Navigation

Only Tacomas with the premium package have built in nav. Without that the truck relies on your phone via carplay/android auto. You can download maps for offline use with google maps and have a better and more up to date map source. The factory maps aren't great and in most places where you don't have service the map doesn't have much to tell you anyway.

 

Thanks for the replies. That is a huge bummer, especially since I was told that it came with navigation. Guess I'll be looking into aftermarket options.

 

I don't mean to sound like a dick but did you research the truck before paying for it? It's clearly explained on Toyota's website what is included and what options are part of what packages, I don't see how so many people make this mistake.

 

It doesnt clearly explain that it does not come with factory navigation. That is why there are so many people asking this same question. Super helpful post bud.

 

It seems pretty clear that it is not included as standard.

 

Seems clear now that I know. But like I said...if it was as obvious as you say it is then nobody would be asking about this.

 

You’re honestly not missing much. There’s been a few times it’s come in handy but I wouldn’t miss it if it were gone. The interface is incredibly unwieldy, you basically have to give it the address down the the zip code in order for the system to find what you want. Most GPS systems give you results for the nearest whatever store, this one will pull up a Cabelas five states away rather than the one 20 minutes away.

 

Why not get a wireless carplay adapter (or just plug in) and download your areas maps to your phone. That way you'll have maps without cell service and be able to use Google maps for navigation.

Not sure how the factory nav is on the 20+ but it's garbage on my 19. Google maps is far superior.

 

My 2020 took me for one hell of an adventure to get somewhere only a few miles away from my house. Down a very narrow "road" with deep ruts. On the bright side I had just installed my new mud flaps and I was lucky that 4WD managed to engage after I got stuck. After making it through that, it wanted me to drive on someone's posted private property. So I had to go back through where I came. That was the biggest issue for me, leading me down the wrong way until I was basically committed only to find out I couldn't continue down the path because it was private property. I don't know how Toyota gets their map info, but there's definitely issues.

 

I have never had a problem with my 2020 navi, always gets me where I want to go.

 

when i’ in Baja without cellular signal i cant load a map. I need to be on my friends network to enter my destination and then it works. If i turn off the truck no more map until i get a cell signal. Which maps and how do i download it so that my phone can find it without a signal please? Northern Baja specifically.

 

https://support.google.com/maps/answer/6291838?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform=iOS

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Maps app .
   
   
2. Make sure you're connected to the Internet and not in Incognito mode.
3. Search for a place, like San Francisco.
4. At the bottom, tap the name or address of the place tap More .
5. Select Download offline map Download.

Use offline maps
After you download an area, use the Google Maps app just like you normally would. If your internet connection is slow or absent, your offline maps will guide you to your destination.

• Get directions and see routes
• Use navigation
• Search for locations

Tip: Transit, bicycling, or walking directions are unavailable offline. In your offline driving directions, you can’t get traffic info, alternate routes, or lane guidance.

 

My 20' has navigation and I still use Waze or Google maps since they have live traffic updates, user assisted speed traps, stalled vehicles, etc. Never been a huge fan of the built in navigation. Like suggested, if you use carplay with your phone.. you might be surprised how well it works.

 

how about traveling 500 miles between my destination and the border? It appears this link is only for downloading a city? Thanks

 

I have noticed a great amount of sensitivity to when I plug the phone in and get the same message. Plug in while in drive never works, plug in while running but in park sometimes works, plug in while truck is off always works. This was not the case with my VW. FYI I am using android and a oneplus phone

 

Did you actually try it? The city gives you a starting area on the map to download. You move the map around to tell it what area you want to download. If you can't get it all in the original download you just go back and download again where your first download left off.

 

Is there a way to select a route on Google maps? I plan on driving Pacific Coast Highway from L.A to Washington but of course Google uses the quickest route from LA to WA, I've tried what Google suggests but it doesn't work or is there a good map app for road trips? I installed a few different ones but they sucked

 

I just input multiple stops along the way to make it take the route I want. In your case pick a cities along 101 as destinations so that it keeps you on the road you want.

 

Can an older radio (2016 Tacoma) work? Is it coded to the former vehicle? My 2021 "navigation" suck ass, I don't care about Carplay. At least I had a working GPS. It's not a JBL unit by the way.

 

When the 3rd Gen was released, Toyota had “In Vehicle Nav” and “Connected Nav” to differentiate if Nav was built in to the head unit or if you had to connect your phone. See page 26 of this PDF.

http://www.tfltruck.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/2016-toyota-Tacoma-Technical-specs.pdf