[TTundra07]

I would not buy the nav system for the following reasons. I have a Lexus ES350 with the same system but the display in the Lexus has a better (higher resolution) display. To say the system sucks is an understatement. I have had several GPS units over the past 10 years. They have all be Garmin units. If Toyota/Lexus had used Garmin and didn’t limit the use while moving then they would have the best.
After using the Lexus GPS I can tell you that except for the high resolution of the screen it is almost a complete waste of money. I basically knew this when I bought the Lexus but I wanted the other features that the built in display afforded.

Here are just a few of the reasons to purchase portable unit vs. a factory unit. All of the things that I list below and much more are available on a portable unit.

1: Cost. You can buy a better Nav. unit for 300.00 to $1000.00. If you want to be really cheap, and have an outstanding GPS then get a GPS with software for about $100.00 that you connect to a laptop. All of these units will do more than any factory installed GPS unit. Even the 300.00 units will out perform the factory units.


1: Maps in the Toyota/Lexus units are not detailed enough anywhere except in the major cities. I can look up an address in most Small towns and the Garmin unit will show it.
The Garmin maps will sometimes even show a road in a field, if it has been there a long time. The Garmin maps are much more detailed in the rural areas.

2: You will find that it will cost at least 200.00 + to update the map in the factory unit. You can update the maps in the portable unit for about 100.00 or less. I can load the whole US and Canada in the Garmin unit and do not have to change from region to region. Seamless navigation coast to coast.

2: After the vehicle is moving you cannot look up POI’s, exits on the interstate, addresses etc. My Lexus has voice recognition to do some things while it is moving but it too sucks. I have looked at the Toyota but I don’t know if it has the voice recognition or not. As soon as you get in a rural area the Nav unit will tell you that the information displayed is not accurate. (if you are in the nav. mode.)

3: You can’t change the map detail with out zooming in.

These are just a few of the reasons not to buy the factory unit. There are many other reasons too numerous to mention here. The only reason I would/did buy a factory unit was the other features that I could not get without the built in display. I think you can buy the Tundra with the backup camera etc. without the nav unit.

Just my two cents for what it’s worth..