MK8.5 Navigation question

[valentino]

Hi all. On the GTI 8.5 navigation system, you obviously put i the postcode or town in the search and the tap on that destination. It gives you a route, but it doesnt seem to give alternative routes like the Mk8 did. is there a way to get alternative routes to that same destination?
Thanks in advance

[Watts]

Something I've been wondering too however just too lazy to do anything about it. Until now, thanks for prompting!

https://www.vw.com/en/owners-and-services/about-my-vehicle/quick-start-guides.html/__app/2026/golf-gti-golf-r/navigation.app

From google ai:

You can adjust your route criteria and options in your 2026 Volkswagen by accessing the navigation settings menu on your infotainment touchscreen. [1] (https://www.vw.com/en/owners-and-services/about-my-vehicle/quick-start-guides.html/__app/2026/golf-gti-golf-r/digital-cockpit-pro.app)Accessing Route OptionsTap the Navigation tile on your central infotainment screen.Go to Settings or the gear icon, then select Route guidance and Route options.Alternatively, tap the specific route settings icon when an active route is displayed on your screen. [1] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5C_ncJPfvc&t=7), [2] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDuaG9OsUpw&t=7), [3] (https://www.vw.com/en/owners-and-services/about-my-vehicle/quick-start-guides.html/__app/2026/golf-gti-golf-r/digital-cockpit-pro.app)Available Route Criteria & PreferencesVolkswagen's modern infotainment systems let you customize how your vehicle calculates paths to your destination:Alternative Routes: The system can offer multiple choices (such as fast, short, and eco-friendly paths) based on real-time traffic updates. [1] (https://www.volkswagen.ie/en/owners-and-services/radio-and-navigation/our-discover-navigation-systems.html)Avoidances: You can toggle preferences to avoid motorways/highways, toll roads, or ferries. [1] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0jP1r7b7nY)Dynamic Traffic: Set your traffic congestion preference (such as asking, on, or off) to actively reroute around delays. [1] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0jP1r7b7nY)Specialized Settings: You can add criteria like including a trailer or setting fuel/charging warnings. For electric models, you can enable automatic charging stop scheduling along your route. [1] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0jP1r7b7nY), [2] (https://www.vw-id3.com/setting_a_360_range_display_and_electric_vehicle_route_planner-226.html)

Given that lot appears like garbled nonsense, you might want to search for yourself. I entered this - 2026 vw navigation route options

[valentino]

Thanks Watts, ive done a few  searches on UTube etc, but couldnt find anything-- thought it was just me being thick!

[SRGTD]

Thanks Watts, ive done a few  searches on UTube etc, but couldnt find anything-- thought it was just me being thick!

Why not use Waze which gives alternative route options? Waze members are also very good at reporting traffic hazards, so route information is pretty much real time - e.g. alerts for roadworks, broken down vehicles, potholes, police checks etc.

[Dav3smith]

Thanks Watts, ive done a few  searches on UTube etc, but couldnt find anything-- thought it was just me being thick!

Why not use Waze which gives alternative route options? Waze members are also very good at reporting traffic hazards, so route information is pretty much real time - e.g. alerts for roadworks, broken down vehicles, potholes, police checks etc.

Yep exactly this. Waze is far superior to the native Sat Nav and it has the all important mobile speed cam notifications, providing a community member has flagged it up, I always comment when the mobile cam symbol crops up, I bet the Police hate Waze.

[valentino]

Yes, thanks for the heads up on Waze, i have used it on my phone , but never connected to the infotainment centre, presumably thats using Apple car play?
Any further alternative route on the VW sat nav would be useful, but guessing it doesnt have that

[SRGTD]

Yes, thanks for the heads up on Waze, i have used it on my phone , but never connected to the infotainment centre, presumably thats using Apple car play?

Yes, correct.

[candywhite12]

do you guys consider waze to be superior to google maps regarding real time data, showing alternative routes etc? 

[Dav3smith]

do you guys consider waze to be superior to google maps regarding real time data, showing alternative routes etc?

Personally I prefer Waze but ultimately it depends which UI you prefer I guess.

Waze is updated by user input real time and Google uses slightly different algorithms to collect data and Waze is better in my opinion, however they both share the same parent company Google (surprise, surprise).

[SRGTD]

do you guys consider waze to be superior to google maps regarding real time data, showing alternative routes etc?

Personally I prefer Waze but ultimately it depends which UI you prefer I guess.

Waze is updated by user input real time and Google uses slightly different algorithms to collect data and Waze is better in my opinion, however they both share the same parent company Google (surprise, surprise).

I also prefer Waze to the OEM sat nav. Warnings of pothole damage has saved my alloys on more than one occasion.