rivian google maps vs native google maps

[rvnxyz001]

Thinking about getting an R2 and trying to understand Rivian’s Google Maps navigation.

How different is it from the native Google Maps app through Android Auto or CarPlay? Does it support offline navigation (building route while offline) ? How good is it at showing alternative routes? Is it basically Google Maps with Rivian UI and EV data, or is it more limited?

Also, does it include Waze-style features from google maps like speed cameras, police reports, road hazards, and objects on the road?

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[racekarl]

- You can build trips in the Rivian app and send them to your vehicle, however it does not appear to have a true dead-reckoning offline mode and requires an internet connection for most navigation tasks while enroute. In this way it is more similar to AA/CP-based Google Maps than a native navigation system.

- The basemap imagery and presumably routing are the same as Google maps. The enroute symbology is not (e.g. the blue line, icons, etc.)

- It does show limited Waze-style data like construction, accidents, and traffic, but it does not warn about police presence (or railroad crossings, with which Waze has an inexplicable fascination)

 

[rvnxyz001]

Do you use Rivian’s navigation all the time, or do you still have to use your phone periodically?

 

[ruleonard]

Do you use Rivian’s navigation all the time, or do you still have to use your phone periodically?

I use Rivian nav all the time. I can plan ahead in the app and send it to my truck. The only issue I've had is the chargers it chooses for me but that is easily rectified by viewing the chargers along the route and even adding them as a stop.

 

[rvnxyz001]

I just looked at the route planner in the Rivian app and compared it to Google Maps. I’m seeing very different ETAs, sometimes 20 to 30 minutes off on 2 to 3 hour trips, and it does not offer any alternative routes.

Is this just a limitation of the mobile app, or is the onboard navigation significantly different?

 

[B_Wagon136]

I just looked at the route planner in the Rivian app and compared it to Google Maps. I’m seeing very different ETAs, sometimes 20 to 30 minutes off on 2 to 3 hour trips, and it does not offer any alternative routes.

Is this just a limitation of the mobile app, or is the onboard navigation significantly different?

Think thats a mobile issue. Like you, I had grown accustomed to waze and was curious how Rivian's nav would differ. My first few long trips I would run the two systems simultaneously and after realizing there is virtually no difference, have stopped doing that. Rivian's nav has accurate traffic info and will reroute for faster routes and detours to skirt traffic as needed, just like waze.

And the navigation screen now being on the heads up display after one of the recent updates has become one of my favorite things about the car

 

[rvnxyz001]

Think thats a mobile issue. Like you, I had grown accustomed to waze and was curious how Rivian's nav would differ. My first few long trips I would run the two systems simultaneously and after realizing there is virtually no difference, have stopped doing that. Rivian's nav has accurate traffic info and will reroute for faster routes and detours to skirt traffic as needed, just like waze.

And the navigation screen now being on the heads up display after one of the recent updates has become one of my favorite things about the car

Google Maps and Apple Maps seem to be developing faster recently, with lots of new features being added. For example, Google Maps can suggest alternative routes during navigation now with nice tooltip explaining why this route might be better

I’m wondering how Rivian keeps up with this. Do they get new Google Maps features when Google releases them? How does the Google Maps API they use compare to the native Google Maps app?

The most important feature for me is being able to build a route from a place with no cellular connection, since there are many areas like that around me. That is where offline maps are really helpful.

 

[bnolan]

I can't seem to find this info anywhere. Does Rivian's implementation of Google Maps actually show stop signs and traffic lights along the map (like Android version does (and Apple Maps on iOS)?

 

[rvnxyz001]

I can't seem to find this info anywhere. Does Rivian's implementation of Google Maps actually show stop signs and traffic lights along the map (like Android version does (and Apple Maps on iOS)?

This is another super useful feature. It helps you decide whether to take the suggested route. I often skip routes with lots of stop signs.

 

[bnolan]

This is another super useful feature. It helps you decide whether to take the suggested route. I often skip routes with lots of stop signs.

I like to use it on Apple maps in areas I am not familiar with, to get a better idea of exactly where I need to turn. I can easily count the traffic lights on the map and know where I'll be turning so I know when I may need to switch lanes etc.

This is arguably one of the best features of Apple Maps, its audio directions even tell you to "turn left at the next light" etc.

So I would love to know if Rivian's implementation of Google Maps shows this. My iOS version doesn't seem to, but I've heard its available on Android devices.

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