2018/2019 Honda Accord & Odysey Factory Garmin Navigation Reviews/Recommendations

 

I'm considering a new 2018 Honda Accord Touring with navigation and a 2019 Honda Odyssey Touring with navigation. I'd be very interested to know about Honda drivers experience with the latest generation of the Garmin based navigation in the 2018+ vehicles (which from my test drive appears to be a major leap forward from the previous Honda/Acura based system which was hopelessly out of date despite purchasing annual DVD map updates). I also have a Garmin DriveSmart 70LMT which is pretty loaded with features and I don't want to step down.

My questions about the Honda 2018+ factory navigation:

Is it reliable (crashes, freezes, location accuracy, routing engine, etc.)?
Is the POI and road data current / just as good as a dashboard Garmin?
Are there shortcomings/disadvantages with the factory nav compared with a dashboard unit?
How does it compare with the alternative of Apple CarPlay?

Hmm, guess not many have

Hmm, guess not many have this yet. Also wondering if I can load POI factory files into the Garmin based factory nav.

another thread

Here is another thread on Honda nav systems. We don't know if the 2018 version is the same as earlier years. Mgarledge is our Honda expert:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/47597

It is likely POIs can be loaded but proximity alerts cannot be made to work. That leaves out red light and speed camera alerts.

dobs108 smile

built-in v. standalone

You have to understand, that "Garmin based" doesn't mean it's this same like Garmin made standalone device. Garamin may design device, but software is usually different. So it doesn't have to work with POI files or maps updates like Garmin device. And it usually doesn't.

If you want to know what you can do with this GPS just ask at dealership or directly at Honda. Even some "unpublished" workarounds may not work with your version of nav or software.

Only car that had Garmin navigation that worked exactly like Garmin was Subaru. But they simply put in-dash mount for regular Garmin unit. But it was a few years ago and they don't do it anymore.

Honda NAV

On some Honda vehicle with Nav build in, map update must be done only at Dealer price range of Map update $200.00 +

Android Auto

That is one advantage of Android Auto/Apple CarPlay over the built ins. The maps are always as up to date as Google or Apple maps, and no update costs or dealer intervention. Of course the downside is that it requires a cell phone, signal and data connection.

I have Android Auto and still prefer my dedicated Garmin nuvi. But as Garmin seems to be on the decline and potentially gradually backing away from the dedicated PND's, I still would not buy a built-in and would instead select a car with Android Auto/Apple Car Play.

--
Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon

well

I've a 2017 civic w/gps nav system

Good
-large screen
-easy to read

Bad
-cant iport pois
-Cant import from other gps (3597)
-many functions disabled if vehicle is in motion
-updates only once a year.
-unable to have different dash & gps brightness
-no school warnings
-software is buggy and they wont fix it

Garmin licenceses the name and thats where it ends.

Call Garmin, talk w/their tech support team and ask them about it

My Software is pre 2010 level in functions

My vote stay away

Ibe a post somewhere on here describing it all

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

new info!

In a recent thread on this site, I just found that proximity alerts for POI files such as red light and speed cameras can run on an Android phone using Google Maps and navigation, and possibly Waze:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/48749

Credit goes to charlesd45.

The 2018 Honda Accord audio system display includes Android Auto that interfaces with the phone using a USB cable. The navigation runs on the phone and is displayed on the car audio display. The car touchscreen can be used and the car listens for Android voice commands using a button on the steering wheel.

The apps needed are the POI Loader app and Radardroid app, both available at the Play Store. For non-members of POI Factory, the POI Factory app is also needed from the Play Store.

dobs108 smile

Honda Nav Map Update

Holy Cow ! $200 for an update. That's crazy. I am looking at a new Honda Pilot, but will see if I can get the extras I want without getting the Navigation system.

android auto

Buy whatever model comes with a large enough dashboard display that has Android Auto. It doesn't need Honda navigation.

