The differences between Sensus Navigation and Internet maps

Volvo offers both a navigation system called Sensus Navigation and a map service called Internet maps1. Information about how these functions differ is available here.

Differences in appearance

Since the systems resemble each other visually, it is not always easy to immediately identify which of the systems you have in your Volvo. How to check which system is installed in your car:

Go to the app view in the car's centre display.
The icon looks like this if the car is equipped with Sensus Navigation:
P5-1846-Sensus Navigation symbol
The icon looks like this if the car is equipped with Internet maps:
P5-1846-Internet Map symbol

Differences in performance

The biggest difference between Internet maps and Sensus Navigation is that Internet maps requires a constant Internet connection during use, while Sensus Navigation uses maps stored on a hard drive. The maps are downloaded or imported from USB and then saved locally in your car. This means that there is no additional data traffic when using Sensus Navigation, which can be very practical, particularly when driving abroad.

You can update your downloaded maps free of charge using the MapCare service.

More functions with Sensus Navigation2

The following functions are found in Sensus Navigation, but not in Internet maps:

  • Voice control of the system.
  • Travel guide, voice guidance of itinerary and route.
  • Expanded itinerary. You can add multiple intermediate destinations to your route.
  • Several route alternatives. For example, you can choose which suggested route is to be given priority (a faster route, a traffic-based route, a more eco-friendly route and similar).
  • Advanced route calculation based on current traffic information.
  • Internet searches. For example, you can search for more information about an intermediate destination via the internet.
  • You get access to the Send to Car service, which makes it possible to send map destinations to your Volvo from other devices. You also get access to other navigation-related services, such as Google Local Search and Weather2.

Upgrading the navigation system

If your Volvo is not equipped with Sensus Navigation, you can upgrade your navigation system in order to gain access to additional functions and improved performance. To upgrade the navigation system, contact your Volvo dealer. Upon upgrade to Sensus Navigation, Internet maps is replaced completely.

  1. 1 Availability may vary depending on market.
  2. 2 The range of available services and applications varies depending on market.