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2014 Sorento Navigation System (what a piece of ****)

21K views 43 replies 20 participants last post by  man7mar9 
#1 ·
I have just purchased a 2014 Sorento and while I generally do really like the car, I have to say the built in navigation system is pretty sad (being kind there!)

At first the nav system in voice command mode would not even recognize anyone's voices so 'find address' using the voice commands was an hilarious (if annoying) experience resulting in changed radio channels or attempts to dial various random phone numbers!

The dealer eventually changed the unit after telling us it is 'adaptive' and would take anything from a 'couple of weeks' to a month to learn our voices. Ha Ha. I can train voice software on my computer to understand me in 5 minutes and none of those voice recognition systems yo get whenever you call pretty much any company these days have any problems understanding even my broad North of England (as in the UK) accent! The new unit is not too bad for me now but it still struggles understanding my wife.
However the new unit now defaults to Michigan every time I start the car and since we are in North Carolina, that sort of sucks but I cannot find anywhere in the setup options that allows me to change it. At least the previous unit remembered the last state I had set it to.

When it does eventually get close to the address I specify I have to look at the screen (and away from the road) to find the right line number from a list of addresses before I can say it because it rarely manages to get the exact address.
Then it lets me say 'start guidance' but it does NOT actually start the guidance, just shows me the overall map (so it's really set destination) and then I have to look away from the road again to push the 'start guidance' button on the screen to actually start the guidance.

The 'speed alerts' are funny (IE useless because 'I' have to set them and they seem very 'general'!) Really, is that the best they can do? My $100 TomTom unit 'knows' the speed limit on most of the roads I am on and displays that, along with my current speed on the screen. It also turns my current speed display red if I am over the limit by about 3 mph and I don't even have to be following a route, it's just there.

Even on this 'new' car, the nav unit does not know about some smaller roads while, again, my $100 TomTom unit does!

Nor does the Kia unit seem to know anything about Toll roads. We only have one around here and I avoid it on principle. My Tomtom unit says there's a toll road on my route and offers me the option to avoid it. The Kia unit? Oh sorry, was that a toll road? Pay the toll!

The actual navigation is not that great either. I tried it yesterday going to a somewhere I already sort of knew how to get to (and had googled it anyway) and it was trying to take my off the freeway (the fastest route according to Google) and over surface streets to god knows where (I ignored it). On the way back home it wanted to take me the completely opposite way to the direction of my home with no regard for the fact that the freeway was the fastest route and half the time it does not know the layout of the junctions, telling me to keep right when I should keep left of take a left turn when the ramp is on the right!

Map Updates. TomTom - Free for life! Kia? Not sure but it seems I have to 'PAY' for updates and research seems to indicate anything from $99 to $200 for a new SD card.

Oh, and the TomTom has the 3d display which I much prefer while the Kia's unit only has the map view.
 
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#2 ·
You expressed the same resentments i did in some earlier post. The thing is a piece of sh**** compared to my Tom Tom.

What really gets me that it has the time clock display just a few inches below the vehicle clock! Who on earth did that design? And also, the unit knows the elevation and the speed of the vehicle (to be found on the info screen), but it is to stupid to display that information on the map screen (but it has that beautiful clock).

It is exactly what I learned from other build in navs, outdated and overpriced. The can force it on you because one likes the nice panoramic glass roof, and they say: here succer, take this outdated nav that we got for cheap on ebay, but sell to you for big money!
 
#3 ·
Me thinks this is a better Nav compared to the previous one I had in my '12.
That thing is a nightmare! Took us into untravelled roads and some roughroads LOL.

And for the voice recognition, I never use them really. Maybe until such time voice is the same as Siri's and understandability is also same.

One more thing, I hope the Nav can locate places via name input. Then again, its not connected to the internet to do that so..
 
#4 ·
Agreed, bad nav system

The first weekend I had my KIA Sorento, I fought with the nav system while up visiting my mom in the mountains. We wanted to go to a lake that was 30 miles away on a well traveled road (been there, of course). But the navigation system wanted us to use a highway 100 miles away! I ignored it, but it did name the road I was on. I chalked that up to me being new to the vehicle/navigation system.

Well, a year later... this weekend I traveled to Yosemite. No matter what I did, I could not get the nav system to route through Yosemite. It wanted me to take a route around Yosemite that was almost 300 miles longer! I took a picture because it was so ridiculous. We fought with the system all weekend. It kept wanting to recalculate to use its own route until you're basically almost there... then it suddenly adjusts to your travel direction. So annoying. I think I've lost my trust in it.
 

