I don't think it is worth the extra cost. They have put so many limitations on it (not able to enter while vehicle is moving) and the voice commands do not let you access all the commands. I am very disappointed in these changes as they were not in place on my 2010 TL or my 2008 BMW or 2006 Infiniti. It is possible that the other brands have implemented these constraints (since Acura did between 2010 and the RDX) but I do not know. If they have, the nav is not worth the extra money.

 

Unfortunately this only applies to US models it would seem. There doesn't appear to be anyway to do this on Canadian models.

 

It may take me a while to get used to not having a 3-D view, but that's not a major issue... paper maps aren't in 3-D.
What I wish it had was a voice command to turn off the map, and display your selected wallpaper (eg.: Display Wallpaper ). I really don't like the map up all the time, especially if I know where I am. I know it will display the wallpaper, eventually, if you ignore the safety warning at startup, but there's no way to change to wallpaper once you acknowledge the warning.

 

I'm also considering the 2013 RDX with/without tech package, and the Nav is really the main 'draw' for the package so I'm interested in these comments (back in 2007, you had to get the 'nav' to get the backup camera, but nowadays thankfully that's not the case - the backup camera is something I can no longer live without!)

Are you guys saying you can't even enter an address while driving even using voice commands in the 2013 RDX? My g/f's 2012 Toyota system won't let you use the screen to enter an address in motion, but it will let you do it by voice command, and it seemed to work ok when I tried it today. Voice commands seem ok once you spend the time learning them.

I have a 2007 TL and the navigation system is both wonderful and pathetic at the same time ... how can that be? Finding any kind of business with the 2007 TL system is a joke. Type in "Costco" (literally, this is one of my standard tests nowadays) and you'll be given options 1200 miles away. Type in Costco as a partial entry, and then search for more options, and you'll be forced to select from Costco Pharmacy, Costco Wholesale, Costco Wholesale Inc, Costco Wholesale LLC, Costco Gas, etc - and still none of them will list something you know is 10 miles away. But once you do find a place (I actually use my iPhone nowadays for the 'find' part), the displays are great at getting you there - clear directions, good use of a huge screen, etc. So I do appreciate it even though I laugh at it's database (I even paid the exhorbitant $100+ to get the update, thinking it would make the 'searches' better, to no avail).

The built-in 'Google Navigation' on any android tablet/phone is far superior to anything I've seen in any Acura or Toyota, and of course I've used stand-alone Garmin's and TomToms ... so that's the way I'm leaning ... BUT - and here's the rub - my girlfriend is a 'plug and play' kind of lady, who doesn't want to have to mess with anything, and certainly doesn't want to have to deal with wires and 'mounts' and such. I've also struggled to find a place to put my 7" tablet in a way that it doesn't block anything, isn't a theft target, etc ... and it isn't easy. So having a built-in, despite the obvious rip-off element, does have its attractions ...

Maybe I should consider a top-of-the-line standalone unit ... pay 'big bucks' (like, $500 !) and have it professionally installed so that it's wired and ready to roll at all times ... are there such models??? Is there a place to mount the device that doesn't block buttons, etc? Hanging off the windscreen is just too tacky for a $35k car.

Seriously, the de-coupling of the backup camera from the nav is opening up many possibilities here!

 

Follow on question from my post above - can anyone point me to a picture of the RDX 2013 dash WITHOUT Nav? Every online 'brochure' shows the dash with Nav ...

 

Sorry that you can't see much from this pic, but the screen size looks like it may be slightly smaller than the Nav screen. It does display the typical available audio info, incl. iPod, and even displays wallpaper (pics of your choice):
http://assets.clickmotive.com/invent...6000.jpg?w=590

 

1) You can use the voice command to dictate addresses while the car is moving.
2) Searching for places through categories will net you better results. Using your example, you would go Categories > Shopping > All Categories > Place Name > "costco". This will show nearby Costco around you. Like you, I definitely prefer my mobile phone ("Navigate to nearest Costco", done!), but my dad borrows my car once in a while, and therefore uses the build-in navigation.
3) Took me a while to find you a picture, but find a review of the RDX without foglights, and you'll find a non-Tech car.

http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...nterior#toptab

 

Thanks for the link to the photos! Looks like that area where the display is could 'hold' a 7" tablet, or a bigger smartphone, maybe ... it occurred to me you could buy a 7" 'WiFi' tablet, a 'verizon MiFi', and get a decent data plan ($50/mo, 3 years) for less than the price of the tech package. It's all about would it look appropriate ...

I'll try your 'categories' approach with my '07 TL tomorrow; I would HOPE they are not as bad 5 years later ... but you never know ...

 

You can consider a FreedomPop as well, 500MB / month for free: http://www.freedompop.com/

A warning though, the way they calculate data usage always goes over actual data usage, but 500MB should be more than plenty for tablet usage in a car.

 

The issue I have with the navigation is the inability to access my full phone book or address book via voice commands. You can only access the "next" screen of the lists 3 times and then it stops. You cannot put voice tags on the address book and I don't have the time to put voice tags on the hundreds of names in my phone book (which were imported from my phone). In addition, the phone book no longer has the search function. My 2010 TL did not have any of these limitations. Overall, I am very disappointed in the "new" Acura navigation system.

 

The nav is worth it to me because of the other features you get with it.
It ironic because the Honda Odyssey has the same navigation system as the RDX and you can change its settings while driving without voice commands. At least in 2011.

 

I don't think it is that bad and I like it better than the Audi navigation because the Point of Interests is easier to use. I think Toyota has a better unit with their entune option. I can enter an address while driving when I use the talk command function. I just want that b!tch from the voice guidance turned off and I can't figure that out.

