Do you like your CX-9 Navigation?
- Thread starter NGC
- Start date
- :
- 2022 CX-5 Turbo
CX9's navigation system is a basic version of what is on Lexus (both from Denso), which is not the best in auto industry. Acura has arguably the best OE system.
There are several advantages of an OE system that a portable one can't beat:
- extrapolate current position when GPS signal is lost
By take speed and steering angle from your vehicle's computer, OE system can do this.
Your portable system will stay where the signal was lost.
- cut down stereo sound volume when the system speaks.
- quick boot up in 2 seconds or less
Those are three of the major advantages of an OE system.
Other than those, I am sure, many will be happy to list their disadvantages, cost being the #1. Expensive map update comes as #2. Poor usability comes as #3.... and so on.
Let the bashing begin...
There are several advantages of an OE system that a portable one can't beat:
- extrapolate current position when GPS signal is lost
By take speed and steering angle from your vehicle's computer, OE system can do this.
Your portable system will stay where the signal was lost.
- cut down stereo sound volume when the system speaks.
- quick boot up in 2 seconds or less
Those are three of the major advantages of an OE system.
Other than those, I am sure, many will be happy to list their disadvantages, cost being the #1. Expensive map update comes as #2. Poor usability comes as #3.... and so on.
Let the bashing begin...
i have 2009 and since it came as part of the GT Assist package to get the power liftgate and rearview camera which i wanted, i got it. i don't think it's so bad but then again i would be perfectly happy with a 4.3" garmin as well. if i had the chance to buy a 2010, i would try to locate vehicle with power liftgate and the rearview camera without the NAV and use a portable gps to save a few bucks. but i'm pretty happy with it too. one other drawback on this particular OE NAV is that you cannot be messing with the NAV setup while driving more than 5 mph (the touchscreen grays out some key functions) presumably for safety (should have your eyes on the road, not mucking around on a NAV), but there are other posters on this site who may be able to tell you how to deactivate that safety feature.
IslandTractor
Member
- :
- 2010 CX9 GT Silver/Blk
I'm also looking to buy a 2010 GT AWD and debating the nav vs no nav issue. I drove one with nav over the weekend and found the system satisfactory but that was with very limited testing. I appreciate that people who feel strongly tend to post in these forums on topics like nav so I don't want to make a decision based on a few grumbles which can be found about virtually all built in nav units in other manufacturers forums too. It seems to me the Mazda unit is a pretty basic unit but fast and convenient.
I've had portable GPS units over the past ten years and am pretty tired of all the cords, storage and placement issues as well as having to hide the thing to prevent break ins. I appreciate that the Mazda nav system is probably only average and is not a HD based system with other benefits like on Acura or Mercedes. Still, not sure if I want to hassle with another portable unit and I agree with Ceric's list of benefits. On the other hand, if I keep the car for 5-8 years the built in nav will definitely be a dinosaur with regard to features and performance by the middle of that time period and instead I could probably get a fancy new portable every two years and come out ahead. List me as "On the fence".
By the way, Magellan now has a 7 inch portable unit that Costco sells for under $200. I tried it in store and it is not much different operationally from my 4.3 inch Magellan. Seems adequate but without traffic or voice features etc.
None of the Mazda CX9 brochures has even a photo of the non nav dash for the CX9 GT. Does anyone have a link to one or comments about how it works in comparison to the screen on the nav version as far as back up and radio/phone controls goes?
Last thought: $1600 is pretty expensive these days for a GPS but I realize that I paid almost exactly that for the original Garmin Street Pilot which by comparison was a total dog compared to any of the current built ins or portables.
I've had portable GPS units over the past ten years and am pretty tired of all the cords, storage and placement issues as well as having to hide the thing to prevent break ins. I appreciate that the Mazda nav system is probably only average and is not a HD based system with other benefits like on Acura or Mercedes. Still, not sure if I want to hassle with another portable unit and I agree with Ceric's list of benefits. On the other hand, if I keep the car for 5-8 years the built in nav will definitely be a dinosaur with regard to features and performance by the middle of that time period and instead I could probably get a fancy new portable every two years and come out ahead. List me as "On the fence".