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#33 ·
The first weekend I had my KIA Sorento, I fought with the nav system while up visiting my mom in the mountains. We wanted to go to a lake that was 30 miles away on a well traveled road (been there, of course). But the navigation system wanted us to use a highway 100 miles away! I ignored it, but it did name the road I was on. I chalked that up to me being new to the vehicle/navigation system.

Well, a year later... this weekend I traveled to Yosemite. No matter what I did, I could not get the nav system to route through Yosemite. It wanted me to take a route around Yosemite that was almost 300 miles longer! I took a picture because it was so ridiculous. We fought with the system all weekend. It kept wanting to recalculate to use its own route until you're basically almost there... then it suddenly adjusts to your travel direction. So annoying. I think I've lost my trust in it.
This is pretty funny...the screenshot you attached is hilarious. Perhaps, you have "avoid toll roads" checked in your navigation. It would want to re-route you around Yosemite...instead of getting you pay the park fee/toll.
 
#5 ·
Update. Some stuff may actually work!

Re the initial state being being stuck on Michigan, it 'appears' (for now at least) that I 'may' have fixed this although not sure how. I did manually change the state to North Carolina using the screen and so far at least, each time I try the system (even after exiting the car and coming back later so everything was off) it is coming up with NC as the state. Maybe it's 'adaptive' haha, and after so many attempts to change state it decides that is really the state you want!
If it was the manual change then it's a bit daft that doing it that way changes the default but voice does not, why not just remember the last state it was set to?
Anyway, for now it 'seems' to be staying on NC. Be interesting to see if it stays that way if I go out of state!

I also found that when it does find the right address and I say start guidance, if I leave it for maybe ten seconds or so it will actually switch from the overview map to guidance mode. Be nice if it told you that was going to happen, at least in 'non expert' mode which is what I have it set to but at least it does do it, you just have to hope that your exit is not coming up in the next 10 seconds or so while you wait for it to switch!
 
#44 ·
Update. Some stuff may actually work! Re the initial state being being stuck on Michigan, it 'appears' (for now at least) that I 'may' have fixed this although not sure how. I did manually change the state to North Carolina using the screen and so far at least, each time I try the system (even after exiting the car and coming back later so everything was off) it is coming up with NC as the state. Maybe it's 'adaptive' haha, and after so many attempts to change state it decides that is really the state you want! If it was the manual change then it's a bit daft that doing it that way changes the default but voice does not, why not just remember the last state it was set to? Anyway, for now it 'seems' to be staying on NC. Be interesting to see if it stays that way if I go out of state! I also found that when it does find the right address and I say start guidance, if I leave it for maybe ten seconds or so it will actually switch from the overview map to guidance mode. Be nice if it told you that was going to happen, at least in 'non expert' mode which is what I have it set to but at least it does do it, you just have to hope that your exit is not coming up in the next 10 seconds or so while you wait for it to switch!
How were you able to change from Michigan to North Carolina? Mine is stuck on Michigan as well.
 
#6 ·
I continue to use my 5" Garmin rather than the Nav system:
1. Nav auto zoom does not work-i.e. zoom in when go slow and zoom out when speed up
2. As zoom out lose local roads too quickly including one you are on
3. ETA estimate is very poor
4. 2D versus 3D
5. Like orienting my Garmin portrait mode so see further ahead
6. Have to pay for Nav updates whereas are free with Garmin
7. No E-services in Canada. With Garmin can link via blue tooth to smart phone.
 
#10 ·
I had initial issues with my navigation but it had everything to do with the dealership screwing it up while installing my remote car starter.

Anyways, once I got it running (a month later - January) I never ran into any issues. It recognizes my voice. I wish that I could send texts messages through it. I love how at night, it shows that it's night time on the screen with the star and moons. I like how it tells me if there is a curve ahead.

Lately though, I find that if I put in an address, if I don't pay attention to it, it actually takes me to the next street over?! I don't know why this has started to happen. Twice this past weekend.

It would be nice if it could tell me to avoid traffic.
 
#11 ·
I would bet that the software has been written for the country the unit was built for...In this case the USA.... There is a limited amount of storage within the "brains" and being able to select variations of just the English language and French, Spanish, and other dialects would be a nightmare just keeping track of the one you want with the correct maps ... An American in the UK would probably have the same problems...