 

Go to the settings and turn the volume off

 

There is an option that she will stop giving you direction, but will then start talking really dirty to you She will go from a bitch to a skank *lol*

 

I have 2 cars in the household. A 2013 RDX and a 2013 Audi S5. I'm totally frustrated and disappoionted in the new Acura nav, especially since my past Acuras were excellent(compared to the competition of the time). The limitations on keying in destinations while moving, weak graphics, phone name tags, etc... make the system so awkward to use that I may consider trading the car.
The new Audi system with Audi connect(google satelite maps, and google search) is awesome. I can voice in complete destinations in one sentence. The traffic download is visually and informationally friendly, etc...The contrast between the two systems is night and day. Acura needs to step up in this area.

 

I am curious if you test drove the vehicle or read reviews before spending your hard earned money (i am assuming) on the car?

It's my understanding that this feature limitation is being mandated by govt agencies. It might end up happening with all vehicles.

 

We did test drive the vehicle and were aware of some of the limitations, but not the extent of the limitations until we lived with the car for a while. The sales person stated that all cars were now like this, and there was not a choice. I accepted this answer until I purchased my 2013 Audi..... and this week the dealer gave me a 2013 TSX loaner that does not have those restrictions. I just find it frustrating and hope someone comes up with a bypass.

 

How are you guys liking the 'rotary dial' method of entry? My '07 TL has the good-old-fashioned touch screen, and I feel more comfortable with that interface - but I could be swayed. I test drove a Honda CR-V and it still has the touch-screen Nav (for $10k less ) . Other than the quality of the leather seats (I love the RDX 'texturing' and perforations!), I was surprised at how well the CR-V stood up to the comparison. I'm finding it hard to justify the extra $10k, especially since I happen to think the CR-V looks better! (Acura took a 'nose-dive' in 2008 - pun intended , and they are only just now digging themselves out of it by reducing the 'beak' profile ... it now just looks 'odd', rather than but-ugly!).

 

Did the comparison include the drivetrain?

 

I'm also disappointed with the Navigation system in the RDZ, especially compared to my '10 TL. I can no longer select a phonebook entry while driving. Moreover, the voice command want let merpage thru entries with the "next" feature unless car is stopped. I can't stop the car
Every time I make a call. Is there a fix available?

 

I'm guessing they figure the automatic collision avoidance feature would be too expensive to include when you are staring at the display paging through you're phone book looking for that one entry.

 

Count me in on the "disappointed" list. Not enough to want to trade or anything, just a little hurt that Acura caved to the safety zealots and disabled some features while in motion.

My main gripe is with the "Nearest ---" feature. It used to show an endless list of nearest restaurants, gas stations,lodging, etc. (even on the 2012 TL I traded for the RDX), but now youhave 3 screens, and youhave to use VR to access those.

Speaking of which, why does the command "Next" get you a greyed-out screen until you hit the Talk button again? Seems like a lot of extra button pushes - and as much distraction as the former endless list was.

 

I had the opportunity to test out the Navigation system for 5 days before deciding if Tech package was worth buying. I decided against it. I think Google Maps far exceeds the built in navigation. It's time for Acura to outsource navigation to Google.

 

Well, I don't know that the map software is the primary issue here. OEM nav has benefits over cellphone apps and aftermarket nav ... bigger display, integrated unit vs. add-on, continuous tracking in no-signal areas (downtown areas with big buildings, in tunnels, etc.), integration with phone (for calling POI's), and so on.

I know some people knock the Honda/Acura maps, but they work fine for me. And I've had 3-D maps before - to me they're just a gimmick, as they make it harder to see things "over the horizon" and compressed by the induced curvature.

The only thing to me is the loss of the beloved Acura functionality - no lockout of features while moving. I guess Honda/Acura has caved in to the safety nannies by blocking some access, and I'm very disappointed in them for doing it. Like someone said above, it can be more dangerous to pull over to the side of the road to enter data than to do it while driving. And it's sure as hell a lot less convenient.

In short, one of the reason I've stayed with Acura - the ability to actually USE the nav system - has now been taken away, and I'll probably look elsewhere next time I trade.

 

Mike_Tx....Keep in mind that most car companies are moving that way. I agree that it is ridiculous because you could have your passenger safely enter this information while driving. It would be clever to have a system that relies on the passenger seat sensor (as with the air bag) to make entering information on a moving Acura doable but then again, here is no 100% guarantee that it would actually be the passenger entering the information. I am all for safety but we are still adults and able to use our judgement on what is safe and what is not.....At least I am.

 

I'm disappointed with the Navigation and handsfreelink but still glad I bought the tech package. For my commute, Waze on my iPhone does a much, much better job re routing due to traffic. Plus, I get along great with Siri on the iPhone but I still argue with the voice commands on handsfreelink. I absolutely love the DVD audio. I was so impressed with the demo DVD that I bought four more within a week. I don't plan to extend the XM subscription. I'd pay extra, though, if I could beam the navigation screens from the phone to the builtin in screen.

 

Do you guys think all these nav issues be resolved when Siri Eyes Free gets integrated?

Seems to me like asking Siri for directions would be a great alternative to the Nav in the RDX.

I could be wrong though. That has happened many times before.

 

I can't find this answer nowhere, but can we bypass the the opening navigation start up? I can't believe I have to press the button in order to do anything with nav or audio. My other cars just go directly to map with no warning prompt which you have to acknowledge. Thanks in advance for any answers.

 

Geo I would LOVE to be wrong here but I am 98% certain the answer is negative but we will wait for a smarter soul than I to weigh-in, so has anyone seen CO Guy Ret'd AF, weather, Mike_TX lately?