I kind of like the built in Navigation and find Android Auto buggy. Why does everyone hate on the built in Nav ? It seems to work fine...I have not found any issues other than it is maddening to try to type something in.

 

Perhaps it's user error, but I find it annoying that I can't turn voice guidance completely off and have it remember my selection for future drives.

Next, I enter addresses via voice guidance and find it more difficult to do so via the built in navigation. Oftentimes, it can't recognize what I'm saying or can't find the location I desire.

Lastly, I like the expanded functionality with both Spotify and messaging in Android Auto.

 

Both work well, IMO. Factory navigation is good, but updating the maps in a pain - should be OTA, but it’s a download to a memory stick (in a specific format) then upload it to the Acura.

Apple Maps works good, but has hiccups when it flags “speed zones” or want to reroute for no reason - then it clears the map and you have to start over - not that easy when going 70+mph. Otherwise it’s pretty accurate and a no brainer. Though both have pulled the wrong address and directions a few times. Nothing is perfect.

Having the screen on the dash up mid level, makes it easy to see on solo 700+ mile day trips.

 

I like keeping the nab map open on the small right side of the screen for seeing as roads approach when I mostly know where I’m going but dont want to miss a turn.

There is some new construction and roads/bypasses on my way to work that currently are not on Acura Navigation, does anyone know how to get updates for a ‘21?

 

Yes. Sign up for an account on Acura: https://mygarage.honda.com/s/find-acura - then you will see if there are any updates for your current vin.

Believe the last Acura Navigation update was in 4/26/2023. Here is the link to Acura's navigation update center, just put in your information: https://acuranavi.navigation.com/home/en_US/AcuraNA/USD

Also, there was just a software update to the info center this week for the 21. To see if its available for yours, go to setting and then "updates" in the main info screen above the dash.

 

I prefer google Nav because the traffic info is more precise. Not sure what vendor Acura uses, but Google Maps tracks the realtime and historical speeds of all Android phones to determine traffic flow and uses that in planning routes.

The other issue with Acura maps is that the map publishing process is slow so street updates are about 2 years old. And they are very expensive ($100-$200 per map) once the 3yr free updates expire.

The main thing I don't like about Google is that they keep upgrading/changing the user interface without warning nor ability to customize back, I'm an "if it aint broke" kind of person and the Google changes are faster than my taste.

 

Starting with the 2024 RDX, Acura added an option to update Acura maps over Wifi.

 

Thats a blessing - as it's a pain in the @ss to go through all the steps to download to a memory stick, then upload to the vehicle. IMO all updates for the vehicle under warranty should be free - otherwise I'll just use Apple CarPlay and google maps.

 

Get used to using third parties, as Acura (Integra) and Honda (most models and trims except Touring) have eliminated the built in Navi. I like mine for just driving around and for trips where I already have a general idea where I am going and just need a bit of assistance here and there but for anything else the built in can be lacking.

 

Agreed. I've never had any major issues with the OEM Navi, but to your point - it is frustrating - but my usual workaround is using voice instead. I'm so used to using Apple Maps it is second nature, but one of the main reasons I enjoy using the OEM is the visual in my HUD display.

 

Acura uses HERE for their mapping and Tom Tom for traffic data.

 

I use Tomtom on Android Auto all the time. Like the cleaner predictable interface and traffic is usually as good as Google maps.

I don't see any press releases saying that Acura has switched to Tomtom traffic, it would make me take a second look at the builtin Acura Nav. Any public sources quoting Tomtom as the Traffic vendor?

 

You don't get the turn by turn directions in your HUD using Apple Maps?

 

Saw this and had Acura Nav running during the morning rush hour to see if anything has changed...

Can confirm that at least in my city in Canada, the traffic updates are as much a joke as they've always been. They could be hours behind for all I know. Unless the colours are meant to show deviations from what's been normal over the last little while. So if traffic on some stretch has slowed to a crawl for the last several months due to construction, it will always show green as that's the norm?

 

I checked for the regular software update and my '21 says it is up to date. Do I need to connect to WIFI for this work? Could it have updated overnight?

 

I always liked the previous Acura built-in units that I’ve used as far back as my first 2003 MDX. Alpine did the software/hardware and they simply *worked*. Maybe the graphics over time left something to be desired from an aesthetics standpoint in comparison to say my current Audi, but again, the hardware/software simply worked.

I’ve given up entirely trying to use my built-in-navigation in my RDX. Voice application is spotty at best and inputting via the trackpad is tedious. The touchscreen in my what would be 20 year-old 2003 MDX was phenomenal in comparison.

My other main gripe is the routing. It’s bananas. I like using the GPS for the mileage-remaining and estimated time to my destination, not so much for actual “I’m lost” needs. However when the car insists on traveling 6 miles out of the way on local roads to get to the highway when my main highway entrance is less than a mile away, it’s aggravating to deal with it trying to reroute me constantly in the wrong direction. No amount of nav-settings adjustments seem to fix it.

Oh well, 20 years ago we all still had flip phones making a built-in-nav a useful novelty. With the real-time ability to mirror multiple navigation apps to our car’s screen via our smart phone, the built-in-nav seems somewhat pointless now. For me the car’s sub par software seals the deal on my above thoughts.

 

Agree with the above. Built it navigation was really cool 10+ years ago but today it’s mostly pointless and doesn’t add any value to a car. Everyone has a smartphone and google maps/waze will always beat the built in system.

I do like having the little map screen open to the right of my music so I can see road names coming up if I’m slightly unfamiliar with the area but it wouldn’t make a difference if I didn’t have it.

 

Agreed, when I got my 2018 it was Apple CarPlay maps and navigation from then on. Just the integration of your favorite places and calendar locations providing directions when needed is just so convenient. Live that it only gives me turn by turn in HUD unless I switch to voice guidance, but it always remembers settings on phone.

 

Agreed, for me the number one thing I prioritize in a car is how easy it is to use Android Auto. Thus I'm skipping the entire touchpad generation of Acuras for my own vehicles (wife drives the RDX). Second priority is driving assists/aids, third priority is comfort, and then far behind are traditional things like power/handling.

 

Interesting. My priorities for a vehicle are the exact opposite to yours.
1. Power/handling...because its a vehicle after all
2. Comfort for me and my passengers
3. Safety features
4. GPS... because really...I could have no GPS in the car or Android Auto...I have a phone that can do that without the car.
I am sure there is a much cheaper car than the RDX with much better Infotainment and implementation of Android Auto...but if its not a great at driving and handling it ain't for me.
To each his own though.

 

Having built-in navi does make a difference if you're listening to music on a USB stick (which I do from time to time). Once I activate Android Auto boom that music is gone.

Going back further in this thread, I reached out to Acura Canada about the traffic updates / slowness in updating. The rep had no clue what I was talking about, just pointed me to the site with the map updates. Applied the latest update and it's 2013.03.14 for me. Does having the latest make the traffic updates come through more smoothly? Can't say for sure. But lately there are times where the colours actually seem plausible.