I have both Chinese (Hong Kong) and Indian (India) friends and when they leave me a message the BIG Internet company GOOGLE ALWAYS gets them wrong...

Voice recognition is still experimental and the electronics is not smart enough to say "oh he's a Brit or Limey" or he uses the "Queen's English"...

As fas as maps are concerned the small companies that supply the UVO units to KIA just buy the upgrades from mapping services and supply the upgrades themselves (even if there is a KIA logo you are redirected to their servers)... They look for "Maps" that they can get and sometimes these are not very current... Garman does not want to shoot themselves in the foot by supplying their current maps... They would loose much of their business... and they do love the income from their "subscription" services...

I dumped the Garman and the other GPS units and now use Google Maps through my cell phone... They have been right 99.9% of the time and are updated daily. They even give me pictures of the surrounding areas.
No more confusion or waiting for updates like on the posted site..:laugh:

I would not buy a car with a dedicated Microsoft/UVO or other system as it usually is outdated BEFORE you receive the car...
Dave
 
#12 ·
I dumped the Garman and the other GPS units and now use Google Maps through my cell phone... They have been right 99.9% of the time and are updated daily. They even give me pictures of the surrounding areas.
I second the choice of Goggle Maps. They also show the traffic speed to help you avoid areas of traffic congestion. If you check traffic on your route before you get on the road you can save tons of time.
 
#14 ·
System's revenge!

Ha! The day after I posted on here about the bad nav system, I got this error after starting the car (see image). The message is in Korean, I think. I'll try to have it translated. I was able to make the message go away, but the system defaulted to my background image. The radio still worked, but the screen was stuck on the background image.

After shutting off the car, I reset the SD card and then after re-starting, so far, it seems to be working normally.

Thanks for the heads up on the maps update. I wanted to search the UVO website for a possible system update, too, but the website doesn't seem to be working
 

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#15 ·
But I don't have a smart phone...

Google maps might be fine if you have a smart phone but a) I just have an old fashioned 'let's me talk' phone and b) I refuse to pay another $30 plus a month to AT&T for a data plan when I already pay an arm and a leg!
So for me it's the built in system or remember to grab the TomTom from my other car!
On the plus side all these wifi based 'tracking' systems don't know I exist because my phone is not trying to connect to the every wifi signal it finds. Big brother doesn't know (much) about me LOL!
 
#16 ·
Google maps might be fine if you have a smart phone
anyway, who can see anything on the phone screen? I have a Samsung S5, which has pretty much the largest display out there. If I have it attached to the dashboard, I can't see any details of the map, and hearing the thing is not easy either. OK, I could use Bluetooth, but the radio would not work if I do this.
I had a build in navigation system in my first Touareg (it was a Bosh build system), and it was such a dog that I decided to get my second Touareg without it and bought a stand alone unit for this (iWay 500). After iWay discontinued their service for this, I bought a TomTom which I liked a lot (and still do).
To get the sorento that I wanted (with the panoramic glass roof), I was forced to get the navigation system. I was weary about it, but the sales rep told me that it was such a with it system and could do almost anything except making coffee. It looked good to me during the test drive, and I bought the vehicle. Now that I have more experience with it, I have to say again, it is a dog! It is not able to do and display things my now 6 year old TomTom can show me without any problem!
And to add insult to injury they really want $149 for updating the mapping software each year! Are they nuts? TomTom charges me $45, and when I hit a sales event, I pay $35 for a way better mapping software with way more details!
 
#17 · (Edited)
For what you paid for the radio (and the annual map "upgrades") you could have had full coverage with AT&T... I have Sprint on my phone and love Google Maps...
I also then have my emails follow me...

We have 5 cell phones on Sprint's family system with all the goodies...
My wife, My daughter, My son, Mine, and the home phone through a device called "Connect" (which includes free local and long distance for $20 a month)... The kids are just out of college and can't afford the cell phones themselves with they are paying back of student loans..
We can then keep in touch with them and they have internet, texting, long distance, and up to date cell phones...
We pay the bill but averaged over 5 phones with all the services it's not that bad.

Once Google maps is loaded the cell phones use built in GPS to update location... and there is also Google TTS (text to speech) so looking at the screen all the time is not needed...

Apple offers the same...

I just don't need a device that is obsolete at the time of purchase....Every 2 years I have upgraded my Samsung phone at Sprint for $50 (if you know where to look). Later this year I'm going from a S3 to a S5...Newer hardware, Newer OS (Operating System), Newer software... Try that with the "all in one radio systems" sold with cars...