Navigation runs on the Android phone and displayed on the dashboard display. It uses Google Maps, not the internal Honda maps. See charlesd45's post on the apps needed for POIs:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/48749

dobs108 smile

Android Auto

The download if needed for Android Auto can be found at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.and... . Video info preview https://www.android.com/auto/

--
Charlie. Nuvi 265 WT and Nuvi 2597 LMT. MapFactor Navigator - Offline Maps & GPS.

Android Auto.

I have used Android Auto for almost a year now and I have been trying to like it. But, there is just no way it measures up in function and features to my Garmin 3597 with Smartphone Link.

--
Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon

Nice car nav. it sounds like you have there.

I can't wait to get into a newer vehicle myself.

Wait for Navteq / Here sale

Driver 38 wrote:

On some Honda vehicle with Nav build in, map update must be done only at Dealer price range of Map update $200.00 +

New Hondas now come with 5 years of map updates free. For older vehicles, I've typically waited until Navteq / Here Navigation (the seller of the discs) puts them on sale, dropping the price substantially. They go on sale frequently particularly towards the end of the map year.

Factory Unit Map Updates

ptownoddy wrote:
Driver 38 wrote:

On some Honda vehicle with Nav build in, map update must be done only at Dealer price range of Map update $200.00 +

New Hondas now come with 5 years of map updates free. For older vehicles, I've typically waited until Navteq / Here Navigation (the seller of the discs) puts them on sale, dropping the price substantially. They go on sale frequently particularly towards the end of the map year.

WOW.... 5 years of free map updates!?

That's fantastic.

I own 3 Honda, 2 with Factory Nav systems but have only updated one of them once time due to the cost of map updates.

It's weird looking, but I use my 3590 on the dashboard right above the built-in Nav system. SOOOOOO much cheaper AND versatile, since I can add POI's to it. I can't do that with the built-in units.

Honda navi system

I would suggest that prior to purchase, you attempt to borrow a Honda for a weekend or at a minimum sit in the parking lot, in a car and input some sample destinations. I personally have found the built in system very difficult to use in finding destinations. In fact, if doing an extended car trip, I always take my Garmin 2689 and it often is my primary navigation device. It is exceptionally easy to use in comparison to the Honda system.

As an example (on the Honda), I can do a search on say "Panera Bread" and ask it to sort by distance. It does, giving me the longest distance away listed first. Now just how damn logical is that!

My system also does not give me what is called a "slip ramp" off the Pennsylvania Turnpike that has been there for about 8 years. I tried an update but it didn't show it and I refused to pay for the update. The dealer wasn't too happy but because I've purchased about nine vehicles from them over 40 years, they comped the upgrade.

I'm looking now to make another vehicle purchase and I will not seek a vehicle with the navi system.

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John from PA

Honda 2014 Accord built in Nav

pratzert wrote:
ptownoddy wrote:
Driver 38 wrote:

On some Honda vehicle with Nav build in, map update must be done only at Dealer price range of Map update $200.00 +

New Hondas now come with 5 years of map updates free. For older vehicles, I've typically waited until Navteq / Here Navigation (the seller of the discs) puts them on sale, dropping the price substantially. They go on sale frequently particularly towards the end of the map year.

WOW.... 5 years of free map updates!?

That's fantastic.

I own 3 Honda, 2 with Factory Nav systems but have only updated one of them once time due to the cost of map updates.

It's weird looking, but I use my 3590 on the dashboard right above the built-in Nav system. SOOOOOO much cheaper AND versatile, since I can add POI's to it. I can't do that with the built-in units.

I have a 2014 Honda Accord and I put POI's and the area redlight cameras in it. Here is how I do it.
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/42862

--
Mary, Nuvi 2450, Garmin Viago, Honda Navigation, Nuvi 750 (gave to son)

.

John from PA wrote:

As an example (on the Honda), I can do a search on say "Panera Bread" and ask it to sort by distance. It does, giving me the longest distance away listed first. Now just how damn logical is that!

