Navigation system with map update

They replaced one silly feature with another.

 

Re: 2019 Kona EV Limited, purchased in May, 2020. After reading the message from Alejo, I realized that I needed a compatible destination drive (in this case a USB flash drive, seeing as I don't have an SD slot). During download to the flash drive (which was successful) I contacted MnSoft to get the software installation procedure. Customer support claimed that I must have an SD card slot, even though I had taken the car to the dealer, and two service reps there concluded that I didn't have one. I called MnSoft again and intended to volunteer to drive the car to their office (I happen to live close by) to prove that the car had no SD slot. I spoke with a different customer support rep who recognized that some 2019 Kona EVs do have an SD slot, and some don't. Following his real-time directions, I inserted the flash drive into the Kona's USB port, and the system proceeded to play a series of .wav files. The rep told me that that meant that the car didn't have any navigation software installed, and that it could not be installed, so I was out of luck. Before I bought the car, the dealer's salesman said the the car did have nav software, and for the first week or so of ownership it did display an outdated map showing the nearest charging stations, but that utility has now disappeared. Now when I select "Nearby Stations" it just displays "No Information". What is the point of having the interface if the software doesn't supply any information? The last MnSoft rep is probably correct, because for the 2020 model of the Kona EV, only the Ultimate variant has nav software, Limited and SEL do not. Does anyone else have similar experience?

 

Well, they should know. What a shame.

Did you keep your window sticker? Does it mention navigation? My 2020 Ultimate says "10.25" Touchscreen Navigation."

 

I did keep the sticker, but it doesn't mention navigation. It's not a big deal. Google Auto works well. I'm just a bit tired of trying to figure out who is saying what is true, and who isn't, but that's life. You said "Well, they should know", but the first person at MnSoft I spoke with didn't know, and absolutely insisted that the car had an SD slot, implying that I was an idiot because I couldn't find it

 

Point taken. Anyway, my last two cars had navigation bundled into the package I wanted, and I only ever used Android Auto. That way I got to use the same navigation software on rental cars when I traveled, back when people traveled. It's free and never needs a subscription or an update.

So it's annoying, but not like you're missing much functionality.

 

Thanks. I'll take that as a definitive answer. The second person I spoke with at MnSoft indicated that it might, even though the car didn't have an SD slot. That's why he had me plug in the flash drive containing the software update. And the car did, for the first week or so, show an outdated map of charging stations in San Clemente.

 

Did you guys know Hyundai actively provides OTA to: Genesis G90,Sonata, Ioniq,Kia K9 ?! No model years listed. I am shocked they wouldn't activate this feature on a flagship product.Kona Electric, eNiro are important vehicles for them before they release of the Hyundai 45. Bluelink is the delivery which is a terrible API,so to pay for it past the "free" period I wouldn't do just for OTA unless they include actual functionality updates,eg. ACC . Makes sense now why you get the update prompt.

 

2020 Kona EV Ultimate no sd card Map update must be done thru USB port with scan disk 64 MB taks about 1 hour. Software must be downloaded to PC than copy to Kona!!! Piece of cake !!!!

 

This was done in USA on fiber optic network downloads took 12 min.!!!! This very important situations .

 

I'm in Mission Viejo and have driven by the Hyundai Tech Center on Bunson in Irvine and also the MnSoft Map design center on Technology many times because I have business near there. Whenever I called the Map Center for help with the Navigation I always get a Phone Center in Florida. When I asked them if I could go over to the MnSoft Headquarters to get some much-needed help with the Navigation system they told me not to go over there. It would be so much easier (and faster) if I could get some help in person instead of trying to figure it out over the phone. They don't mind taking your money to buy the car, which is extremely technical, but their stock answer is to always take the car to the service dept at the dealership, where they are good at fixing brakes and other things but have no clue about all the Tech Settings. The best source for these is the Hyundai YouTube Channel plus many other Private YouTube Reviews.

 

In January I paid Hyundai $25 for the Map Update which they sent me via mail from either Florida or Irvine, can't remember. In any event, it was on a 64 gig Flash Drive which I plugged into my Cars USB Port and it downloaded to the car without a problem. I remember it took quite a while. Want to say over 30 minutes. Two weeks ago I downloaded the latest Map Version from Hyundai MnSoft to my Computer but I didn't have a 64 Gig Flash Drive so I transferred the update to the flash drive I got from Hyundai in January. The transfer from Computer to Flash Drive took about 5 minutes. But transfer from Flash Drive to the Car took about an hour. I was watching a TV show and went out to the car about every 15 minutes to check on the progress and could not believe how slow it was. Finally finished, but as I said it took about an hour.

 

For map support, I've always found [email protected] responsive and truly interested in the customer. Quite a contrast with Hyundai - their customer indifference has been a big disappointment to me.

The January release demanded a 64 gig drive, even though it was well below 32 gigs. This August update did not make that demand, and I wonder if it would accept a 32 gig drive. Has anyone tried that?

 

I believe that is who I talk to on the phone, MapnSoft at their Florida Call Center. They are fine but since I live within 7 miles of their Headquarters in Irvine, how I would love to go in there, have someone come out and sit in my car and show me how to do the things I am confused about. It may happen yet. I have the email and phone number for one of the tech guys at the Irvine office. I am waiting for the Covid-19 Vaccine and after I get it I am going to call and ask if I can come over for some help. If I remember correctly when I downloaded the latest Map Update I got a message that I had to use a 64 Gig or Greater flash drive which of course I was using. I just checked and 64 Gig Flash drives are selling for under $10. Thanks for your reply.

 

When I downloaded the earlier update there was a 32 Gig flash drive in my desk drawer. But the program unnecessarily made me buy a 64 Gig drive and wait for it.

 

I don't know if this helps but my Wife got a new 2020 Mazda 3 and she wanted built-in Navigation. The car we picked off the lot, had everything on it except navigation. The salesperson told us none of their Cars had the built-in Nav. Said most people using their Cell Phones for Nav. The salesperson went to the parts department and came out with a Nav Chip, Installed it in a slot on the car and she now has the Factory Installed Nav. Of course, they charged for it but that's ok. If the car had it built-in Nav and it showed on the Window Sticker there would have been a charge. Don't know how Hyundai works. I think there are 3 or 4 companies that build all of the systems for the different car companies but Hyundai might have the same option. You could check with the Parts/Service Manager at your Hyundai Dealer.

 

As you noted most of the later model Mazdas have Nav built in and they just need to be software activated by the dealer for a fee. Its not really an option on any of the Kona EVs that are not an Ultimate model in the US or Canada, the non Ultimate models literally have different infotainment units and may likely not even have hardware like Nav accessible GPS receivers. Plus there is no alternate OEM software solution to support theses infotainment units even if they did.

 

Good Answer. We were dealing with the Internet Sales Manager at the Mazda dealer and she was sort of shocked by the fact we wanted built in Nav. It seems the younger generation just need their cell phones. We like the built in nav. Not only is it bigger but I think it works where there is no cell coverage. On the Kona Ultimate Nav, I tap the MAP Button and it repeats the last direction. Very handy because many times I didn't hear it the first time. Also Safer and faster than my looking at my cell phone while driving or asking the phone to repeat the last command. Thanks apu