Tata Sierra and Kia Seltos’s built-in navigation: Here’s how it is different from Google Maps or Apple Maps

The new Tata Sierra and the newly announced Kia Seltos offer drivers with two navigation choices: Factory-fitted, built-in systems and smartphone projection through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. While both aim to guide users efficiently, their strengths differ in integration, connectivity dependence, and update cycles. The question is which one you should be using for better navigation support. We've explained that in details. Read on.

Built-in navigation and vehicle integration
Native navigation systems in the Tata Sierra and Kia Seltos are designed as part of the vehicle’s core software. In the Sierra, the built-in Mappls MapMyIndia navigation system can extend directions to the digital instrument cluster and, in select variants, the head-up display. This allows turn-by-turn guidance to stay within the driver’s direct line of sight, reducing reliance on the central touchscreen.

The Kia Seltos’ built-in navigation, accessed through Kia Connect, is similarly integrated with vehicle systems. It can align routing data with driving modes and provide contextual alerts linked to the car’s sensors. This level of integration is typically unavailable with Google Maps or Apple Maps when projected via a smartphone.

Offline reliability vs live traffic data
A key advantage of built-in navigation is offline usability. Map data is stored locally, ensuring continuous GPS-based routing even in areas with weak or no mobile network coverage. This makes native systems more dependable on long highway drives or in remote regions. Although you can do the same with Google Maps but saving the map data on the device -- but that's limited.