Honda drivers don't want to stop driving because it is so much fun & comfy. Hence the reason for the longest distance sorted at the top of the list. How's that for a logical thinking? smile

Honda NAV 2019

It may be too late for this but: We very recently bought a 2019 Honda Pilot with NAV. We expected the Garmin GPS software to work as it had in past Honda NAV systems at least up including 2017. We found it greatly changed for 2019, not for the better. The streets and roads are very under-labeled and with no obvious indication of how the labeled roads are chosen. It is certainly not by choosing the larger roads. The biggest issue I have is that the map view zooms in when you approach a turn to a very close-in (about 2 blocks) view and stays at that close view forever after the turn. The driver has to manually zoom back out after each turn to see a reasonable distance ahead in the trip. This is clearly a safety problem. The prior Honda Nav systems zoomed in smoothly and then automatically zoomed back out after the turn. I expected the new system to behave similarly. Honda has been totally unresponsive and has told us to take it up with Garmin. I consider the this new system useless as a valid NAV tool.

Well ...

That's a very weak reply from Honda. It's their car so their problem. If you had a problem with a tyre would they say you'd need to take it up with the tyre manufacturer?

Garmin's normal implementation of auto zoom zooms in and out so if it doesn't it must be due to a faulty device or the way Honda have implemented it.

--
Where there's a will ... there's a way ... DriveSmart51LMT-S, DriveSmart50LMT-D, Nuvi 2508LMT-D, 1490LMT, 1310, Montana 650T, Etrex 20

Just got a 2019 Honda CR-V

Just got a 2019 Honda CR-V and here is what I have discovered.

1 the vehicle comes with five years of updates FROM Garmin

2. The display is identical to my DriveSmart 55, Navi 1490 and Navi 2689

3. The updates require you to download a setup/update file from the car, take it to your computer, connect to Garmin and download it to the USB stick then tak the USB stick back to the CR-V. https://honda.garmin.com/honda/site;jsessionid=C44B425C5749C...

4. There is no information on purchasing an extension once your five years expire

5. I have not found anyway to update the POIs

So far is is a good substitute for the Garmin IF YOU DO NOT USE POIs

thanks

visiter 555, thanks for the info that the Honda GPS is really a Garmin. We know only a little about it. Loading POIs is still experimental.

dobs108 smile

It comes with a five year

It comes with a five year sub for updates which "may" be once a year.

Settings

Pilot2019 wrote:

It may be too late for this but: We very recently bought a 2019 Honda Pilot with NAV. We expected the Garmin GPS software to work as it had in past Honda NAV systems at least up including 2017. We found it greatly changed for 2019, not for the better. The streets and roads are very under-labeled and with no obvious indication of how the labeled roads are chosen. It is certainly not by choosing the larger roads. The biggest issue I have is that the map view zooms in when you approach a turn to a very close-in (about 2 blocks) view and stays at that close view forever after the turn. The driver has to manually zoom back out after each turn to see a reasonable distance ahead in the trip. This is clearly a safety problem. The prior Honda Nav systems zoomed in smoothly and then automatically zoomed back out after the turn. I expected the new system to behave similarly. Honda has been totally unresponsive and has told us to take it up with Garmin. I consider the this new system useless as a valid NAV tool.

I have a 2014 Accord. Over the last few years when you made a turn it would go half screen with the turn and after the turn it would go back to full screen. It started not going back to full screen. I dug into the settings and found a setting fot it to stay on half screen. I can't remember doing any thing to change the setting to half screen but I must have. I unchecked the setting and all is fine now. Maybe you have a setting to keep it zoomed in. Worth a look.
Mary

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Mary, Nuvi 2450, Garmin Viago, Honda Navigation, Nuvi 750 (gave to son)

Standalone the best

alandb wrote:

That is one advantage of Android Auto/Apple CarPlay over the built ins. The maps are always as up to date as Google or Apple maps, and no update costs or dealer intervention. Of course the downside is that it requires a cell phone, signal and data connection.

