How do I upgrade my GPS system and is it just maps

[Karen Loving]

I haven't upgraded my GPS software, can I do it myself? And does it just upgrade the maps or does it upgrade  the firmware?

[1990LS400]

My understanding is that 2009 was the last model year in which the RX350 navigation could be updated by the owner and only Lexus dealers have the "Master DVD" and "Navigation Update Tool" needed to update the 2011 RX navigation system.  Here is a web page that shows what is needed to update navigation for each model year and model:  http://www.lexusnavigation.com/what-to-order/

Navigation updates always, of course, update the maps and sometimes the navigation software although it is rare for new features to be added.  You might check with your local Lexus dealer to see if they run any "specials" on navigation updates.

It would be interesting to know how much a Lexus dealer wants to update your navigation.  My "guess" is around $400 but I hope it is less.  Maybe you could post it after you find out.

[Rockriver]

I recently asked about updating my nav system and was given a quote of a few hundred dollars. More importantly, the service manager said that a fresh update still wouldn't include new roads built within the last year or so, including major freeways. Apparently, Lexus is very slow and conservative in this area.  He said he often had to rely on Google Maps on his phone. In my experience, Google has proven to be fairly  current while Apple Map and MapQuest are a little behind. 

[1990LS400]

13 hours ago, Rockriver said:

I recently asked about updating my nav system and was given a quote of a few hundred dollars. More importantly, the service manager said that a fresh update still wouldn't include new roads built within the last year or so, including major freeways. Apparently, Lexus is very slow and conservative in this area.  He said he often had to rely on Google Maps on his phone. In my experience, Google has proven to be fairly  current while Apple Map and MapQuest are a little behind. 

It's not just Lexus.  My neighborhood was built out in the early 1980's but it didn't show on Garmin portable GPS devices until the late 2000's - maybe around 2007.

Toyota/Lexus Map updates come out every November.  You can't expect map update suppliers to capture every change up to the last minute.