[kurtzb976]

I’ve been trying to find more info on the Cloud Navigation Feature. I used the search function of this forum, but not really getting any luck. I understand there is a subscription, I’m seeing anything from $8 to $16 per month. Is it worth it?

 

[2VZ-FE]

A trial subscription is included with the purchase of the vehicle

 

[agent_smith]

A trial subscription was included with my new 2021 Limited HiHy. I tried it 4-5 times with local trips where I know the routes and a few trips to destinations 2-3 hrs away. I didn't like it for multiple reasons.It was clumsey to use and the time interval notice to turn was short. IIRC, it would just say turn in xxx feet and not say the road name.
IMHO, google maps is much better. I even prefer my old Garmin unit over the toyota system.
YMMV
J

 

[2VZ-FE]

A trial subscription was included with my new 2021 Limited HiHy. I tried it 4-5 times with local trips where I know the routes and a few trips to destinations 2-3 hrs away. I didn't like it for multiple reasons.It was clumsey to use and the time interval notice to turn was short. IIRC, it would just say turn in xxx feet and not say the road name.
IMHO, google maps is much better. I even prefer my old Garmin unit over the toyota system.
YMMV
J

The 2023 software is google maps based

 

[kurtzb976]

A trial subscription is included with the purchase of the vehicle

I think I saw for 2022 models it was 3 years free, but for 2023 models only 1 year.

 

[kurtzb976]

A trial subscription was included with my new 2021 Limited HiHy. I tried it 4-5 times with local trips where I know the routes and a few trips to destinations 2-3 hrs away. I didn't like it for multiple reasons.It was clumsey to use and the time interval notice to turn was short. IIRC, it would just say turn in xxx feet and not say the road name.
IMHO, google maps is much better. I even prefer my old Garmin unit over the toyota system.
YMMV
J

Right now I have 2019 Honda Pilot and the GPS is made by Garmin. I like it, it is easy to use. I really don't understand the 2023 Toyota Highlander Cloud Navigation Feature. And I don't like paying a monthly fee, for something that should be included in the price.

 

[kurtzb976]

The 2023 software is google maps based

If it is google based, why are they selling it as a subscription?

 

[PAPirate]

If it is google based, why are they selling it as a subscription?

I don't know if it's Google-based or not, but if it is... Google charges companies for API access to their mapping services. If they want to incorporate Google maps into their own product, they pay for that right. Toyota would likely pass that cost on to their own customers. Like I said, I have no idea if that's what is being done here, but Google Maps are not always a free product in all circumstances.

 

[kurtzb976]

I don't know if it's Google-based or not, but if it is... Google charges companies for API access to their mapping services. If they want to incorporate Google maps into their own product, they pay for that right. Toyota would likely pass that cost on to their own customers. Like I said, I have no idea if that's what is being done here, but Google Maps are not always a free product in all circumstances.

I'm confused with the whole thing. I'm looking at the Toyota Highlander hybrid Limited. In the 2023 Audio Multimedia & Connected Services PDF file it says they provide 1 year free for Cloud Navigation, Intelligent Assistant, Destination Assistance. Then it goes up to $16/month. Some other poster said you could just get the Cloud Navigation for $8/month. It’s very confusing.

 

[dklanecky]

Perhaps this will help you understand what it is and what they charge:

Connected Services

www.toyota.com

 

[kurtzb976]

Perhaps this will help you understand what it is and what they charge:

Connected Services

www.toyota.com

Thanks for the link. I’ve been researching this all day. It looks like “Cloud Navigation” is using a Mapbox application. It sounds promising, but I still don’t know if you can pick and choose what parts you want. For example it says Cloud Navigation, Intelligent Assistant, Destination Assistance $16/month. I only want cloud navigation, but it is not clear if you can do that. I’ll keep on looking.

 

[dklanecky]

I think it's very clear that it's all included for one price, don't think you can pick and choose what you want under the Drive Connect Heading, which gives you a one year "free" trial on 12.3-in. Toyota Highlander Audio Multimedia with JBL®12 Premium Audio Platinum, Limited, Platinum Hybrid, Limited Hybrid XSE .