I have Android Auto and still prefer my dedicated Garmin nuvi. But as Garmin seems to be on the decline and potentially gradually backing away from the dedicated PND's, I still would not buy a built-in and would instead select a car with Android Auto/Apple Car Play.

I prefer my standalone unit. I keep it updated and can take it no-matter what vehicle I'm driving. All my POI's are always there.

Standalone the best

alandb wrote:

That is one advantage of Android Auto/Apple CarPlay over the built ins. The maps are always as up to date as Google or Apple maps, and no update costs or dealer intervention. Of course the downside is that it requires a cell phone, signal and data connection.

I have Android Auto and still prefer my dedicated Garmin nuvi. But as Garmin seems to be on the decline and potentially gradually backing away from the dedicated PND's, I still would not buy a built-in and would instead select a car with Android Auto/Apple Car Play.

I prefer my standalone unit. I keep it updated and can take it no-matter what vehicle I'm driving. All my POI's are always there.

I prefer my standalone,

I prefer my standalone, also. I don't have a built in or Apple/Android Car Play. I do use Waze, a lot, alongside my Garmin. I used Smartlink and now Drive for Traffic. Even running Waze, Data use is minimal. Waze used about 150 mb for a round trip from VA to FL and back. Smartlink had a very, very small foot print. In the kb range.

--
Frank DriveSmart55 37.322760, -79.511267

Apple Car-Play on Honda Nav System

We just purchased a 2020 Honda Clarity Touring that came with a built-in Nav system. From reading this thread, it sounds like it is a Garmin system but not one of their best efforts.

The manual says that the system will work with Apple Car-Play and/or Android Auto. Several people have commented about using it with Android Auto but I did not spot any postings about experiences with Apple Car-Play. I have never used Apple Car-Play and have no idea what to expect in the best of circumstances. Does anyone have experience with using it on the Honda Nav system?

- Tom -

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XXL540, GO LIVE 1535, GO 620

i have a 2020 ridgeline

I prefer android auto or apple carplay to the builtin nav system. i'm more of a google fan than an apple fan so i use waze or google maps with it, though. so, you'll have to bear with me since my normal phone does the android thing and i only use my apple phone when i'm on work business in the car.

to use the carplay, you use a usb cord to attach phone to car and plug into the usb port under the radio (not the one in the console between seats). it'll ask for permission to data share the first time. on the nav/radio system select "home" then carplay icon (mine was bottom row, next to last on right). from there, select app on phone you want to run. after that, play with it a bit. things like pandora, etc., also are available thru the carplay even while you are using it to navigate.

the good thing about carplay is you're using your phone's app and its waypoints so you don't have to transfer them and it stays with your phone's login. also, siri integration is a plus.

Waiting for 2021 Ridgeline

When the 2021 Ridgeline comes out we hope to get on and with navigation. I have never used Android Auto and look forward to using it. Thanks for the above information.
Mary

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Mary, Nuvi 2450, Garmin Viago, Honda Navigation, Nuvi 750 (gave to son)

21 ridgeline

i've heard it might have wireless android auto. then again, using a cord keeps my phone mostly charged.

Overkill

cratecookie wrote:

i've heard it might have wireless android auto. then again, using a cord keeps my phone mostly charged.

When we go to Houston I plug in my tablet with downloaded maps and Phone with data maps for the entire trip.
We use, and have learned to appreciate the convenience, of our in car navigation. I can only put in 5 way points to have the car go the route we want to go and sometimes she takes a business instead of a regular road. I put the route in the night before and start it to save time the day of the trip. When we turn on the car it asked if we want to continue to the destination and I just click yes and we are on our way.
That being said I download google map to my tablet and keep it open the entire trip with the route we want to go incase the car navigation decides to take me a way we don't want to go. Only being able to put in 5 way points I have to be careful where I put each waypoint to guide the car the way we want to go.
I also keep my google map open with my route and check it every now and then to see if there are any traffic warnings ahead.

