Millions of Volvo drivers just got a great free upgrade to rival Google Maps

Waze is coming to Volvo cars with built-in Google systems to make navigation even easier

Waze app in Volvo XC40 smart system
(Image credit: Volvo / Waze)

If there's one thing I particularly like about Volvo's cars, such as the XC90 and other modern vehicles, it's the inclusion of the built-in Google smart system. As someone who's always using the best Android phones, it's a great way to integrate when on the road.

And now millions of Volvo drivers have just got a great free upgrade to rival Google Maps, should you prefer to not use the built-in navigation system in the Swedish automaker's latest vehicles. 

So what exactly is this free booster? I'm talking about the introduction of Waze, the popular navigation app, which is now available in Volvo's in-car app library (for applicable models with Google built-in). 

Whether you're based in the UK, USA or beyond in the Asia-Pacific region (China, South Korea and Vietnam excluded), the application can now be utilised for what many consider to be the best app-based navigation on the planet.

Volvo XC90 Recharge interior

(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)

I'm particularly fond of Waze's real-time routing, which updates quicker than the competition in my view, to help make getting about from A to Z all the easier. And by integrating with Volvo's infotainment system, you'll get a great big view of it on the in-car display - far better than on your phone! - and eye-level driver display.

You don't need to connect your personal phone to take advantage of the system either, it'll function for whoever's driving.

I believe this will also be of benefit to Polestar cars, too, as they utilise the same Google built-in platform. And as someone awaiting delivery of a Polestar 2 the inclusion of Waze is going to be a major free upgrade for me.

Mike Lowe
Tech Editor

Mike is the Tech Editor and AV Editor at T3.com. He's been writing about consumer technology for 15 and, as a phones expert, has seen hundreds of handsets over the years – swathes of Android devices, a smattering of iPhones, and a batch of Windows Phone products (remember those?). But that's not all, as a tech aficionado his beat for T3 also covers tablets, laptops, gaming, home cinema, TVs, speakers and more – there's barely a stone unturned that he's not had a hand on. Previously the Reviews Editor at Pocket-lint for a 10 years, he's also provided work for publications such as Wired, The Guardian, Metro, and more. In addition to his tech knowledge, Mike is also a flights and travel expert, having travelled the globe extensively. You'll likely find him setting up a new mobile phone, critiquing the next MacBook, all while planning his next getaway... or cycling somewhere.