 

[dz302]

I primarily use Google, Waze and sometimes Apple (in work vehicle) for navigation.
I have never used a factory setup that is as user friendly as any of these.
It's worth mentioning that they are all much easier to use with CarPlay or Android Auto.
I have also rarely had a coverage issue due to poor cell service either.
It's too easy these days to have free navigation.
I would buy an inexpensive Garmin or TomTom before a factory system if concerned about cell coverage.

 

[kurtzb976]

I primarily use Google, Waze and sometimes Apple (in work vehicle) for navigation.
I have never used a factory setup that is as user friendly as any of these.
It's worth mentioning that they are all much easier to use with CarPlay or Android Auto.
I have also rarely had a coverage issue due to poor cell service either.
It's too easy these days to have free navigation.
I would buy an inexpensive Garmin or TomTom before a factory system if concerned about cell coverage.

Toyota is going with MapBox for some 2023 models. The video I saw about it was impressive. But you are right there are cheaper alternatives to the paid subscription. I had Garmis in the past, and liked them. The only drawback was you had to hide it when you parked.
I think it's very clear that it's all included for one price, don't think you can pick and choose what you want under the Drive Connect Heading, which gives you a one year "free" trial on 12.3-in. Toyota Highlander Audio Multimedia with JBL®12 Premium Audio Platinum, Limited, Platinum Hybrid, Limited Hybrid XSE .

 

[Ruby Caramel]

We all are being "subscriptioned" to death. pretty soon we are going to have to pay a subscription to breathe air.

 

[kurtzb976]

We all are being "subscriptioned" to death. pretty soon we are going to have to pay a subscription to breathe air.

I don’t think car manufacturers are listening to people. I read a poll that said 75% of the respondents did not like to pay for options that should have been part of the purchase price. But anyway, I'm trying to figure out what happens to your built in Toyota navigation system once the subscription runs out. I read some earlier versions of the navigation systems (Entune Scout GPS) after the subscription ran out, would still work. You just would not have updated maps. I’m asking if that is true for the “Cloud Naviagtion”?

 

[Ruby Caramel]

I don’t think car manufacturers are listening to people. I read a poll that said 75% of the respondents did not like to pay for options that should have been part of the purchase price. But anyway, I'm trying to figure out what happens to your built in Toyota navigation system once the subscription runs out. I read some earlier versions of the navigation systems (Entune Scout GPS) after the subscription ran out, would still work. You just would not have updated maps. I’m asking if that is true for the “Cloud Naviagtion”?

If the information in this YT video is accurate, it would suggest that navigation will not work without an subscription.

 

[kurtzb976]

If the information in this YT video is accurate, it would suggest that navigation will not work without an subscription.

Thanks for the link. It does sound like when your 1 year subscription runs out, if you don’t renew it, you don't have navigation. I wouldn’t mind paying $8/month for navigation, but I don’t want to pay for Destination Assistance and Intelligent assistance. Sounds like a version of OnStar. Entune, Scout GPS, Dynamic Navigation, and now Cloud Navigation can’t Toyota stick with one system and improve, and make it affordable.

 

[JB in AZ]

... can’t Toyota stick with one system and improve, and make it affordable.

Apparently not.

 

[kurtzb976]

Apparently not.

I see you have 2022 Platinum. I assume that uses the Dynamic Navigation system, and you have a free 3 year subscription. Do you know if after 3 years Toyota will still support Dynamic Navigation? I guess I could ask the same question about Entune and Scout GPS. I don’t mind paying a nominal fee to subscribe for the navigation service. But for the 2023s they bundle Cloud Navigation with Destination Assistance and Intelligent assistance which I don’t need or want. And they charge $16/month for it. Four years ago, I wanted to buy a Highlander but I was turned off by the navigation prescription and bought a Honda Pilot instead.