I am currently driving an 2015 RDX loaner, and it is exceedingly frustrating in that if it detects that you are turning the control knob too much, it stops responding and tells you to use voice commands. (Which don't work).

For example, I needed to enter a destination while I was moving. a point of interest search for Hospital by distance... I had to scroll through the first page because the hospital I needed directions to was on the other side of town. Well, because you turned to knob to get to the next screen, screw you, you need to say next. (you press the voice command button and say next, and the damn thing doesn't work!)

Classic example of lets try to reduce driver distraction, and actually making it worse.

PLEASE tell me the TLX doesn't have this kind of intentionally crippled system. The one thing I noticed is a qwerty keyboard comes up on the touchscreen so at least you don't have to enter one letter at a time scrolling side to side with the scroll wheel.

I thought the 2010 TL's Press OK every time you start the car just to be able to use the stereo (never mind the nav) freaking annoying.

 

With all the current systems, selected functions are greyed out when driving. The TLX is no exception. On the plus side, "find nearest hospital" is a pretty easy voice command.

 

Sorry, but the age of us being able to fiddle with stuff and press navi buttons is likely disappearing. I had the same lock outs in my 2013 Accord as I do in the TLX.


Expect the same experience on Toyota, Lexus, GMC, and several others. From what I've read, some brands are more successfully overridden than others. I do agree though that these lockouts can cause a higher level of distraction at times, however, you can thank the NHTSA for this. Right now auto manufacturers are complying with their "Distracted Driver" guidelines.

 

They try to make everything as easy as possible, but they haven't done a perfect job.

To be honest, you might want to sit down with the separate Navigation Manual and see exactly what the voice commands are going to be, and learn the most important ones.

Also...to some extent...these things are solved by the server at AcuraLink. It's annoying to have to already know a specific address you're looking for, and it's also time consuming to have to manually enter the physical address after you find it however you're going to find it.

But you can hit the green button overhead, say New Destination, and then say (for example) to find Hugos Restaurant in Quantico Virginia.

You don't need to know the address.

I suppose you could ask to find St Marys Hospital in Richmond Virginia, or something like that if you're looking for a hospital.

I suspect the loaner RDX was already connected to AcuraLink.

I've used AcuraLink for about a year now, and it works well once you get used to it and used to the order of menus. Of course, the problem with this is that it's a subscription service and the very best prices for it are to buy five years at a time.

:-)

 

Conceptually I understand all the "nannying" but the auto manufacturers should have some interlock or something to allow a passenger to enter a destination.

 

If you can "invent" the process for the driver to be locked out but the passenger to be able to use the controls, your should patent it and license it to car companies. You would make a fortune.

 

Shouldn't be that difficult. Sense a 100 (?) lbs in passenger seat and passenger seatbelt buckled is an easy start as this already exists in most cars today. Maybe add a weight sensor in the passenger door armrest? Just something out of the reach of the driver.

 

I believe the 2015 CRV with Navi allows address to be manually entered while driving by the driver - we were told some such during training. I will check it out. Used to be voice only. A battle won against the litigation lawyers in the name of usability. If so then this should spread to other Honda/Acuras....

 

I'd be surprised if that is the case, but wouldn't mind at all if it were true. Curious to hear your findings.

 

I wonder if you can turn off the safeties within Diag/Developer Mode? I saw a load of stuff in there but would be afraid to touch.

 

You might be able to, but going to guess they are back on by default when you stop the engine and restart.