Toyota Navigation or Garmin?

... and that map download can be performed over a wifi internet connection before traveling there, and stored as an Offline Map. And Google Maps allows multiple offline maps, so one can pre-load maps for an entire cross-country journey, storage space permitting.

 

I just replaced an '09 Prius with a new '21 LE model. Previously I'd used a Garmin, and found that if I kept the maps updated, the unit worked well. I don't know about your Garmin, but my 2017 model has a feature to use a Garmin app on your smartphone to bring real time traffic data into the GPS via Bluetooth, similar to what you get with Waze or Google Maps, and it's been helpful. But you have to remember to open the app on your phone so it can talk to the GPS.

Now I'm learning to live with Google Maps using Apple CarPlay, which takes some getting used to. Mounting my old GPS in the new car isn't really a good option. There's no decent surface to put the little suction disk, and the nearest power source is in the center console. Too many wires, and Garmin batteries die in about 5 minutes, so it's gotta be plugged in.

 

Once you get used to it, Google maps is great. However, I wish they would enhance the offline map download capability. Yes, you can download large areas...but it is really a pain if you need to download maps for a multistate road trip, etc... However, the fact that the downloaded maps contain your custom waypoints is gold. As 'power user' with tons of points on the map, this is a fantastic feature...no importing, etc...It 'just works'.

BTW - I also use google mymaps extensively to plan trips. In fact, here is an example of our 2020 trip :

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=16JH5jS16swVleaz2iiR0Lh8A8WbYrqq3&usp=sharing

Note that the route DOES show up in the google maps app...but as of this writing, only with a cellular connection. As a backup, I use the maps.me app for the route. This is the one downside (currently) of google maps.

 

yuuuuup, Google maps (after using Google my maps) is freaking sweet.

so many people only scratch the surface of what's possible with the simplest of apps, like Google maps:


that they will never realize much more powerful navigation apps exist:


the stand alone Gps devices are about 12 years behind the curve right now

 

With the increasing storage space of modern smartphones, I haven’t found this to be an issue. I can’t recall the number off hand, but I have all of western Washington stores offline, and was surprised by how little space it used.

 

I use Google maps for a long time, was very happy, but in the past months I observed something unusual...
Somehow, Google directs on winding routes even if the main street is faster ...
It's easy to observe this, because all the cars in front of me are going that way... thinking they use Google Maps too.
Many times I took the main street and was better...

 

Google now defaults to the most fuel efficient route rather than the fastest. At least that's the case here according to the article I read recently. I suppose they made the change everywhere, but I'm not positive about that. There is a thread around here somewhere about that feature and how it might be better for gas cars but not electric or hybrid.

 

It's not the *space* that is an issue...it is the time involved in making sure you have all areas covered. At least in the iOS google Maps app, you need multiple 'sections' to cover an entire state.

In other apps, it is delineated by state, etc...

 

Haha yeah...there are tons of other great apps...but I keep coming back to Google maps. Probably because like I said....it 'just works' with all of my waypoints.

I have quite a few others for hiking, etc...BTW - one often overlooked app is 'maplets'. Kind of cool for national parks and such.

 

ahh, I see. What I did was zoom out enough to cover everything I was interested in, and save that.

 

I did too...however, the iOS app only allows you to zoom out so far...i.e. - there is a limit to how large a single offline map can be. Therefore, multiple maps are often required for a single state. It can be a real pain to line up all of the maps to ensure you have full offline coverage.