The Good, the Bad, and the Google-Integrated
Whether you use it frequently or not, a vehicle’s navigation system can make or break the whole experience. A clunky interface, slow performance, difficult inputs, or erratic routing can leave a lasting impression. In 2024, Google Maps is widely considered the gold standard, so it's no surprise that Chevy introduced its partnership with Google, bringing Google Maps to the Silverado as part of its new Google Built-In system. This technology is also found in the Tahoe and Suburban SUVs and across GM’s electric vehicles.
This kind of infotainment and navigation system typically shows well when we spend a few days with a vehicle. However, after more than 7 months and 13,000 miles behind the wheel of our yearlong-review 2024 Chevy Silverado ZR2, we've formed some opinions about GM’s Google integration.
60 Percent of the Time It Works Every Time
Right after taking delivery of our long-term 2024 Silverado ZR2, we ran into issues with Google Maps. The system would suddenly freeze at random times, causing the maps to stop working and freezing speed limit information on the driver information screen and head-up display. Navigating to the infotainment system’s Google Maps app while frozen results in a “searching for GPS” error message.
Like most owners, we took to the internet to see if there was an easy solution. And to our shock, owner forums and Reddit threads are filled with similar stories. None offered any real cause or solution. We received a similar non-answer when probing the service writer and technician during our truck’s first scheduled service. The best advice we have received so far is to simply perform a hard reboot of the system when this lockup occurs.
Resetting the system is relatively easy. With the truck running and in park, a 15-second press of the “hang-up” button on the steering wheel reboots the entire infotainment system. Once it starts back up, everything is good—for how long, though, is another story. We have found these reboots to last anywhere from three hours to three weeks. Adding to the confusion, the system sometimes fixes itself. This happens sometimes while driving, where the Google Maps screen goes black and restarts. Or overnight, where on the next startup the system comes back to life. It's a truly frustrating situation.
Limited Vehicle Control
The functionality of Google Built-In goes beyond just controlling the Google suite of integrated software, which includes making phone calls, sending text messages, navigating with Google Maps, and checking your Google calendar. With the voice command system, you can also ask the system to perform basic vehicle-based tasks such as setting the air conditioning to a specific temperature, adjusting the fan speed, changing the radio volume, and swapping between different media types.
The system responds reasonably well to its wake command of “Hey, Google” and will automatically lower the HVAC fan speed for better listening. Unlike some more advanced systems, however, Google Built-In doesn’t fully comprehend natural language. To use the system to its fullest, you’ll need to memorize a series of command prompts. We’ve also found that even with the command prompt, the request needs to be hyper-specific. Simply stating “Tune to the Disney channel” will result in failure. Instead, the prompt would need to be “Tune the radio to the Disney channel on SiriusXM.” It's nuanced, but important. The same goes for navigation. Instead of “Take me to the Trader Joes in El Segundo,” you need to say, “Give me directions to the Trader Joes store on Rosecrans Boulevard in El Segundo, California.” You also need to speak slowly and enunciate clearly for the system to get most requests on the first try. Any background noise, such as kids in the backseat, can cause confusion.
Another gripe with the truck’s Google integration is the inability to send custom routes to the vehicle. With Google Maps, you can easily plan unique driving routes with multiple stops (often easiest to do this on a desktop computer). These custom routes can be shared with other iOS and Android devices by simply sending an access link, and this type of navigation works quite well through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That said, because the Google Built-In system requires a Google account login, there’s no reason (in theory) that you couldn’t simply share these custom routes with the vehicle. Sadly, that functionality doesn’t currently exist.
Worthless App Store
Look, we get it—we’re still in the early days of vehicle-based app integration. We love customizing our phones and tablets with apps that improve our day and would love to treat our vehicle’s infotainment screen in the same manner. Google Built-In gets close by allowing us access to the Google Play app store right from the driver seat of our Silverado ZR2. Our enthusiasm was quickly dashed, however, when we dove into the offerings. As of now, there aren’t many apps that can be added, outside of podcast and streaming services and fuel and charging maps. Most of them still require a linked phone to operate, also.
