If you know MapQuest for driving directions and trip planning, there are several other ways to navigate today. Compare the options for iPhone, from familiar map apps to Drive IQ's route-focused navigation experience.
Google Maps is useful for broad place search, Apple Maps offers a built-in iPhone experience, and Waze emphasizes community traffic reports. Drive IQ is another option for iPhone drivers who want turn-by-turn navigation alongside route awareness, weather information and stops along the way. MapQuest itself remains available and continues to offer directions and trip-planning features, so the best choice depends on how you drive.
There is no single best navigation app for everyone. Here's what distinguishes the main options.
GPS navigation for iPhone, with an emphasis on the active drive: route guidance, traffic awareness, weather intelligence, useful stops and arrival information. CarPlay support brings the driving experience to a compatible vehicle display.
Navigation combined with broad business listings, destination search and general-purpose maps for a wide variety of trips.
Apple's integrated mapping and directions experience, designed to work naturally within the iPhone and Apple ecosystem.
Driving navigation that puts driver-reported incidents, road conditions and traffic changes at the center of the experience.
A navigation option that includes downloadable offline maps, useful for travelers who plan ahead for limited connectivity.
MapQuest continues to provide maps, driving directions, traffic information and trip-planning tools. It may still suit drivers who prefer its routing and planning workflow.
Both approach driving directions, but they put emphasis on different parts of the experience. Features and availability may vary by app version and plan.
| What matters | MapQuest | Drive IQ |
|---|---|---|
| Core navigation | Maps, directions and routing | GPS turn-by-turn guidance |
| Trip planning | Multi-stop planning, including premium options | Routes and stops during a trip |
| Traffic | Live traffic and traffic-related planning tools | Traffic awareness during navigation |
| Weather | Weather information and route-oriented tools may be available | Weather IQ information for the drive |
| In-car focus | Check current support for your vehicle and app version | Native Apple CarPlay driving experience |
| Distinctive emphasis | Planning routes and destinations | Navigation that keeps the active drive in view |
Finding directions is one step. Staying informed after you start driving is another. Drive IQ brings route guidance, relevant conditions, stop discovery and arrival information together in a driver-focused experience.
Start with the type of trip you take, not just an app's name.
Check destination search quality, route guidance and ease of use for commuting and errands.
Consider how the app handles traffic, upcoming weather, fuel and food stops, and arrival timing.
Compare the navigation experience on your phone and, when supported, your vehicle screen. Prioritize clear, distraction-minimizing guidance.
Yes. MapQuest continues to offer navigation and trip-planning products. You can compare its current features with other navigation apps before deciding whether to switch.
Google Maps, Apple Maps and Waze are common options to compare. Drive IQ also offers an iPhone navigation experience, with some features or usage subject to its current free and paid offerings. Review each app's listing for current terms.
Drive IQ provides iPhone GPS navigation, including turn-by-turn directions. Whether it is a good replacement depends on the places you travel, the features you rely on and how well it performs on your routes.
Drive IQ includes a CarPlay driving experience for compatible iPhones and supported vehicles. Check the App Store listing and your vehicle's CarPlay setup for compatibility.
Evaluate route quality, turn-by-turn voice instructions, traffic updates, stops and route planning, weather information, offline needs, CarPlay support and subscription terms.
Looking for a MapQuest alternative that puts more attention on the drive itself? Discover Drive IQ for iPhone.
Drive IQ is an independent navigation app and is not affiliated with MapQuest, Google, Apple, Waze or HERE. Third-party product names belong to their respective owners. Features, pricing and availability can change. This is a feature-focused guide, not a controlled performance test or an endorsement by other brands.