Mini Rant: Paying for Navigation Map Updates

[StillOffshore]

My first vehicle with factory nav...after the moron salesman deleted the address I sent to the truck from the phone, I couldn't force it to accept the address by typing it in. Granted, I haven't sat down and read any manuals to figure it out, but seems like more hassle than I'll ever bother with again.

 

...I go to work, home, and fishing. I know where my house is, I know where to go to earn money to pay for said house, and I'll be damned if I tell GM where I go fishing.

[Cjc]

I have no problem with my factory nav. I had a pioneer nav.now that was a piece of crap.

[sk]

I don't have any problems with the Nav in my 2015. The routing is pretty good and the voice prompts work great.

 

I agree though that having to pay for updates is just STUPID ...

Edited October 6, 2016 by sk

[SouthernSilveradoGuy85]

At first I did wish mine came with nav, especially when you have nav you can also look at the weather on the screen since I like to keep up with the weather. But, now I'm glad it didn't because google maps is just as good as a Garmin and it's free. Then of course I have 4 weather apps on my phone plus an app that's just a radar. At first I didn't like the idea of using my phone for everything when smartphones first came out, but I've gotten used to it.

[Donstar]

I like having navigation "built in" but initial cost and upgrades are a high price to pay for this luxury! I justify having it as more of an emergency device. I seldom leave home not knowing how to get to my destination!

[OkieDavid]

It would almost be worth it if the GM system didn't suck. Ram uses a partnership with Garmin for their uconnect system. I rented one for a week and was very impressed with the quality of their system, much better than what we have with ours. Yes, my truck is a 2014 and the rental was a 2017 but still, the uconnect system is way ahead in features and usability compared to what my slt has.

[JohnnyBlazeZX14R]

I also hate the factory nav. It made me angry almost every time I used it. That is what drove me to upgrade my 2015 to have Android Auto. Now I have integrated google maps on the truck screen. Absolutely love it, its voice recognition is leaps and bounds ahead of GM's crap. I like how it gives 3 route choices, A, B, or C and tells you if the route is clear. This also means free map updates for life.

Edited October 7, 2016 by JohnnyBlazeZX14R

[hurricanoday]

I only use the nav in my 15 denali when I send it the address through the onstar app. Not sure how people don't like that. For actually inputting the address and going through it with buttons, I never was a fan. Really slow.

I don't think I would pay that much for a nav update.

[Penguin VII]

I don't have the nav unit in mine but it has apple carplay and it will update to android auto next time I'm in the shop. That with a new Garmin nav for $160 and I'll be a happy camper. You could afford to replace it twice for what it costs for the factory nav and you can bring it to your next truck as well.

[last truck]

I agree, and use a Garmin too.

[Glava2876]

I have to agree that it seems crappy that we have to pay for Navigation updates.

But, I have to say that I have been very happy with the navigation in my GMC. The hands free option has worked great and is appreciated, since I always had to stop with my Garmin.

I just bought the upgrade for my 2015 Corvette, which loads through the USB port.

When I ordered it from Chevy, I told them that it sucked that I would have to buy one for my GMC of the same year etc. and he told me I could load it in the truck too.

​I am sure that he is wrong on that point, but I haven't tried it yet

[Dunc]

The only time my navigation screen is on is when the 4 yr. old wants to watch the "truck moving on the yellow lines." Navigation in vehicles is a massive waste. Google Maps (with traffic)+bluetooth can't be beat by anything. I understand the OP's issue though with finding it crazy to pay for updates. They should just do over-the-air push updates and be done with it maybe every 6 or 12 months.

Edited October 7, 2016 by Dunc

[GKaufman]

Bought the 2020 navigation update from GM.  Didn't work, they say they'll send a new one.  But first I have to send back the USB stick it comes on!!!  What nonsense, it's coded to my VIN so it's not like anyone else could use it.  I have a trip in next few days and can't wait for this back and forth.  Any decent customer service operation would have just expedited delivery of a new stick.

[mcdavis]

2 hours ago, GKaufman said:

Bought the 2020 navigation update from GM.  Didn't work, they say they'll send a new one.  But first I have to send back the USB stick it comes on!!!  What nonsense, it's coded to my VIN so it's not like anyone else could use it.  I have a trip in next few days and can't wait for this back and forth.  Any decent customer service operation would have just expedited delivery of a new stick.

When you say didn't work, would it not load? I updated to 2020 as well. It loaded fine, but didn't find the test address in Detroit I was given. 

[Philntx]

You can use google maps or Apple maps by just connecting your phone to the truck.  Always up to date.