Hot take: Google Maps is not really much of an upgrade

[theonetruestripes]

I agree in general switching to Google‘s map data/system hasn’t seemed to make a large impact, EXCEPT they do seem to use more human centric spoken directions. Like “turn left at next stop sign” which is a lot better then a distance in yards that might apply to two different close together turns.

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[pointless]

I like the larger fonts for the NEXT thing the driver is supposed to do. Stands out when you looking at the expanded directions, which I typically use.
Map Zoom level could be backed out.

 

[ksumnole]

What I love about the Google Maps upgrade:

- How the map and location pointer freeze for hours on end until I "reboot" the "screens", after 10k miles of flawless driving in the 2025 $110,000 vehicle. Amazing improvement.
- The extra-large font and UI that my 102-year-old grandma can now read clearly from the back seat. (Seriously, she is 102.)
- How my vehicle is not an enhanced data harvester sponsored by Google.

(Was going to add a middle finger, but that's rude.)

 

[timgradywy]

My thoughts:
2D North Up is useless. Zoomed in way too far
Standard 2D isn't much better.
3D mode seems to be the only useful display mode and isn't bad. Its become my default.
Colors look cartoonish. Previous maps looked much nicer
Fonts too big.
Routing in the Bay Area has been much worse vs. MapBox and Apple Maps for me. Doesn't seem to want to show/calculate alternative routes.
I've yet to see any accident/police/other notifications.

IMO, the last version of MapBox was much better than this, but this is the very first version of Google Maps so hopefully the future ones are better. We've got Google Maps in our Volvos, and I think those implementations are better.

I did pre-order the EVPlay CarPlay adapter, so even if Google Maps doesn't improve, I've got an out...

 

[beyondgravity]

Am I supposed to do get turn by turn voice? I am getting only dings and pings when time to turn

 

[godfodder0901]

Am I supposed to do get turn by turn voice? I am getting only dings and pings when time to turn

You have to turn it on. And have data.

 

[R1T Preds Fan]

I’ve been running the new maps against Waze since update, and have found the new routing has actually been superior so far… Time saved on each drive varying anywhere from 2-15 min! I’m not a fan of the coloring and lack of multiple route options when entering a destination. But otherwise vastly improved in saving some time each drive…

 

[Singletracker]

What I love about the Google Maps upgrade:

- How the map and location pointer freeze for hours on end until I "reboot" the "screens", after 10k miles of flawless driving in the 2025 $110,000 vehicle. Amazing improvement.
- The extra-large font and UI that my 102-year-old grandma can now read clearly from the back seat. (Seriously, she is 102.)
- How my vehicle is not an enhanced data harvester sponsored by Google.

(Was going to add a middle finger, but that's rude.)

Yeah. This is a great update for that data harvester Google, but a downgrade for those Rivian owners that value their privacy. I have yet to opt into it, so now my proximity locking doesn’t work and I’m sure Drivers+ won’t work. Don’t know what else will not work. Not a happy camper, here Lost a lot of trust in Rivian

 

[ksumnole]

Yup, this is churning up to be Elon 2.0.

 

[Bigz3393]

It's 1000x better. In GA at least. Old maps constantly took me close but not all the way to the exact destination. Constantly would pull up my phone to check this and would almost always find Google maps offering a faster route than rivian.
Maps also would get stuck in a constant refresh cycle of endless rerouting.
I really hated the maps. Now I feel like I'm happy with my Rivian as is no further updates needed. Thank you Rivian!!!

 

[Bigz3393]

Apple Maps is by far better both aesthetically and with multiple route options. Google is better (at the moment) if searching for points of interest on a map… But Rivian should have gone with Apple if they were choosing an underlying map.

Or as we all know (but Rivian can’t see yet), they should just allow CarPlay in one of their windows for people who want to use it. That would give people access to any mapping app they want of their choice along with other apps that could be useful as well. This is truly a poor strategic decision and I know customers they are losing because of it.

Apple maps is trash get outta here!

 

[Race3]

Apple maps is trash get outta here!

you obviously haven’t used it recently. It’s by far a more beautiful map with much better layouts and 3-D capabilities. Their directions are good and they offer multiple route options. Plus, they don’t track your data the way Google does and it fits extremely well in the Apple ecosystem (I.e. lynx to your Apple calendar). I use Apple Maps for all navigation whenever I can. Google is good for searching a point of interest but otherwise Apple is 100% better. Really wish Rivian allowed it or CarPlay… Because there is no way they’re going to keep up with app options / features otherwise.

 

[Bigz3393]

you obviously haven’t used it recently. It’s by far a more beautiful map with much better layouts and 3-D capabilities. Their directions are good and they offer multiple route options. Plus, they don’t track your data the way Google does and it fits extremely well in the Apple ecosystem (I.e. lynx to your Apple calendar). I use Apple Maps for all navigation whenever I can. Google is good for searching a point of interest but otherwise Apple is 100% better. Really wish Rivian allowed it or CarPlay… Because there is no way they’re going to keep up with app options / features otherwise.

I will admit I have not used it regularly for a long time. Everytime it accidentally opens I get pissed and immediately close out of it lol

 

[Singletracker]

For those who are not pleased with being forced into the Google ecosystem and having Google Maps forced on them, I suggest making yourself known to Rivian. Give them a call. I have spoken with several Rivian personnel, at different levels, regarding this issue. I have been quite adamant regarding my disappointment with this move. As always, the Rivian staff I have dealt with have been great!!! They have listened to my concerns and expressed a sincere desire to seek a solution - maybe an optional mapping system. Thus far, none of these contacts have been in a decision making position, but you gotta start somewhere. I’m not holding my breath. But, we shall see

 

[mackgriggs]

I'm just glad that the bug where the next turn was way too zoomed in from the last update is now fixed. I also appreciate the new search area where home/work is always present, and....that when you click on the search area, it brings up the keyboard immediately. Before..you had to click the magnifying glass/search, then click again in the search box to bring up the keyboard. I hate unnecessary clicks.
I agree that the graphics seem a bit of a downgrade (in general too large), but...could just be " new gui syndrome" where any gui update seems like a worse change until you just get used to it. I know that many times Tesla has increased font size and initially seems jarring, but I bet if you went backwards you would think text was way too small.

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