Hello,

I have a 2001 TL currently and am considering a new TL (among other cars although I haven't even gone to check any out in a couple of years). The navigations is extremely important to me. So I'd like to hear from those who use their navis as much as I do.

1. Is the display panel touch still - I really like that feature but thought I heard they stopped that feature for some reason?

2. Can I download my contacts from outlook addresses?

3. Does it allow calling through BT from your phone - is it clear?

4. Does it use BR, DVD or hard drive?

5. Does it have voice recognition - if so is it reliable? Can you do navigation by contact name if it allows you store contacts? - e.g. destination Jane Smith?

 

Oh - one more question - every now and then they'll replace the navigation system with a new model (not just updated driving instructions or firmware). Anyone know if next years model will be the same navigation system or a new one?

 

from what i believe,

1. no it is not touch screen, you use a knob.
3. yes it is very clear, make sure your ac isn't on full speed
4. it is from a dvd
5. yes, and it is reliable

on a side not can i use the new disc in an 05 tl navi?

 

My 2010 SHAWD w Tech is hard drive based. There is no navigation DVD.

 

4G tech's navi are hard drive based. That is one of the features that helped me decide on the TL. HDD's are much faster on the fly than disc based systems. The voice recognition is suprisingly more accurate than I expected. Once in a while it get it wrong, but maybe 10% of the time. (i have a southern draw as well). BT is crystal clear. Although there is no touch screen, the knob control is quite intuitive and, with a lil bit of practice, much safer and faster than touch screen controls. You can navigate by name and import contacts, but there are a few menus to navigate through. All in all, I think it's one of the better navi's out there except for the pricey update installation disc. hope this helps!

 

Thanks for the information!

I really do prefer the touch screen - not sure if that is a deal breaker. I'm reading some great things about the navi in the ES. It would be great if I could find some more online documentation/demos of each system (e.g. https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lex...destination.do) . I'm sure the NAVI is an afterthought for some people but for me it is a HUGE part of my desire for a new car even though the navi in my 01 TL is still very good compared the the junk I get in rental cars. I typically try to get things like NAVI when they change out the system. Most navi upgrades are just firmware but every now and then they completely replace the NAV technology. Anyone know how long the ES has had this model or when the next Navi model is coming out. I probably use my NAVI 3 times a week so it is a very very important feature to me.

 

You can go to http://owners.acura.com/ and go to Model Information. You will need to sign up but then you can download a full navigation manual. My 2010 Tech is on order so I just left the VIN info blank.

 

Best thing to do is go to a dealership and play around with a navi in a 4g tl yourself and make your call as to wether you like it or not.

 

Thanks - I appreciate the info and the input. I like to get other people's thoughts so when I go to the dealership I can see if their concerns are a concern for me or not. I checked out the acura GPS online and while it is better than mine in some ways I'm not sure if I can tolerate the lack of touch interface. I also really like the download address folder feature of the Lexus. I'll be checking out both cars today but right now without driving the two cars the GPS on the Lexus seems much better which is strange because when I bought my current TL, the GPS on the Acura was head and shoulders above the Lexus.

Does anyone know who makes the current Lexus GPS? My old one was made by Alpine. I'm also curious who makes the currrent Lexus GPS if anyone happens to know.

 

I've had my 2010 TL/tech pack for 2 weeks now and am loving it. The navi, not being touch screen is hard to get used to after using touch screens of the Toyota/Lexus type for the last few years, but I am finding it easier and easier. One thing to think about is that the Lexus navi has the annoying lock out feature which doesn't allow any data input while the car is moving. The fact info can be put in the Acura navi while moving is a welcome feature.

 

Hello,

I tested both cars twice today. I really found the Lexus navi far more refined than the TL. Mind you both were much more advanced than my old 2001 TL navi but I would say the Lexus won hands down for a number of reasons but I'm sure there are those who would say they like the Acura better for their own reasons. I would love to combine the handling of the Acura with the navi and the quiet ride of the Lexus. I have to say I think my old 2001 TL looks better than the new TL but to each his own. I thought the generation of TL that came after mine is significantly better looking than the current one. I do like the handling of the new TL but have a very hard time getting over the buck tooth in the front.

 

Except you need to stop if you want to re-route. You cannot change your destination while driving, UNLIKE the TL navi.

 

That alone trumps any disadvantages of the TL Navi system.

 

I agree that is a huge drawback although they have a service that is free for the first year that you ask for the address and the beam it into your destination. I agree though that is a huge set back on the lexus. Fortunately there is a hack to get around that safety feature on the Lexus but I find it annoying you have to use the hack just to get the full functionality of the Lexus.

 

I don't know if it's just because I got used to it or whatever but I don't mind not having a touchscreen on the TL.

The dealership said the main reason why they removed it for 4G is because of people messing up the screen by pushing too hard. Whether that is true I don't know but it makes sense. Maybe it's because it's cheaper to make?

My thoughts:
- touchscreen is nice because of ease of use, don't have to scroll thru a knob, however it can fail (not confirmed), too many fingerprints get on the screen (especially if I was eating in the car)
- The Lexus touchscreen is positioned lower in the cockpit so my hand can easily reach it without disrupting my position. However while driving I have too look down to see the nav. Whereas in the Acura the screen is higher up so I only have to shift my eyes for a second. 3G also had a lower positioned nav so same problem. I'll take safety in 4G over touchscreen anyday, especially when driving in unknown streets.

 

I feel like the touchscreen was a nice gimmick, but functionally problematic. Because you have to be able to touch the controls, they have to be larger and bolder, so less options for making them pretty and fitting in with the interface. You've got that unfortunate fingerprint issue (I often used my knuckle), and the responsiveness wasn't always great.

Now, while scrolling around with the wheel can get dreadfully tedious, I do prefer the position where my arm is basically in an "at rest" position (across the shifter) and not way up in my field of view distracting me from driving. As grymg indicated, it's also easier to see the 4G screen horizontally across from the instrument cluster instead of down lower on the center stack. There are also a lot of nicer features with the 4G navigation like splitscreen and the graphics of exit ramps and such.

I will admit, the Acura navigation is less flashy then others, but it also feels more functional. I'll take functionality and usefulness over flashy 3D any day. In the end, it's whatever gets me to my destination in the safest, most accurate and efficient way possible.

And having to install a workaround to be able to use a system while moving is BS (I had a friend do that for his Land Cruiser).

 

Touchscreens are bad for a car because you can't use them without looking at the screen, while with a knob interface you can memorize how to do basic things while keeping 100% focus on the road. Also touchscreens have to be positioned within reach of the driver where they're further from your field of vision and more subject to glare.

 

I have no problem reaching the NAVI on the 2010 Acura TL - of course touching doesn't do anything but I certainly can touch it.

As for using the navi without looking at the screen - feel free to spell Wilshire without looking at the screen!

Again, I'm not suggesting they do away with the knob - but put the functionality of a touchscreen back in as well. You can use mechanical buttons as well as the touchscreen on the Lexus.

 

At that point I would just use the voice to enter in the addy.

Practice in the parking lot so you get it right while driving.