There used to be a Federal Law saying you did not have to include a "radio" in the purchase of the car so you could select another one of your choosing... I don't know if that still applies..

Dave
 
#22 ·
It's just a poorly thought out and poorly performing system and I find it hard to believe that a company like Kia (or any other for that matter) could not come up with some sort of licensing agreement with Garmin or TomTom or the like and end up providing a better overall experience for probably less money.

The current way they have it reminds me of the old chestnut about buying a new car because the ash trays are full!
 
#25 ·
I believe Chrysler is using Tom Tom for all their Jeep navigation systems as far as I know. It is a highly praised navigation system as well. So there is a company that used their head out there. I have had no experience with a Tom Tom system, but i really prefer using my iPhone maps app. It has never failed me and gives a perfectly clear map, it also zooms in and out when I need to do turns.

To echo what Tapeworm is saying, all it takes is a little planning before leaving. Anytime I am going somewhere unfamiliar, I search it up on google maps and write down the main directions. I live in the capital city here and we are surrounded by like 30 small towns, so planning before leaving anywhere is essential.
 
#23 ·
THIS is why i will always use a standalone GPS. my garmin is easy to use, accurate, free updates for life. plus it can be kept in the line of sight while driving and not have to look down.

the OE systems are all propiorty for some reason and 100-200 for an update is crazy when almost all the 100 dollar stand alones have free updates for life. plus give you 3d imiging of the exit ramps, merges, ect.
another benefit is you can take it with you no matter what vehicle your in. friends car, signifigant others car, rental car, company car, where ever you go and its as up to date as you want it to be.

sorry its not working but id get a garmin or tom tom and then just enjoy the other benefits of the radio itself and use the standalone for GPS needs.
 
#26 ·
Planning

If I am going somewhere unfamiliar and I know in advance that that will be case then sure, I will look it up on Google maps, maybe even print it out so I have a general idea of where I am going. Maybe even use street view to check out road junctions etc.
But you cannot always plan ahead or even get to a computer or smart phone (I have a dumb phone) so the in car system is useful, or at least it would be if you could be confident it would take you to your destination via the shortest/quickest route and not all around the houses (or state in some cases it seems).
 
#29 ·
...and here I was happy with the nav. I look forward to better integration in the future (hopefully with Google Maps), but considering where my in-laws $1500 DVD based nav was at and how much those outdated upgrades cost I am very happy. Call me easy but by phone nav is my backup and I always print a map/directions as a backup and stick it in the glove box.

Here's to improvements ever year!!
 
#36 · (Edited)
Thanks SpaceDogg! It was funny to see that. Yes, I did tell it to use tolls (HWY 120 is a toll road through Yosemite).

There's an option to "Recalculate" your route. When you select it, you have a few options to chose. One of them is "Use Toll Passes" (or something like that). Another is "Avoid Highways" (or something like that)

Another irritation with KIA's nav system is that these settings seem to be buried, or problematic to find. After a year, I still have to hunt for things in the menus. Whatever. I know I'm being more critical with this system than my old car's system. It is better, no doubt, but it also is a bit dumber. I dunno.

The reason why I wanted an in-car nav system is because I do a lot of mountain driving (where my family lives). Many times I have no cellular network, so my iPhone's system is useless. I guess my extra critical feelings about KIA's system is that while in the mountains, it has let me down twice when I really needed it. So... ?
 
#37 ·
KIA Navigation system - faulty results

I have a KIA Sorento 2014. The vehicle is under warranty. However, KIA feels that they do not have to correct my navigation system. Their claim is that it is the responsibility of the software supplier for their navigation system. This system has been a problem from the day that I bought the vehicle. The problem: when I drive from Perth, ON to Peterborough ON, the unit says that it will take 1 hour 55 minutes. It actually takes 40 minutes longer than the unit says.
 
#38 ·
I just drove from Wisconsin to Florida and than back through Msouhtern Missorie again. All in all a trip that was about 5000 miles long. The navigation system did a good job expect in areas in which new roads were build in the last three to four years. I can live with that knowing that my navigation software is about two years old ,and should be based on mapping information that is four years old.
 
#39 ·
I didn't want NAV but it's standard on the SX so I live with it. I still use WAZE when I want real-time routing based on actual traffic conditions. That said, many times I just want the explore the fastest way from A to B and I get the system to show me. I'm irritated with the lack of accuracy in ETA but not enough to make me want to go deal with a dealer!
 
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