--
Mary, Nuvi 2450, Garmin Viago, Honda Navigation, Nuvi 750 (gave to son)

.

cratecookie wrote:

to use the carplay, you use a usb cord to attach phone to car and plug into the usb port under the radio (not the one in the console between seats).

Honda (Accord) 2021 is going wireless on both CarPlay and Android Auto.
https://automobiles.honda.com/accord-sedan/specs-feature-mod...

Free Updates

In reviewing the Navigation manual that came with our new Clarity, I see that updates are supposedly free for five years. Given the astronomical prices everyone charges for updates to their in-dash GPS systems, that is pleasant news.

However, I have still been unable to find a method of loading third-party POI files into this unit. Is there a method of doing this that I have missed?

- Tom -

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XXL540, GO LIVE 1535, GO 620

I have a 2017 Hyundai Azera

-et- wrote:

In reviewing the Navigation manual that came with our new Clarity, I see that updates are supposedly free for five years. Given the astronomical prices everyone charges for updates to their in-dash GPS systems, that is pleasant news.

However, I have still been unable to find a method of loading third-party POI files into this unit. Is there a method of doing this that I have missed?

- Tom -

They used to charge for updates (the charge was minimal), but they have started issuing free updates. I have done three updates since last May (paid for one) and there have been some good changes on there and some that I was looking for but have not occurred as of yet. Namely, new roads. On the Hyundai systems there is no way that I know of, to load third party POI's. Kind of a bummer, but you get used to it.

--
With God, all things are possible. ——State motto of the Great State of Ohio

GARMIN Nav In hond

-et- wrote:

In reviewing the Navigation manual that came with our new Clarity, I see that updates are supposedly free for five years. Given the astronomical prices everyone charges for updates to their in-dash GPS systems, that is pleasant news.

However, I have still been unable to find a method of loading third-party POI files into this unit. Is there a method of doing this that I have missed?

- Tom -

Tom,

I had a long conversation with Garmin about the "Garmin" GPS's in Hondas.

Garmin stated, they Licensed the hardware specs to Honda, and Honda built their own hardware conforming to the specs.

Then, the software was made available and Honda could do what they wanted with it.

The aspect of loading a POI FILE HAD BEEN DISABLED. When Honda gave the unit to Garmin for certification, Garmin pointed out this and that Garmin customers would complain. And they have, but its Hondas implementation and as long as Honda meets the contractual obligations ( I suspect they are minimal, put up the Honda splash screen, get maps from garmin and maybe a couple other things ) Honda was free to include / exclude, change words like up / down to next / previous. One of the things thats absoloutly disabled is the use of the on screen keyboard while the vehicle is in motion, even if there's someone sitting in the passengers seat so they could make changes. Instead, you've got this stupid voice activated interface that can't quite figure out what you want to accomplish. I suspect roadhouse might be the culprit but it's a guess.

If you t0ake the time to put in your own POI's manually, when you change your battery ( i guarantee you will ) you get the pleasure of re-entering your POI's aging because you can't export them and i.port them fter a battery change-out.

As far as I'm concerned, I'm woefully disappointed with Hondas implementation. And, I'm equally disappointed with GARMIN for not mandating certain functionality must be included.. Loading/ unloading POU files for one.

Worse, considering the in dash system is android based, I'm even less impressed there aren't a lot of apps that can be loaded onto the infotainment system.

I've been lokimg for a way to load Waze into this android system as it certainly appears the system has most of the prequsite hardware, GPS.

Honda isn't very forthcoming nor helpful about what additional apps are available nor how to install / customize them.

I was i.pressed with my 1983 accord as it literally ran forever. It had some 350 thousand plus miles on it when a main seal in ghe engine gave out and I was pouring 6 - 12 quarts of oil into it a day.

Now I've got this silly Honda and its got so many software things wrong its not truly useful.

• let's you know of a low tire (TPMS) BUT NOT WHICH ONEp.