Case in point: Waze. We were excited to see that the navigation app was available for the Silverado and, candidly, happy to have an option other than the buggy built-in Google Maps. All hope dissipated, however, when we realized the limited functionality that the app brings. Aside from a standard list of points of interest, it proved incredibly difficult to input an address, and despite being tied to our main Waze account, the truck’s app wouldn’t mirror or communicate with the phone app. Waze also only allows one or the other to be used at a time. The experience is so poor and the system so slow to load that we gave up after the first attempt. At this point, the Waze iPhone app and Apple CarPlay are a much better option. The same can be said for every other Google Built-In app that we tried.
Google Built-In Isn’t Free
Everything these days seems to require a subscription, and Chevy’s Google Built-In functionality is no different. To use these features, you’ll need to have an active OnStar plan, and the most basic version won’t suffice. Google Built-In is available starting with the Connected Vehicle Plan, which costs $24.99 per month. Pricing tiers rise to $49.99 per month for the all-inclusive Premium plan.
Choosing not to pay for OnStar will result in the loss of access to certain features. These include the Google Play app store, Google Assistant, and, most alarming, Google Maps. That’s right—without a paid subscription, our $75,000 2024 Chevy Silverado ZR2 doesn’t offer access to its native navigation system.
Google Built-In Versus Apple CarPlay
Thankfully, there’s an obvious workaround for those averse to paying a subscription for features such as navigation. Chevy began rolling out Apple CarPlay to its Silverado models as far back as 2016. In 2024, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard equipment on all trims, from the base WT all the way up. Unsurprisingly, Apple CarPlay has become our go-to, can’t-live-without-it feature. We can easily access Google Maps (and alternatives like Apple Maps), make calls, send and respond to text messages, and manage a plethora of other apps without ever taking the phone out of our pocket. We have had zero issues with phones connecting or the stability of the wireless connection, as we’ve had with other vehicles in the past. Siri is accessible by a long press of the talk button on the steering wheel and can better-manage navigating through Apple Music than the truck’s voice recognition does with its own stereo. Hopefully, Chevy won’t fully drop Apple CarPlay any time soon.
Wait, There’s Alexa, Too?
As if one voice assistant wasn’t enough, Chevy offers an alternative to Google Built-In with Amazon’s Alexa Built-In (the naming team at GM must have been on vacation that week). Besides using “Alexa” as the wake-up word instead of “Hey, Google,” the system functionality is nearly identical. Alexa Built-In requires the same OnStar subscription as Google Built-In along with an Amazon account and having the app installed on a paired smartphone.
From there, Alexa can control the same vehicle functions as Google (excluding climate control functions; those are limited to Google), along with the ability to stream music from linked accounts such as Amazon Music, Pandora, and more. Alexa Built-In can also access many of the same features as the Alexa devices in your home. Alexa can be set as default voice system in the truck if so desired.
Between Google, Siri, and Alexa, we have spent the smallest amount of time talking to Alexa. Of the three, we’re least intertwined with that one on a personal level. The system seems to work about as well as Google Built-In, so for those deep in the Amazon and Alexa ecosystem, this is an OK option.
Is Google Built-In Worth It?
We were largely on board with the Google Built-In stuff until we discovered the monthly fee. For a free feature, we can overlook some of our current quibbles in the hopes that an update down the road will fix the issues and bring added functionality to the system. However, for a $300-per-year minimum fee, it’s just too much. For now, we’ll save the money, adjust our own air conditioning, and stick to Apple CarPlay.
Service Life and Additional Details
- Service Life: 7 months / 13,189 miles
- Base/As Tested Price: $71,795/$75,600
- Options: Technology Package ($1,970: rearview camera mirror, 15-inch head-up display, adaptive cruise control, power telescoping steering column), Power Sunroof ($995), Multi-Flex Tailgate ($445), Glacier Blue Metallic Paint ($395)
- EPA CTY/HWY/CMB Fuel Economy/CMB Range: 20/22/21 mpg; 504 miles
- Average Fuel Economy: 18.2 mpg
- Energy Cost Per Mile: $0.28
- Maintenance and Wear: $352.44 (April ’24: Oil and filter change, tire rotation, inspection, $162.72; 25.0 gallons of DEF, $189.72)
- Damages: None
- Days Out of Service/Without Loaner: 0/0
- Delights: We get constant compliments on the truck’s Glacier Blue paint; interior comfort continues to impress
- Annoyances: Google Maps navigation constantly freezes, the Goodyear tires are getting louder as they age
- Recalls: None