By the way, Magellan now has a 7 inch portable unit that Costco sells for under $200. I tried it in store and it is not much different operationally from my 4.3 inch Magellan. Seems adequate but without traffic or voice features etc.
None of the Mazda CX9 brochures has even a photo of the non nav dash for the CX9 GT. Does anyone have a link to one or comments about how it works in comparison to the screen on the nav version as far as back up and radio/phone controls goes?
Last thought: $1600 is pretty expensive these days for a GPS but I realize that I paid almost exactly that for the original Garmin Street Pilot which by comparison was a total dog compared to any of the current built ins or portables.
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Wisconsin Proud
Member
Positives for portable units:
1) It can be removed and used in other cars.
2) Having it mounted in the sight line of the lower winshield is safer than down on the radio display.
3) Radio and GPS are displayed together rather than just one at a time withradio display.
4) Cost savings will go toward a set of Winter wheels and tires
1) It can be removed and used in other cars.
2) Having it mounted in the sight line of the lower winshield is safer than down on the radio display.
3) Radio and GPS are displayed together rather than just one at a time withradio display.
4) Cost savings will go toward a set of Winter wheels and tires
IslandTractor
Member
- :
- 2010 CX9 GT Silver/Blk
Can anyone with the Type B unit (non Nav GT 2010) comment on the adequacy of the rear monitor view using the 4.3 inch screen. I've seen the nav unit rear view which is nice but I'd imagine the smaller view works fine too.
I own the 2010 with nav. It's the only thing I don't care for with the car. It's cool looking there in the dash and the rear camera is nice. If I travel roads that I'm unsure of the $100 TomTom doesn't steer me wrong. The Mazda unit has. I guess it is amusing watching them argue with each other.
Note: I read the reviews and bought it anyway. No one to blame but myself.
Wisconsin Proud
Member
True. The '10 backup camera is very good and the size more than adequate.
Agree 100% - I have a 2009 as well and this new option wasn't available.
The Honda's seem to allow you to use it while moving vs the Mazda & a 05' Navigator I have with Nav. I do like how my CX9 Nav gives a slight "tone" just ahead of a turn, that my Lincoln Navigator doesn't.
The safety feature of "greying out" when going over 5 miles an hour is annoying when you have someone in the passenger seat who could use it safely- I wonder why they can't put a sensor in the passenger seat that would allow using the Nav system while moving- similiar to the senser that disables the airbag when a child is in it?
The safety feature of "greying out" when going over 5 miles an hour is annoying when you have someone in the passenger seat who could use it safely- I wonder why they can't put a sensor in the passenger seat that would allow using the Nav system while moving- similiar to the senser that disables the airbag when a child is in it?
Thank you all for the Opinions
It seems the overall impression was that the Nav system on the 2010 was okay but not worth the price.
BUT the dealer wanted to sell the AWD CX-9 with Nav he had in stock more than he wanted to search for one without Nav so I got a great deal.
I will keep the Magellan close at hand just in case.
It seems the overall impression was that the Nav system on the 2010 was okay but not worth the price.
BUT the dealer wanted to sell the AWD CX-9 with Nav he had in stock more than he wanted to search for one without Nav so I got a great deal.
I will keep the Magellan close at hand just in case.
Good deal for you! I wouldn't call it horrible by any means, it just takes a little getting used to. I would like to have street names in the voice system and the use of two discs to cover the entire U.S. is certainly not ideal if you cross the boundaries often, but all the other stuff like menus, how to program a destination, POIs, etc. you get used to after you use it for a while. In my experience, it's always gotten me where I needed to go.
2009 takes 1 disc.