• Applies brakes when in cruise control ( i suspect adaptive driving or collision avoidance system ) sees things that aren't there and can bring the car to a stop with nothing else on the road.

So there's a couple of things, but the list goes on and on and on.

If you've not figured it out, I'm done with Honda.

Makes me think of the song, " The old grey mare's not what she used to be! "
Oh, and if you want to talk to someone at Honda to sort any of this out, I've had no success with that.

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

Great to know. Thanks

Great to know. Thanks

I am not sure that I understand

BarneyBadass wrote:
-et- wrote:

In reviewing the Navigation manual that came with our new Clarity, I see that updates are supposedly free for five years. Given the astronomical prices everyone charges for updates to their in-dash GPS systems, that is pleasant news.

However, I have still been unable to find a method of loading third-party POI files into this unit. Is there a method of doing this that I have missed?

- Tom -

If you t0ake the time to put in your own POI's manually, when you change your battery ( i guarantee you will ) you get the pleasure of re-entering your POI's aging because you can't export them and i.port them fter a battery change-out.

I am not sure that I understand this statement. Are you implying that it is not possible to put in a file of multiple POI locations but that it is possible to create a file in the Honda system and enter individual POI into that?

- Tom -

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XXL540, GO LIVE 1535, GO 620

Here's the deal

In my 2017:

1), POI's can neither be imported nor exported.

2). If you take the time to manually input your POI's, any time your battery must be replaced or disconnected, the POI's will be removed.

3.) There is / was no consideration for the inclusion of a CMOS battery backup to be incorporated to prevent this poor behavioral characteristic ( not the only poorly designed aspect to this semi nav system.

4). Updates to the Nav system are only available for 5 years from time of mfg, not purchase. They are abysmally slow when updating the maps because of a less than steler CPU as well as a slow USB port.. GRRRRR!!!!

5). If there's a way to add things like red light / speed cam stuff, I've not discovered those processes / procedures

Hope that helps.

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

Thanks Barney

You answered my question, although the answer was not what I had been hoping to hear.

I had hoped that Honda's inclusion of five years of free updates might mean that they were willing to include a more useful system than other auto manufacturers. So much for that fantasy . . .

- Tom -

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XXL540, GO LIVE 1535, GO 620

NP..

Tom,

Glad I could answer the uestion for you..

I've got a lot to say about the short Cummings of what they've done with these cars and the electronic systems in general..

Known problem:

The satalite radio looses communications with satalites for no reason. - refuses to fix

System detects low tire pressure. Unable to identify which wheel.

Crash avoidance system causes vehicle to come to sudden stop when it detects Casper the Ghost on otherwise empty highways.

Unable to hold car at speed when using cruise control. If I want to set car to cruise at 65, actual setting must be 66 or 67.

Seems like many problems reported through the computer are not logged so they can be resolved.

Problems aren't discretely identified.

Its like going to the Dr and he takes your tempature, discovers its at 102.3 and always concludes you have a fungus growth on your left buttox even though there's no fungus but you do have the flu, an infection from an absessed tooth, an inner ear infection...

Nope, you've got fungus growth on your left buttox

Makes me wonder what the data is they collect on their race vehicles.

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

Most car speedometers...

"Unable to hold car at speed when using cruise control. If I want to set car to cruise at 65, actual setting must be 66 or 67."

...are set to show a lower speed. Most people have a tendency to drive faster that the speed limit, so the manufacturers cause the speedometer to register a lower speed than they are actually going. When I set the cruise in my car it will display the actual limit on my in-car nav system. It is always higher that the speed showing on the speedometer. Example; driving yesterday, the speed on the nav was showing 75 mph. The speedometer was showing 72 mph. This is something that the manufacturers have been doing for the last several years.
Conversely, my 2006 GMC will show the exact speed. If my 3597 shows 70 mph, the speedometer will also show 70 mph.

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With God, all things are possible. ——State motto of the Great State of Ohio