If you own a Subaru with an infotainment system that uses navigation, you may be familiar with the occasional map updates that are necessary to keep your GPS accurate and up-to-date. Subaru’s navigation systems are regularly updated to reflect new roads, updated points of interest, and changes in traffic patterns, ensuring your in-car navigation experience is as seamless as possible. But, if you’re wondering, "How long does Subaru map update take?" you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Subaru map updates, including the time it takes, the process, and what factors influence the update duration.

Why Are Map Updates Important for Your Subaru?

Before diving into the specifics of how long a map update takes, let’s first understand why these updates are necessary. Subaru, like many other car manufacturers, relies on GPS data to guide drivers through their routes. These maps are based on real-world data that gets updated regularly. Changes to roadways, new construction, new highways, and even new businesses or places of interest are constantly being added to the map database.

Map updates are crucial for ensuring that your navigation system is providing accurate information, as outdated maps could lead to incorrect directions or missed routes. A timely update ensures that your Subaru’s navigation system is functioning optimally, reducing the chances of errors in your trip planning and navigation.

Factors That Affect the Duration of Subaru Map Updates

The time it takes to update the maps in your Subaru can depend on several factors. Here are the key considerations that can influence the duration:

1. Internet Speed

The most significant factor that can influence the time it takes for a Subaru map update is the speed of your internet connection. If you're downloading the update via Wi-Fi or a mobile hotspot, the faster the connection, the quicker the update will be. On average, map updates can range from a few hundred MBs to several gigabytes, so the faster your internet connection, the shorter the time it will take.

2. Size of the Update

Map updates for vehicles can vary in size. For example, a major update that includes new maps for an entire region, or even a country, will generally take longer to download and install than a smaller, incremental update that only fixes minor issues or adds updates for a specific area.

3. Device Storage

Another factor influencing update time is the available storage in your Subaru’s infotainment system. If your system is almost full or does not have enough storage space, it may take longer to install the update. Make sure that your vehicle has sufficient storage before beginning an update to avoid interruptions.

4. Method of Update (USB or Over-the-Air)

Subaru offers two main ways to perform map updates: over-the-air (OTA) updates and via USB drive. The method you choose can significantly affect the time it takes.

• Over-the-Air Updates (OTA): With OTA updates, your Subaru’s navigation system downloads the latest maps directly from the internet. The download and installation time will largely depend on your internet connection speed and the size of the update.

• USB Updates: If you prefer or need to update via USB, you will first need to download the map update to a USB drive, then plug the USB into the vehicle's infotainment system. This method typically involves a few extra steps, but it can sometimes be faster if you have a high-speed USB drive and the necessary files preloaded.

5. Infotainment System Model

Subaru offers a variety of infotainment systems across different vehicle models and years. Newer systems, such as the STARLINK system found in recent Subaru models, are generally more efficient and faster when performing map updates. Older systems may take longer due to slower processors and less advanced technology.

How Long Does It Take for a Subaru Map Update?

Now that we know what factors influence the update process, let’s talk specifics. On average, the duration of a Subaru map update can range from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the factors discussed above.

Over-the-Air Updates:

• Timeframe: 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• Description: Over-the-air map updates are typically the most convenient and seamless. However, the download time will depend on the speed of your Wi-Fi connection. Once the update is downloaded, it will automatically install during a non-driving period, such as when the car is parked. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size of the update and your internet connection speed.

USB Updates:

• Timeframe: 1 to 3 hours.
• Description: If you are using a USB drive to update the maps, the process can take longer because it involves a few more steps, including downloading the update to a computer, transferring it to the USB, and then installing it in your vehicle. Once the files are on the USB, it may take between 1 to 3 hours to complete the update process.

How Do I Update the Maps on My Subaru?

There are two main methods for updating the maps in your Subaru: over-the-air updates and USB updates. Here’s how to perform both:

Over-the-Air (OTA) Update:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi: Make sure your Subaru is parked in a location with a stable Wi-Fi connection.
2. Access the Settings Menu: From the home screen, go to the navigation settings and select "Map Update" or "Software Update."
3. Check for Updates: Your system will check for available updates.
4. Download and Install: If there’s an update available, your Subaru will download it automatically. Be sure to leave your vehicle running or in accessory mode until the update completes.

USB Update:

1. Download the Update: Visit Subaru’s official website or the designated map update portal for your vehicle. Download the latest map update files to your computer.
2. Transfer to USB Drive: Copy the downloaded update files to a USB drive that has at least 8 GB of free space.
3. Plug USB into Vehicle: Insert the USB drive into your Subaru’s USB port.
4. Install the Update: Follow the on-screen prompts to begin the update process. The system will notify you once the update is complete.

Tips for Faster Subaru Map Updates

If you want to speed up the map update process in your Subaru, here are a few helpful tips:

• Use a High-Speed Internet Connection: A faster Wi-Fi connection or mobile hotspot will reduce the download time of the update.
• Ensure Sufficient Storage Space: Before starting the update, make sure your vehicle’s system has enough space to install the new maps.
• Update Regularly: If you don’t want to deal with large updates, consider updating your maps more frequently to ensure each update is smaller and faster.

Common Issues During Map Updates

Though Subaru’s map update process is generally straightforward, you might run into a few issues. Here are some common problems and how to address them:

• Insufficient Storage: If there’s not enough storage in your system, the update won’t install. You may need to delete unnecessary files or reset your system to free up space.
• Interrupted Updates: If the update is interrupted (for example, due to a weak Wi-Fi connection), it could fail to install correctly. In such cases, restart the update process once a stable connection is restored.
• Update Failures: If an update fails, ensure that you have the correct version of the map update for your specific Subaru model and infotainment system. If problems persist, you may need to contact Subaru customer support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How often do I need to update my Subaru maps? A1: Subaru typically releases map updates every 6 months to a year. However, you can check for updates more frequently to ensure your maps are always current.

Q2: Can I use my Subaru while the map update is in progress? A2: No, it’s best to avoid using the system during the update. The process may take up to an hour or more, and using the system during the update could interfere with the installation.

Q3: Are Subaru map updates free? A3: Subaru offers free map updates for the first few years of ownership. After that, you may need to purchase updates, depending on the model and region.

Q4: Can I update my Subaru map without visiting the dealership? A4: Yes, Subaru allows you to update maps either over the air or via USB, so you do not need to visit the dealership for this service.

Q5: Why does my Subaru map update take longer than expected? A5: The time it takes to update depends on your internet speed, the size of the update, and the system you’re using. If the update is particularly large, it might take longer than anticipated.

Conclusion

In summary, the time it takes to update the maps in your Subaru depends on a variety of factors, including the method of update, the speed of your internet connection, and the size of the update. While the average update time is between 30 minutes and 2 hours for OTA updates and 1 to 3 hours for USB updates, the process can be expedited by ensuring a strong internet connection and ample storage space. Keep your maps up-to-date to ensure a smooth, accurate, and efficient driving experience.