Navigation in the car: guide

If you still know the good old days, you probably won't want to go back: Just 15 to 20 years ago, motorists on unknown routes mostly navigated by road map. This is complicated, error-prone and sometimes even a reason for divorce at a later date. Today, navigation devices usually guide drivers safely and without hassle to their destination. In recent times, the ubiquitous smartphone has outstripped conventional navigation systems in cars. However, systems permanently installed by the manufacturer and portable special devices from manufacturers such as TomTom or Garmin still have their justification and their audience. Which device fits best when can be found here.

Mobile phone apps: The cheap solution

Almost every driver owns a smartphone today anyway. The use of a navigation app therefore saves costs because the necessary computing power is already available. Navigation apps are usually directly on board via Google or Apple Maps, there are also third-party providers such as Waze or Here We go. The download in the App Store is usually free of charge, but some providers sell their map material. Most apps work well: the route calculation is quick and correct, the directions are understandable and the operation is usually successful even for inexperienced users.

Another major advantage: Since the mobile phone is permanently connected to the Internet, the navigation aids often access very up-to-date traffic information and know spontaneous traffic jams and short-term road closures. The disadvantage: The apps require large amounts of data, which are usually transmitted via the mobile network. If you only use a small data volume in your mobile phone contract, it can be a heavy burden. According to a test by Stiftung Warentest, the Apple app, for example, downloads around ten megabytes of data over twelve kilometers of city driving.

Some providers allow offline maps to be downloaded in advance. Otherwise, navigation will only work to a limited extent in the event of a network failure. In addition, there are practical limitations: As a rule, the devices cannot make calls and navigate at the same time. And: If you only have a small mobile phone, you have to make do with a small screen. In addition, not every vehicle has a place where the navigation system can be securely attached or clearly seen.

External navigation devices

Special navigation devices are also referred to as stand-alone models. They often have a larger screen than usual smartphones. In addition, they do not consume any data volume, do not require a mobile network and often still have up-to-date traffic information – either via TMC or via faster online services.

Since the smartphone is now a serious competitor, many manufacturers have greatly expanded the range of functions of their navigation systems. For example, there are now navigation systems with smart home extras such as a garage door opener, with an integrated travel guide function or with comfort services that help, for example, to find the parked car again. However, since the lower price segment has now been practically displaced by the mobile phone, the devices often cost a lot of money: Brand manufacturers such as Tomtom or Garmin call for between just under 150 and more than 400 euros, depending on the range of functions and the map material included. Many newer models come with a flat rate that includes free cards for life – as long as the model is supported by the manufacturer.

Stand-alone devices can be worthwhile, especially for frequent drivers, as a test by Stiftung Warentest of classic navigation systems and mobile phone apps has shown. The winner in a comparison of 20 products in 2019 is the Tomtom Go 6200, but with a price of 380 euros it is the most expensive device. In second place is the Garmin Drive-Smart 5 for 159 euros. The first app in the ranking is "Tomtom Go Mobile" for 20 euros per year in fifth place. Only then do free apps like Google Maps and Waze follow.

The testers see the advantage of smartphone apps above all in the price and speed of route calculation – if the mobile phone has a network. In terms of pure functionality, however, the specialized navigation devices are usually still ahead - and can be supplied with power more conveniently via the on-board electrical system. So if you are often dependent on your navigation system, you often drive better with it. If you only navigate occasionally, you can use your mobile phone.

Built-in navigation systems

However, mobile phones without a holder are a practical problem, mobile phones with a holder and power or data cable for infotainment do not look pretty. Neither do stand-alone devices hung on the windshield with a freely laid power supply. Permanently installed navigation systems from the manufacturer are the cleaner solution in any case, and there are no cables in the way when shifting. The systems, which are completely integrated into the dashboard and controlled via the vehicle's operating system, therefore have their advantages.

However, there are large differences in quality between the navigation systems of the car manufacturers, and usually no longer a choice, as business travelers in particular usually book such a system in the company car. In general, many integrated devices are lagging behind technical development by a few years. Mobile phone apps and special devices often offer much more in terms of data up-to-dateness, live information on traffic jams and ease of use. Especially for older car models, it is often not so easy to obtain map updates for outdated navigation generations from the manufacturer. Only brand new models update themselves directly via an online connection.

In addition, there is the high surcharge that most car manufacturers charge for their systems. In most cases, an internal navigation system does not cost less than 500 euros, and for premium brands it is often even more than 1,000 euros. Manufacturers often link the navigation system to higher equipment or to business packages, or to other features such as a higher-quality audio system, traffic sign recognition or a virtual cockpit.

Mainly for price reasons, many manufacturers now rely on a mixed technology: In the vehicle there is an infotainment screen without an integrated navigation system, but which accesses the smartphone via Mirrorlink, Apple Carplay or Android Auto. For example, the navigation programs can be conveniently downloaded from the mobile phone to the large screen and controlled via the buttons in the cockpit.